Penalty points guidance
This is a guide to the penalty points a court may impose. It doesn't reflect the fact that some offences may incur a disqualification. The offence code and penalty points will be shown on your driving licence and must stay there for four or 11 years depending on the offence.
Accident offences
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 028 | Failing to stop-injury accident | 5-10 |
| 50 08 031 | Failing to give particulars-damage only accident | 5-10 |
| 50 08 032 | Failing to stop-injury accident | 5-10 |
| 50 08 035 | Failing to give particulars-damage only accident | 5-10 |
Disqualified driver
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 312 | Driving while disqualified | 6 |
Careless driving
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 202 | Driving without due care and attention | 3-9 |
| 50 08 203 | Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3-9 |
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for 11 years from date of conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 204 | Causing death through driving carelessly when unfit | 3-11 |
| 50 08 208 | Causing death through driving carelessly with excess alcohol | 3-11 |
| 50 08 212 | Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen | 3-11 |
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 41 04 001 | Causing death by reckless driving | 3-11 |
| 41 04 002 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3-11 |
Construction and use offences
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 13 022 | Using a vehicle with defective brakes | 3 |
| 50 13 156 | Using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition | 3 |
| 50 13 049 | Defective tyre | 3 |
| 50 13 050 | Defective tyres | 3 |
| 50 13 025 | Defective steering | 3 |
| 50 13 265 | Using a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle |
6 |
Reckless/ dangerous driving
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 201 | Dangerous driving | 3-11 |
| 41 04 002 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3-11 |
| 50 08 018 | Furious driving | 3-9 |
Drink or drugs
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for 11 years from date of conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 126 | Driving with excess alcohol in breath | 3-11 |
| 50 08 127 | Attempting to drive with excess alcohol in breath | 3-11 |
| 50 08 129 | Driving with excess alcohol in blood | 3-11 |
| 50 08 130 | Attempting to drive with excess alcohol in blood | 3-11 |
| 50 08 132 | Driving with excess alcohol in urine | 3-11 |
| 50 08 133 | Attempting to drive with excess alcohol in urine | 3-11 |
| 50 08 123 | Driving while unfit through drink/ drugs | 3-11 |
| 50 08 124 | Attempting to drive while unfit through drink/ drugs | 3-11 |
| 50 08 142 | Failing to provide a specimen when attempting to drive with excess alcohol | 3-11 |
| 50 08 125 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink/ drugs | 10 |
| 50 08 139 | Failure to provide a specimen when attempting to drive unfit | 3-11 |
| 50 08 136 | Failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis | 3-11 |
Insurance offences
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 019 | No insurance | 6-8 |
Licence offences
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 10 003 | Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability | 3-6 |
Miscellaneous offences
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 231 | Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position | 3 |
| 50 08 237 | Carrying unauthorised passenger on a motorcycle | 3 |
| 50 08 121 | Refusing to submit to an eyesight test | 3 |
| 50 08 040 | Failure to give information regarding driver | 3 |
Speed limits
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 013 | Excess speed | 3-6 |
| 50 08 291 | Excess speed for vehicle classification | 3-6 |
Traffic direction and signs
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 268 | Breach of a traffic sign | 3 |
| 50 08 007 | Fail to obey signal given by constable | 3 |
Special code
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of conviction.
| Code | Offence |
|---|---|
| Tot up | To signify a disqualification under 'totting up' procedure. If the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within three years, the driver is liable to be disqualified |
Theft or unauthorised taking
The following offence codes must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| 50 08 295 | Aggravated vehicle taking causing damage | 3-11 |
| 50 08 290 | Aggravated vehicle taking causing injury | 3-11 |
Alcohol limits
Find out how many units of alcohol are in your favourite tipple, how to enjoy drink responsibly and more information on alcohol limits and unit guidelines.