In this guide for motorists, we answer frequently asked questions about how long points stay on your licence, how the points impact your insurance and how to get them removed.
What are penalty points?
Penalty points are given to drivers in the event of certain motoring offences.
Endorsement codes are used to refer to motoring offences, with each attributed a number of penalty points that will be issued to the offending motorist.
The number of points you receive will depend on factors such as the nature and severity of the offence committed. For example, speeding carries a minimum of 3 penalty points.
The more serious the offence, the more points you’ll receive, among other potential punishments such as a fine, custodial sentence and a driving ban.
How long do penalty points stay on your licence?
Penalty points will stay on your licence for either 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence committed.
Speeding points (conviction codes SP10, SP20, SP30, SP40, SP50) stay on your licence for four years, as do licence offence points (conviction codes LC20, LC30, LC40, LC50), accident-related points (conviction codes AC10, AC20, AC30), careless driving offences (conviction codes CD10, CD20, CD30, CD40, CD50, CD60, CD70, CD80, CD90), dangerous driving (conviction codes DD10, DD40, DD60, DD80, DD90), traffic sign points (conviction codes TS10, TS20, TS30, TS40, TS50, TS60, TS70) and motorway offences (conviction code MW10).
Drink driving points will stay on your licence for four years under offences DR40 and DR90, while offences with conviction codes DR10, DR20, DR30, DR31, and DR61 stay on the licence for 11 years.
Similar to drink driving, drug driving points will stay on your licence for up to four years for offence code DG40, while offence codes DG10, DG40, DG60, and DG80 remain on your licence for 11 years from the date of the offence.
How long do points stay on your licence for the different types of motoring offences?
The following tables detail how long points stay on your licence for specific offences.
Accident offences
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| AC10 | Failing to stop after an accident | 5 to 10 |
| AC20 | Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours | 5 to 10 |
| AC30 | Undefined accident offences | 4 to 9 |
Disqualified driver
Codes BA10 and BA30 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| BA10 | Driving while disqualified by order of court | 6 |
| BA30 | Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court | 6 |
Codes BA40 and BA60 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| BA40 | Causing death by driving while disqualified | 3 to 11 |
| BA60 | Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified | 3 to 11 |
Careless driving
Codes CD10 to CD33 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| 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 attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3 to 9 |
| CD33 | Causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving | 3 to 9 |
Codes CD40 to CD70 must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| CD40 | Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink | 3 to 11 |
| CD50 | Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs | 3 to 11 |
| CD60 | Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit | 3 to 11 |
| CD70 | Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for alcohol analysis | 3 to 11 |
Codes CD80 and CD90 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| CD80 | Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving | 3 to 11 |
| CD90 | Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers | 3 to 11 |
Construction and use offences
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| CU10 | Using a vehicle with defective brakes | 3 |
| CU20 | Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition | 3 |
| CU30 | Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) | 3 |
| CU40 | Using a vehicle with defective steering | 3 |
| CU50 | Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers | 3 |
| CU80 | Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone | 3 to 6 |
Reckless/dangerous driving
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the 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 a vehicle | 3 to 11 |
| DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD90 | Furious driving | 3 to 9 |
Drink driving
Codes DR10 to DR61 must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit | 3 to 11 |
| DR20 | Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink | 3 to 11 |
| DR30 | Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis | 3 to 11 |
| DR31 | Driving or attempting to drive then refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity | 3 to 11 |
| DR61 | Refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10 |
Codes DR40 to DR70 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| DR40 | In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit | 10 |
| DR50 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink | 10 |
| DR60 | Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10 |
| DR70 | Failing to co-operate with a preliminary test | 4 |
Drug driving
These codes must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| DG10 | Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit | 3 to 11 |
| DG60 | Causing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit | 3 to 11 |
| DR80 | Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs | 3 to 11 |
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| DG40 | In charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit | 10 |
| DR70 | Failing to co-operate with a preliminary test | 4 |
| DR90 | In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs | 10 |
Insurance offences
Code IN10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks | 6 to 8 |
Driving licence offences
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| LC20 | Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence | 3 to 6 |
| LC30 | Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence | 3 to 6 |
| LC40 | Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability | 3 to 6 |
| LC50 | Driving after a licence has been cancelled (revoked) or refused on medical grounds | 3 to 6 |
Miscellaneous motoring offences
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| MS10 | Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position | 3 |
| MS20 | Unlawful pillion riding | 3 |
| MS30 | Play street offences | 2 |
| MS50 | Motor racing on the highway | 3 to 11 |
| MS60 | Offences not covered by other codes (including offences relating to breach of requirements as to control of vehicle) | 3 |
| MS70 | Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight | 3 |
| MS80 | Refusing to submit to an eyesight test | 3 |
| MS90 | Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc | 6 |
Motorway offences
Code MW10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| MW10 | Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits) | 3 |
Pedestrian crossings
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| PC10 | Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations | 3 |
| PC20 | Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle | 3 |
| PC30 | Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle | 3 |
Speed limits
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| SP10 | Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3 to 6 |
| SP20 | Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) | 3 to 6 |
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3 to 6 |
| SP40 | Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit | 3 to 6 |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3 to 6 |
Traffic direction and signs
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| TS10 | Failing to comply with traffic light signals | 3 |
| TS20 | Failing to comply with double white lines | 3 |
| TS30 | Failing to comply with ‘stop’ sign | 3 |
| TS40 | Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden | 3 |
| TS50 | Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding ‘stop’ signs, traffic lights or double white lines) | 3 |
| TS60 | Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign | 3 |
| TS70 | Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign | 3 |
Special code
Code TT99 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of conviction.
