The Ultimate UK Driving Licence Points & Penalties Guide (2026
Confused by endorsement codes? Read our comprehensive UK Driving Licence Points & Penalties Guide (2026). Learn about fines, bans, and how to keep you
By : Omar / GlobeVista
Driving in the UK is a privilege, not a right. For the millions of motorists on British roads, a driving licence is essential for work, family life, and personal freedom. However, the UK’s penalty points system is designed to swiftly remove that privilege from drivers who consistently break the law or commit serious offences.
Whether you have just passed your test or have been driving for decades, understanding the complexities of the "totting up" system, endorsement codes, and conviction validity is crucial. A simple misunderstanding of how long points stay on your licence could lead to a surprise disqualification or a massive spike in your insurance premiums.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about UK driving licence points, fines, and penalties to help you stay legal and keep your licence clean in 2026.
How the Penalty Points System Works
The UK operates on a cumulative penalty system. Unlike some countries where you start with points and lose them, here you start with zero and gain them for offences.
The system is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). When you commit a motoring offence, the courts or the police can "endorse" your driving record with penalty points. The number of points depends on the severity of the offence.
The "Totting Up" Procedure (12 Points)
The magic number for most experienced drivers is 12.
If you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years, you will be liable to be disqualified from driving under the "totting up" system.
* The Ban: The standard ban for totting up is 6 months.
* Second Offence: If you get a second totting up ban within 3 years, the disqualification increases to 12 months.
* Third Offence: A third disqualification within 3 years triggers a 2-year ban.
It is important to note that the 3-year period is calculated from the date of the offence, not the date of the conviction (when you were found guilty in court). This prevents delays in the legal system from working in a driver's favour.
The "New Driver" Trap: The 6-Point Rule
If you are a newly qualified driver, the rules are significantly stricter. Under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act, you are subject to a probationary period of two years from the date you pass your first full driving test.
During this time, if you reach 6 or more penalty points, your licence is not just suspended—it is revoked.
Revocation vs. Disqualification
There is a distinct difference between these two terms:
* Disqualification (Ban): You cannot drive for a set period. Once the time is up, you get your licence back.
* Revocation: Your licence is cancelled. You revert to learner status. To drive again, you must apply for a provisional licence and retake both the theory and practical driving tests.
Because many offences (like using a mobile phone or driving without insurance) carry an automatic 6 points, a single mistake can instantly strip a new driver of their licence.
Common Offences and Penalty Bands
The number of points you receive depends entirely on the specific code of the offence. While some are fixed, others have a range that magistrates can impose based on the circumstances.
1. Speeding (Codes: SP10, SP30, SP50)
Speeding remains the most common offence in the UK. The penalty is determined by how much you exceeded the limit.
* Minimum Penalty: £100 fine and 3 penalty points.
* Speed Awareness Course: If it is a minor offence and you haven’t attended a course in the past 3 years, the police may offer you a course instead of points.
The Speeding Bands (Sentencing Guidelines):
* Band A (Minor): 3 points. Fine usually 50% of weekly income.
* Band B (Moderate): 4-6 points OR disqualification for 7–28 days. Fine usually 100% of weekly income.
* Band C (Major): 6 points OR disqualification for 7–56 days. Fine usually 150% of weekly income.
For example, doing 41mph in a 30mph zone is usually Band B, putting you at risk of a short ban or heavy points.
2. Using a Mobile Phone (Code: CU80)
The laws regarding mobile phones are strictly enforced. It is illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving or riding a motorcycle.
* Penalty: 6 Penalty points and a £200 fine.
* Impact: For a new driver (under 2 years qualified), this single offence results in immediate licence revocation.
3. Driving Without Insurance (Code: IN10)
Even if the car is insured by someone else, if you are not named on the policy or covered to drive it, you are committing an offence.
* Penalty: Fixed penalty of £300 and 6 to 8 penalty points.
* Court: If the case goes to court, the fine is unlimited and you could be disqualified.
4. Drink and Drug Driving (Codes: DR10, DG10)
These are among the most serious offences and almost always result in a mandatory disqualification (minimum 12 months) rather than just points. However, the endorsement stays on your licence for much longer (11 years).
* Penalty: Mandatory ban, unlimited fine, up to 6 months imprisonment.
* Points: 3 to 11 points (if for some exceptional reason you are not banned).
Penalty Code Reference List (2026)
Below is a list of the most common endorsement codes you might see on a licence check, along with their associated penalty points.
SP30 - Speeding on a public road
* Points: 3 to 6
* Description: Exceeding the statutory speed limit on a standard public road. This is the most common code found on UK licences.
SP50 - Speeding on a motorway
* Points: 3 to 6
* Description: Exceeding the speed limit on a motorway. This applies to both the national speed limit (70mph) and variable speed limits displayed on overhead gantries.
CU80 - Mobile Phone Offence
* Points: 6
* Description: Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, specifically using a hand-held mobile telephone.
IN10 - Uninsured Driving
* Points: 6 to 8
* Description: Using a vehicle uninsured against third-party risks. This carries a heavy stigma with insurance companies.
