Two new offences of causing death by driving while disqualified and causing serious injury by driving while disqualified will come into force next month.
Under the new law, first announced in May 2014, drivers who cause death or serious injuries when banned from driving will face much longer jail sentences.
The current maximum sentence faced by a driver who causes death while driving when disqualified is two years imprisonment, and there is no specific offence of causing serious injury by driving while disqualified.
From 13 April, disqualified drivers will face up to 10 years in prison if they cause death, and up to four years imprisonment if they cause serious injuries.
The Government says that these much tougher maximum sentences are designed to reflect the devastating impact on victims and their families.
Speaking at the time the new law was first announced, Chris Grayling (pictured), justice secretary, said: “Those who chose to defy a ban imposed by a court and go on to destroy innocent lives must face serious consequences for the terrible impact of their actions.”
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