It shows disqualification under ‘totting-up’ – if the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within 3 years, the driver can be disqualified.
Theft or unauthorised taking
Code UT50 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| UT50 | Aggravated taking of a vehicle | 3 to 11 |
‘Mutual recognition’ codes
You’ll get an ‘MR’ code on your driving record if you’re disqualified while driving in Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man. Your disqualification period will also be valid in GB and will stay on your record for 4 years from the date of conviction.
| Code | Offence |
|---|---|
| MR09 | Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or serious risk) |
| MR19 | Wilful failure to carry out the obligation placed on driver after being involved in a road accident (hit or run) |
| MR29 | Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of a driver |
| MR39 | Driving a vehicle faster than the permitted speed |
| MR49 | Driving a vehicle whilst disqualified |
| MR59 | Other conduct constituting an offence for which a driving disqualification has been imposed by the State of Offence |
Aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring offences
For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 2.
For example, code LC20 (driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence) becomes code LC22 on your driving record if you have helped someone to do this.
Causing or permitting offences
For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 4.
For example, LC20 (driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence) becomes LC24 on your licence if you’ve caused or permitted someone to do this.
Inciting offences
For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 6.
For example, DD40 (dangerous driving) becomes DD46 on your driving record if you’ve incited someone to do this.
How do you remove points from your licence?
Motoring endorsements are automatically removed by the DVLA from the driver’s licence after the relevant endorsement period – typically 4 years, or 11 years for more serious offences. The driver does not need to take any action to get the points removed from their licence.
When does the endorsement period start?
The endorsement period can start either from the date of the offence or the date of conviction for the offence.
In most cases, the four-year endorsement period starts from the date of the offence. However, if the offence relates to conviction codes DD40, DD60, DD80 for reckless or dangerous driving, or results in a driving ban, the four-year period will begin from the date of conviction for the offence.
11-year endorsement periods start from the date of conviction.
How long are penalty points ‘valid’ for?
Points are considered to be valid for the first 3 years of a 4year endorsement, or the first 10 years of an 11-year endorsement.
During this validity period, if you commit any further motoring offences, the new points will be added to any existing, valid points you have, and the court can take these into consideration when determining your case.
Do you have to disclose penalty points to your car insurer?
Withholding relevant information from your insurer, such as a speeding ticket, is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1998 and may render your insurance cover invalidated, meaning you won’t be able to make a claim.
Each insurer should specify within its underwriting guidelines what it considers to be ‘relevant’ information, such as fixed penalty notices or pending motoring convictions, and to gather this information, should ask insurance applicants clear and specific questions.
When asked about driving offences, drivers have to answer the questions they’re asked.
When applying for insurance, insurers will typically run a DVLA database check against the driver’s licence for up-to-date information about any live endorsements. Specifically, they will be able to see any current four-year endorsements and endorsements within the first 5 years of an 11-year endorsement, or the first 30 months if under 18 years of age.
After five years, points are deemed ‘spent’ and an insurer is not permitted by law to raise your insurance rate after that point.
When do motoring penalty points become ‘spent’?
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, penalty points remain on record for five years, during which time insurers may take these into consideration when deciding whether to offer cover and at what price.
After five years, the points are considered ‘spent’, which means insurers should not take them into account or use them as grounds to increase premiums.
How long do points stay on a new driver’s licence?
The rules on motoring endorsements for new drivers are stricter than for more experienced motorists.
Drivers who have held their licence for less than two years will have their licence revoked if they receive six or more points within this time. To reinstate their full licence, the new driver will then have to go through the learner driver process again – applying for a brand new provisional licence, then passing the theory and practical driving tests.
If the driver had points on their provisional licence, these will be carried over to their full licence. The full licence will be subject to cancellation if they are issued any further penalty points that take them to a total of six or more points within 2 years of passing their driving test.
Penalty points on licence FAQs
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Legal disclaimer
The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute tax, financial or legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the rules and should not be treated as such.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission.
Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert tax, financial, legal or other advice should be sought.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
