In the UK, driving rules are governed by the Highway Code and other legislation to ensure safety on the roads. If you break these rules, you may be issued penalty points on your driving licence. Accumulating too many points can result in higher insurance premiums, disqualification, or even suspension of your licence. Here's an overview of key UK driving rules and the penalty points system.
1. Speeding
- Offence: Driving over the speed limit
- Penalty: 3–6 points
- Fines: Minimum £100 fine, but can go up to £2,500 for serious offences.
- Disqualification: If you are caught speeding by more than 30 mph over the limit, you could face an instant ban.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Offence: Driving with excess alcohol or drugs in your system
- Penalty: 3–11 points (depends on the severity)
- Fines: Unlimited fine, and a driving ban.
- Disqualification: Minimum 12 months (or 3 years for a repeat offence within 10 years).
3. Using a Mobile Phone
- Offence: Using a mobile phone while driving
- Penalty: 6 points
- Fines: £200 fixed penalty, but this can rise if the case goes to court.
- Disqualification: You can be disqualified if you are caught twice within three years.
4. Careless Driving (Driving Without Due Care and Attention)
- Offence: Driving in a careless or inconsiderate manner
- Penalty: 3–9 points
- Fines: Unlimited fine (depending on the severity).
- Disqualification: Possible, especially in serious cases.
5. Dangerous Driving
- Offence: Driving in a way that could endanger other road users
- Penalty: 3–11 points
- Fines: Unlimited fine.
- Disqualification: Compulsory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months, with an extended driving test required to regain your licence.
6. Traffic Light Offences
- Offence: Failing to stop at a red light
- Penalty: 3 points
- Fines: £100 fine.
7. Driving Without Insurance
- Offence: Operating a vehicle without insurance
- Penalty: 6–8 points
- Fines: Unlimited fine.
- Disqualification: Possible, based on the case.
8. Seatbelt Offences
- Offence: Not wearing a seatbelt
- Penalty: No penalty points (usually).
- Fines: £100 on-the-spot fine; if the case goes to court, up to £500.
9. Driving Without a Valid MOT
- Offence: Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate
- Penalty: No penalty points (but can still be fined).
- Fines: Up to £1,000 fine.
10. Failure to Identify Driver (Section 172)
- Offence: Failing to inform the police of who was driving at the time of an offence
- Penalty: 6 points
- Fines: £1,000 fine.
11. Driving While Disqualified
- Offence: Driving when disqualified by a court
- Penalty: 6 points
- Fines: Unlimited fine.
- Disqualification: Possible further disqualification or jail time.
Accumulating Penalty Points:
- 12 or more points within 3 years: You could be disqualified from driving for up to 6 months or more.
- New drivers: If you accumulate 6 or more points within the first 2 years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence?
Penalty points remain on your driving licence for different durations depending on the offence:
- 3 years for minor offences like speeding.
- 4 years for more serious offences, such as drink driving.
- 11 years for offences like causing death by dangerous driving.
Ways to Avoid Points:
- Speed Awareness Course: For minor speeding offences, you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of points.
Staying aware of these rules helps keep roads safe and avoids the risk of disqualification or higher fines.
For more details please refer DVLA sites.