Penalty points on a driving licence are used to record traffic violations in the UK. Whether it’s a speeding offence, using a mobile phone while driving, or more serious violations like drink-driving, these points can impact your ability to drive and even affect your car insurance premiums.
Checking how many points you have on your licence is crucial to staying informed and ensuring compliance with UK road laws.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to check your driving record, how long penalty points stay on a licence, and what they mean for your driving privileges.
What Are Penalty Points on a Driving Licence?
The UK driving penalty point system is designed to penalise drivers who commit motoring offences.
Depending on the severity of the offence, penalty points can remain on a driving record for four to eleven years. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different types of offences, their associated penalty points, and how long they stay on a driver’s record.
Accident Offences
Penalty points for accident-related offences remain on a driving record for four years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| AC10 | Failing to stop after an accident | 5 to 10 |
| AC20 | Failing to provide details or report an accident within 24 hours | 5 to 10 |
| AC30 | Other unspecified accident offences | 4 to 9 |
Driving While Disqualified
Offences related to driving while disqualified carry penalty points that remain on a driving record for four years.
The duration varies depending on whether the points are recorded from the offence date or the conviction date.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| BA10 | Driving while disqualified by court order | 6 |
| BA30 | Attempting to drive while disqualified | 6 |
| BA40 | Causing death by driving while disqualified | 3 to 11 |
| BA60 | Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified | 3 to 11 |
Careless and Inconsiderate Driving
Penalty points for careless driving offences remain on a driving record for four years from the date of the offence. However, if the offence results in death, the points stay on record for eleven years.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| CD10 | Driving without due care and attention | 3 to 9 |
| CD20 | Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3 to 9 |
| CD30 | Driving without due care and consideration for others | 3 to 9 |
| CD33 | Causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving | 3 to 9 |
| CD40 | Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol | 3 to 11 |
| CD50 | Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs | 3 to 11 |
| CD60 | Causing death by careless driving with excess alcohol | 3 to 11 |
| CD70 | Causing death by careless driving and failing to provide a specimen | 3 to 11 |
| CD80 | Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving | 3 to 11 |
| CD90 | Causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified, or uninsured | 3 to 11 |
Construction and Use Offences
These offences relate to the condition of the vehicle and remain on the driving record for four years from the offence date.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| CU10 | Driving a vehicle with defective brakes | 3 |
| CU20 | Using an unsuitable vehicle or one with dangerous parts | 3 |
| CU30 | Driving with defective tyres | 3 |
| CU40 | Driving with defective steering | 3 |
| CU50 | Causing danger due to vehicle load or passengers | 3 |
| CU80 | Failing to maintain control of a vehicle (e.g., using a mobile phone) | 3 to 6 |
Reckless or Dangerous Driving
These offences result in penalty points remaining on a driving record for four years from the date of conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| DD10 | Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD60 | Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD90 | Furious driving | 3 to 9 |
Drink-Driving Offences
Certain drink-driving offences remain on a driving record for eleven years, while others remain for four years from either the date of the offence or the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| DR10 | Driving with alcohol levels above the legal limit | 3 to 11 |
| DR20 | Driving while unfit due to alcohol consumption | 3 to 11 |
| DR30 | Failing to provide a specimen for analysis while driving | 3 to 11 |
| DR40 | In charge of a vehicle while above the alcohol limit | 10 |
| DR50 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink | 10 |
| DR60 | Failing to provide a specimen for analysis (non-driving circumstances) | 10 |
| DR70 | Failing to co-operate with a breathalyser test | 4 |
Drug-Related Driving Offences
Drug-related offences carry penalty points that stay on a driving record for eleven years for serious offences and four years for lesser offences.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| DG10 | Driving while above the drug limit | 3 to 11 |
| DG60 | Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drugs | 3 to 11 |
| DR80 | Driving while unfit due to drug consumption | 3 to 11 |
| DG40 | In charge of a vehicle while above the drug limit | 10 |
| DR90 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit due to drugs | 10 |
Insurance and Licence Offences
These offences remain on a driving record for four years.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| IN10 | Driving without valid insurance | 6 to 8 |
| LC20 | Driving without a valid licence | 3 to 6 |
| LC30 | Making a false declaration when applying for a licence | 3 to 6 |
| LC40 | Driving despite failing to notify a medical disability | 3 to 6 |
| LC50 | Driving after licence cancellation or refusal on medical grounds | 3 to 6 |
Speeding Offences
Speeding violations carry penalty points that stay on a driving record for four years.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| SP10 | Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3 to 6 |
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on public roads | 3 to 6 |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway driving | 3 to 6 |
Traffic Light and Sign Offences
These offences remain on a driving record for four years.
