If you are convicted of committing a driving offence, the Courts have the power to add penalty points to your licence. The number of penalty points that are added to your licence will normally depend on the severity of the offence that you commit. In some circumstances, drivers may be able to immediately accept the lowest penalty point value by accepting a Fixed Penalty Notice.
UK sentencing guidelines act as follow, in regards to the endorsement of penalty points on a licence:
- Causing death by dangerous driving: 3–11 points.
- Dangerous driving: 3–11 points.
- Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs: 3–11 points.
- Careless driving, inconsiderate driving, driving without due care and attention: 3–9 points.
- Driving while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol; or failing to provide a specimen for analysis: 3–11 points.
- Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident: 5–10 points.
- Driving when disqualified: 6 points.
- Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds 6 months: 3–6 points.
- Driving without insurance: 6–8 (6 with a Fixed Penalty Notice) points.
- Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence: 3–6 points.
- Speeding: 3–6 (3 with a Fixed Penalty Notice) points.
- Traffic light offences: 3 points.
- Failing to furnish information to identify driver of vehicle: 6 points.
- Use of hand–held mobile phone whilst in charge of a vehicle: 3 points.
Drivers may also be issued with a fine for their offence. The fines are divided into bandings based on the “level” of the offence committed.
- Level 1: up to £200 fine.
- Level 2: up to £500 fine.
- Level 3: up to £1000 fine.
- Level 4: up to £2500 fine.
- Level 5: up to £5000 fine.
If it is not possible to get a full acquittal in a case, it may be possible for your legal representative to fight to minimise the sanctions that you face. This includes negotiating a lower level fine and reducing the number of points on your licence.