When we think of points, we often associate them with rewards or achievements. However, in the world of driving, accumulating points is far from a win — it’s usually a sign of trouble. This guide breaks down penalty points, explaining what they are, how long they stay on your licence, and how they can affect your car insurance. We’ll also touch on the impact of speeding fines and other offences, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
What Are Penalty Points?
Penalty points are how motoring offences are marked on your driving licence. The more serious the offence, the more points you’ll rack up. Keeping your licence squeaky clean with zero points is always the goal.
What is prosecution?
Prosecution happens when a driver is charged with an offence and taken to court. If you accumulate up to 12 or more penalty points in three years, the court could decide to ban you from driving. The length of the ban depends on your driving history, and if you’re banned for more than 56 days, you’ll need to reapply for your licence and might even have to retake your driving test — more on this later in the article.
How does the penalty point system work?
Every driving offence has its own code and a set number of penalty points, ranging from 1 to 11 depending on how severe the offence is. On top of that, some offences come with fines – how much you’ll pay depends on the offence.
In plain terms, the code tells you what you’ve done wrong, and the points show how serious it is. If you’re convicted, those points will be added to your licence.
Common driving offences and how many penalty points you’ll get
Here are a few examples that would land you and your driving licence in hot water:
- Speeding (SP30): Caught going over the limit? That’s 3 to 6 points depending on how far over you were.
- Using a mobile phone while driving (CU80): This will land you 6 points – and it’s a surefire way to upset your insurer.
- Driving without insurance (IN10): Not covered? Expect 6 to 8 points on your licence.
- Running a red light (TS10): Cross the line and you’ll pick up 3 points.
- Drink-driving or being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit (DR10): A serious one with a minimum of 10 points, not to mention a hefty fine and potential driving ban.
How long do penalty points stay on your license?
Penalty points don’t hang around forever, but how long they stick depends on the offence. Most points stay on your licence for four years, but there are exceptions for more serious offences:
Most minor offences (e.g. speeding, running a red light) – 4 years
Serious offences (e.g. drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving) – 11 years
It’s also worth noting that while points are visible on your licence for this duration, only some remain active for the purposes of totting-up bans. Typically, points are considered active for the first three years (or ten years for the most serious offences), meaning they can contribute to a driving disqualification if you accumulate too many within that time.
For example:
Points for 4-year offences are active for the first 3 years.
Points for 11-year offences are active for the first 10 years.
Once they expire, points are automatically removed from your licence, but it’s worth checking with the DVLA to ensure your record has been updated.
How many points can I build up on my licence?
Collect 12 or more points within three years, and you could face a driving ban. This is called the ‘totting-up’ system, and the length of the ban depends on how many times you’ve been caught before:
First-time totting-up ban – usually six months
Second totting-up ban within three years – usually one year
Third totting-up ban within three years – usually two years
New drivers (within two years of passing) – If you accumulate six or more points, your licence will be revoked, and you’ll need to retake both your theory and practical tests to regain it.
The court decides the exact length of the ban, depending on the circumstances. If you’re banned for more than 56 days, you’ll need to apply for a new licence before driving again. In some cases, you may even have to retake your driving test.
How do you check penalty points?
You can check online via the DVLA website. All you need is your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and the postcode on your licence. Once you’ve entered those details, you’ll be able to see how many points you’ve got on your record.
If you prefer a paper version you can request your driving record by post from the DVLA, which will show all your penalty points and any other driving info.
Do penalty points affect insurance?
If you have any points on your licence prepare for your upcoming insurance premium to be higher than you expected. Insurers see penalty points as a sign of risky driving, which could make them raise your premium. The more points you have, the higher the risk in their eyes, and this can lead to increased costs.
Even if you only have a few points, it’s important to declare them when getting quotes — failing to do so could result in your policy being invalid. If you’re newly insured, having points might also impact your eligibility for some providers, or limit your options.
Keep in mind that the effect on your premiums can decrease over time, especially if you maintain a clean driving record after getting the points.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