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| TS10 | Failing to comply with traffic light signals | 3 |
| TS20 | Ignoring double white lines | 3 |
| TS30 | Failing to comply with a stop sign | 3 |
These penalty points are part of the UK’s legal system to ensure responsible driving and improve road safety. Drivers should regularly check their driving record to avoid potential disqualification.
How Can You Check the Points on Your Driving Licence Online?
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides an online service that allows drivers to check their penalty points easily. To access this service, drivers need to visit the official DVLA website and provide specific personal details.
To check the penalty points on a driving licence, the following information is required:
- Driving licence number
- National Insurance number
- Postcode registered on the driving licence
By entering these details, drivers can view their current penalty points, any driving disqualifications, and the date when penalty points are due to expire. The online system is the most efficient and quickest way to access this information.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Points by Phone or Post?
Drivers who prefer not to use the online service can check their penalty points through alternative methods such as phone or post.
- To check by phone, drivers can contact the DVLA at 0300 790 6801 and provide their personal details to receive information about their driving record.
- To check by post, drivers must complete a Subject Access Request (D888 form) and send it to the DVLA. This process may take longer than online or phone requests.
How Long Do Penalty Points Stay on Your Driving Licence?
Penalty points, also known as endorsements, remain on a driving record for either 4 years or 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence. The duration of the endorsement is determined by the type of violation committed and whether the offence resulted in disqualification.
When Do Endorsements Start and Expire?
The starting point for an endorsement can be either the date of the offence or the date of conviction, depending on the circumstances.
- If an endorsement lasts 4 years, it is considered “valid” for the first 3 years.
- If an endorsement lasts 11 years, it remains “valid” for the first 10 years.
A court can take a valid endorsement into account if:
- A new offence is committed while the endorsement is still valid.
- The endorsement remains on the driver’s record at the time of the court’s decision.
Other parties, such as insurance companies and employers, may have access to this information at different points:
- 4-year endorsements can be seen at any time during their validity.
- 11-year endorsements can be seen for the first 5 years, or 30 months if the driver is under 18.
Endorsements That Stay on a Driving Record for 4 Years
In most cases, penalty points remain on a driving record for 4 years, but whether the duration starts from the date of the offence or the date of conviction depends on the type of violation.
4 Years from the Date of Conviction:
Certain offences require endorsements to remain on a driving record for 4 years from the date of conviction. These include:
- Reckless or dangerous driving (Codes: DD40, DD60, DD80)
- Offences that result in disqualification from driving
For example, if a driver is convicted of dangerous driving on 28 May 2011, the endorsement would stay on their record until 28 May 2015.
4 Years from the Date of Offence:
For most other motoring offences, penalty points remain on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
For example, if a driver committed an offence on 10 June 2012, the endorsement would stay on their record until 10 June 2016.
Endorsements That Stay on a Driving Record for 11 Years
More serious offences, particularly those related to drink or drug driving, remain on a driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction.
This applies to offences such as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Codes: DR10, DR20, DR30, DR31, DR61, DR80)
- Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Codes: CD40, CD50, CD60)
- Causing death by careless driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis (Code: CD70)
Since these offences pose significant risks to road safety, the extended duration ensures that they remain on a driver’s record for a longer period.
Understanding how long penalty points stay on a licence is essential for drivers to manage their records and comply with UK driving laws. Regularly checking a driving record can help drivers stay informed and take necessary precautions to avoid further penalties.
How Do Penalty Points Affect Your Driving and Insurance?
Penalty points have consequences beyond just appearing on a driving record. They can affect car insurance premiums, job opportunities, and the ability to drive legally.
