Penalty Points on your licence

Don’t despair – 12 points may not necessarily lead to a ban

Penalty Points can be added to your driving licence as a result of a variety of driving offences. The penalty points vary according to the seriousness of the driving offence. Examples include:

• Failing to stop after an accident:  5-10 penalty points (or discretionary disqualification)
• Failing to report an accident: 5-10 penalty points (or discretionary disqualification)
• Careless Driving: 3-9 penalty points (or discretionary disqualification)
• Defective vehicle: 3 penalty points
• Insurance offence: 6-8 penalty points
• Speeding: 3-6 penalty points (or discretionary disqualification)
• Using a mobile phone: 3 penalty points
• Drunk in charge of a vehicle: 10 points (disqualification likely instead of points if high level of alcohol in breath)
• Failing to Furnish Information: 6 penalty points (or discretionary disqualification)

The Road Safety Act 2006 introduced a number of new penalties and changes but many of these have yet to be implemented. A change that was introduced on September 24th 2007 was an increase in the number of penalty point endorsements for failing to furnish information, which moved from three to six points.

There are five levels of fines applicable to offences tried in a Magistrates’ Court, which are as follows:

In our experience the best way to discuss and consider any defence of your case is to telephone us on our freephone number 0800 32 888 46. Our telephones are manned by driving defence experts throughout the day, evening and weekends including bank and public holidays.

If you wish to contact us via e-mail, please complete the online enquiry form and we will contact you immediately.