Penalty Points System

For the vast majority of driving offences, the punishment will consist of a fine and penalty points. Although the number of points is fixed for many offences, on others such as speeding, there is specified range, with the Court having discretion as to the number of points to impose, taking into account the circumstances of both the offence and the Defendant.

Accumulation of 6 penalty points within the first 2 years of holding a full licence will lead to revocation under The New Drivers Act, whilst reaching 12 penalty points in any 3 year period, would normally result in a totting up ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all motoring offences carry penalty points?

No, but the majority of offences do. The minimum awarded will be 2 points, the maximum is 10 but in some cases, immediate disqualification is recommended/mandatory.

How long do penalty points stay on my licence?

Penalty points are effective for 3 years from the date of conviction (which is the date of the offence for Fixed Penalty Notices) but remain on your licence for 4 years.

How do I get penalty points removed from my licence?

You can apply to the DVLA to have points removed from your licence after 4 years.

How many penalty points can I get before I am banned?

Under current legislation, you will be disqualified under the "totting up" procedure if you amass 12 points within any 3 year period. However, the rules are different for new drivers. Any driver who amasses 6 points within the first 2 years of passing their test will have their licence revoked.

Is disqualification compulsory at 12 penalty points?

No, although it is "mandatory", there are exceptions. You may be able to retain your licence if you have special circumstances, and are able to justify a submission of exceptional hardship. Please refer to our related pages: Totting Up and Exceptional Hardship, for further information.

What if I am disqualified for a single offence?

If you are disqualified for less than 56 days (normally for speeding or similar) your licence will be returned confirming the date the disqualification ends and on that date, your licence is valid again without any further test being required. It is important to note that when a discretionary/instant ban is imposed, the driver's licence cannot be endorsed with penalty points as well.

How many points will I receive for a motoring offence?

Code	Offence	Penalty Points
Accident offences
AC10	Failing to stop after an accident	5–10
AC20	Failing to give particulars or to report an accident within 24 hours	5–10
AC30	Undefined accident offences	4–9
Disqualified Driver
BA10	Driving whilst disqualified by order of court	6
BA30	Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court	6
Careless Driving
CD10	Driving without due care and attention	3–9
CD20	Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users	3–9
CD30	Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users	3–9
CD40	Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink	3–11
CD50	Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drugs	3–11
CD60	Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit	3–11
CD70	Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for analysis	3–11
Construction & Use Offences
CU10	Using a vehicle with defective brakes	3
CU20	Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding breaks, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition	3
CU30	Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s)	3
CU40	Using a vehicle with defective steering	3
CU50	Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers	3
Reckless/Dangerous Driving
DD40	Dangerous Driving	3–11
DD60	Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle	3–11
DD80	Causing death by dangerous driving	3–11
Drink or Drugs
DR10	Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit	3–11
DR20	Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink	3–11
DR30	Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis	3–11
DR40	In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit	10
DR50	In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink	10
DR60	Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive	10
DR70	Failing to provide specimen for breath test	4
DR80	Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs	3–11
DR90	In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs	10
Insurance Offences
IN10	Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks	6–8
Licence Offences
LC20	Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence	3–6
LC30	Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence	3–6
LC40	Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability	3–6
LC50	Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds	3–6
Miscellaneous
MS10	Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position	3
MS20	Unlawful pillion riding	3
MS30	Play street offences	2
MS40	Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight or refusing to submit to a test	3
MS50	Motor racing on the highway	3–11
MS60	Offences not covered by other codes	As appropriate
MS70	Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight	3
MS80	Refusing to submit to an eyesight test	3
MS90	Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc	6
Motorway Offences
MW10	Contravention of Special Roads Regulations (excluding speed limits)	3
Pedestrian Crossings
PC10	Undefined Contravention of Pedestrian Crossing Regulations	3
PC20	Contravention of Pedestrian Crossing Regulations with moving vehicle	3
PC30	Contravention of Pedestrian Crossing Regulations with stationary vehicle	3
Speed Limits
SP10	Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits	3–6
SP20	Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)	3–6
SP30	Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road	3–6
SP40	Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit	3–6
SP50	Exceeding speed limit on a motorway	3–6
SP60	Undefined speed limit offence	3
Traffic Direction and Signs
TS10	Failing to comply with traffic light signals	3
TS20	Failing to comply with double white lines	3
TS30	Failing to comply with "Stop" sign	3
TS40	Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden	3
TS50	Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding stop signs, traffic lights or double white lines)	3
TS60	Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign	3
TS70	Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign	3
Special Code
TT99	To signify a disqualification under totting–up procedure. If the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within 3 years, the driver is liable to be disqualified
Theft or Unauthorised Taking
UT50	Aggravated taking of a vehicle	3–11