CD10 - Careless Driving
* Points: 3 to 9
* Description: Driving without due care and attention. This covers a wide range of poor driving, from tailgating to lane hogging or eating while driving.
LC20 - Licence Irregularities
* Points: 3 to 6
* Description: Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. This often applies to provisional licence holders driving without 'L' plates or a supervisor.
TS10 - Traffic Light Offences
* Points: 3
* Description: Failing to comply with traffic light signals (running a red light).
DR10 - Drink Driving
* Points: 3 to 11
* Description: Driving or attempting to drive with an alcohol level above the legal limit. Usually results in an instant ban.
DD40 - Dangerous Driving
* Points: 3 to 11
* Description: Driving that falls far below the standard of a competent driver, putting others at risk.
MS90 - Failure to Identify Driver
* Points: 6
* Description: Failing to give information as to the identity of the driver. This happens if you ignore a speeding letter; it often carries higher insurance premiums than the original speeding offence.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence?
This is where many drivers get confused. There is a difference between how long points are valid for "totting up" and how long they remain visible on your driving record.
The 4-Year Endorsements
Most motoring offences (Speeding, Mobile Phone, Careless Driving, Traffic Lights) follow this rule:
* Valid for Totting Up: 3 Years. (The points count toward the 12-point ban limit for 3 years from the date of the offence).
* On Record: 4 Years. (The endorsement remains on your licence for 4 years).
Example: You are caught speeding on Jan 1st, 2026. The points count toward a ban until Jan 1st, 2029. However, the offence code stays on your licence (and must be declared to insurers) until Jan 1st, 2030.
The 11-Year Endorsements
Serious offences remain on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction. These include:
* Drink driving (DR codes).
* Drug driving (DG codes).
* Causing death by careless driving under the influence (CD40, CD50, CD60).
* Causing death by dangerous driving (DD80).
For these offences, the points are valid for totting up for 10 years.
The Financial Impact: Insurance Premiums
It is a myth that "3 points doesn't affect insurance." While the impact of a single SP30 (speeding) on a clean licence might be minimal (roughly 5-10% increase), multiple endorsements stack up exponentially.
* 6 Points: Can increase premiums by 25% or more.
* 12 Points (after a ban): Some mainstream insurers may refuse to cover you, forcing you to use specialist "convicted driver" insurance brokers, which are significantly more expensive.
* IN10 (No Insurance): This code is a red flag for insurers. It suggests a disregard for administrative law and can double your premiums for years.
Important: You must declare points to your insurer immediately if your policy terms state so, or at renewal. Failing to declare points is considered "non-disclosure" and can void your insurance policy completely.
How to Check Your Driving Licence Points
Gone are the days of paper counterparts. Everything is now digital. To check your points, you must use the official GOV.UK service.
* Go to the "View or share your driving licence information" page on GOV.UK.
* You will need:
* Your driving licence number (16 characters).
* Your National Insurance number.
* The postcode on your licence.
* The service will show you your current penalty points, when they were added, and when they will be removed.
* You can also generate a "check code" here to share your licence details with car hire companies or employers.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I pay a higher fine to avoid penalty points?
A: No. The UK system does not allow you to "buy off" points. If the offence carries mandatory points (endorseable offence), you must take them unless you are offered a diversionary course (like a Speed Awareness Course).
Q: Do penalty points from a learner licence carry over?
A: Yes. If you get points on your provisional licence (e.g., for speeding or driving unsupervised), they transfer to your full licence when you pass your test. If you have 6 points on your provisional, you can still take your test, but if you get any more points in the next 2 years, your licence will be revoked immediately.
Q: I have 12 points but I need my car for work. Can I avoid a ban?
A: Possibly. You can plead "Exceptional Hardship" in court. However, losing your job is often not enough on its own. You usually have to prove that a ban would cause suffering to others (e.g., a sick relative you care for, or employees who would lose their jobs if your business collapsed). This is a legal minefield and usually requires a solicitor.
Q: Do speed cameras always flash?
A: No. The old Gatso cameras flash, but many modern "Smart Motorway" cameras and average speed cameras use infrared technology. You won't see a flash, but you will still receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) in the post within 14 days.
Q: How do I get points removed from my licence?
A: You don't need to do anything manually. The DVLA automatically removes the endorsement after the 4-year (or 11-year) period expires. Once they are "spent," they will no longer appear on your digital record.
Q: Can I drive in other countries with points on my UK licence?
A: Generally, yes. Points are usually specific to the country where the offence happened. However, if you are actually disqualified (banned) in the UK, you cannot drive abroad as you do not hold a valid licence.
Conclusion
The UK penalty points system acts as a persistent reminder of the responsibility we hold when behind the wheel. While a simple slip-up might result in a £100 fine and 3 points, the cumulative effect of poor driving habits can lead to devastating consequences for your finances and your freedom.
The best way to avoid points is simple: drive defensively, insure your vehicle correctly, and pay close attention to the speed limits. If you are unsure about the status of your licence, use the GOV.UK checker today—ignorance is never a valid defence in court.
Drive safe, stay legal, and keep those points at zero.
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