Car insurance providers use penalty points as a factor in calculating risk. A driver with multiple penalty points is considered higher risk, leading to increased insurance premiums. Some insurers may even refuse to provide coverage for drivers with serious or multiple offences.
Employers, particularly those in industries that require driving, may also check a driver’s record before hiring. A history of penalty points can affect job prospects, especially for professional drivers or those required to operate company vehicles.
For those who accumulate twelve or more penalty points within a three-year period, a driving ban is likely. This is known as the totting-up system, where excessive points result in automatic disqualification.
How Can You Reduce or Remove Points from Your Driving Licence?
Once penalty points are added to a licence, they cannot be removed until they expire. However, there are ways to avoid accumulating additional points and mitigate future risks.
- In some cases, drivers may be offered a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points for minor speeding offences. These courses aim to educate drivers about road safety and encourage better driving habits.
- Practising safe and responsible driving is the best way to prevent further penalties. Obeying traffic laws, staying within speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving can significantly reduce the risk of violations.
What Are the Most Common Driving Offences That Lead to Penalty Points?
Many driving offences in the UK result in penalty points. Some of the most common include:
- Speeding (SP30, SP50) – 3 to 6 points
- Driving without insurance (IN10) – 6 to 8 points
- Using a mobile phone while driving (CU80) – 3 to 6 points
- Drink or drug driving (DR10, DR20) – 3 to 11 points
- Driving without due care and attention (CD10, CD30) – 3 to 9 points
Understanding which offences carry penalty points can help drivers be more cautious and avoid accumulating points on their licence.
What Happens If You Accumulate Too Many Points?
Drivers who accumulate twelve or more penalty points within three years face a disqualification under the totting-up system. The length of disqualification depends on the number of previous bans.
- A first-time ban typically lasts for six months.
- A second disqualification within three years results in a twelve-month ban.
- A third disqualification within three years leads to a two-year driving ban.
New drivers face stricter rules. If a driver accumulates six or more points within two years of passing their test, their licence is revoked. To regain a licence, they must retake both the theory and practical driving tests.
How Can You Avoid Getting Penalty Points on Your Licence?
Preventing penalty points is key to maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding the associated consequences. Safe driving habits, awareness of traffic laws, and defensive driving techniques all contribute to reducing the risk of offences.
- Staying within speed limits and obeying road signs can prevent many common traffic violations.
- Avoiding distractions, such as mobile phone use while driving, reduces the risk of careless driving penalties.
- Taking additional driving courses or refresher lessons can improve driving skills and confidence on the road.
- Black box car insurance policies, which monitor driving behaviour, can encourage safer driving habits and potentially lead to lower insurance premiums.
By following road regulations and driving responsibly, motorists can minimise the chances of receiving penalty points and maintain a clean driving licence.
Do You Have to Tell Your Insurance Company About Points Straight Away?
Most insurers do not require drivers to disclose penalty points immediately. However, when renewing a policy, drivers must inform their insurer about any points on their licence.
Failure to disclose penalty points when required can result in an invalid insurance policy, making it difficult to claim in the event of an accident.
While the DVLA removes penalty points from a driving licence after four to eleven years, insurance companies may still ask about motoring convictions from the past five years. Even after points expire from the licence, they can still impact insurance quotes and coverage options.
Conclusion
Checking your driving licence points is essential for staying within the law and avoiding unnecessary fines or bans. Whether you check online via the DVLA or request details by phone or post, keeping track of your driving record helps you manage your licence effectively.
By understanding how long points stay on your licence, how they affect your insurance, and how to avoid accumulating them, you can maintain a clean driving record and ensure safer roads for everyone.
FAQs
How often should I check my driving licence points?
It’s a good idea to check your points at least once a year or whenever you receive a notice of a driving offence.
Can I check someone else’s driving licence points?
No, you can only check your own licence unless you have legal permission from the driver.
Will my employer be able to see my penalty points?
Yes, if you drive for work, employers may request a DVLA check to verify your driving record.
Do penalty points affect my ability to rent a car?
Yes, rental companies may refuse service to drivers with recent penalty points.
How do I know if my points have been removed?
You can check your updated record through the DVLA website.
