A list of 12 driving offences which are generally penalised with penalty points as well as a fine in the UK have been revealed in a bid to raise awareness of road safety – and the potential licence consequences if a driver gets it wrong.
From three penalty points for traffic light offences to 10 for failing to report an accident, each breach of the law that could hurt drivers’ licences as well as their pockets has been highlighted.
Other infringements that could see Brits hit with points include failure to have a full view of the road and traffic ahead, and inconsiderate driving.
British drivers who accumulate 12 or more penalty points through motoring offences within a three-year period can be banned from driving for up to six months (or more if it’s not their first ban) – that is, if disqualification is not already applied at a court’s discretion for a more serious incident.
Accumulating six or more penalty points within two years of passing your driving test also leads to a licence withdrawal and re-test requirement.
“Safety should be every vehicle owner’s priority when driving, and we’re always right behind the police’s efforts to remove dangerous drivers from the roads,” said Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk, which compiled the list.
“Motorists should be acutely aware that breaking the law while behind the wheel doesn’t just mean paying a fine and forgetting about it. It will land them with penalty points on their licence, which could ultimately lead to a ban from driving and potentially affect their job.”
The list of 12 UK driving offences where disqualification isn’t immediately obligatory – and how many penalty points they can carry – is as follows:
- 1. Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident (5-10 points)
- 2. Careless and inconsiderate driving (3-9 points)
- 3. Driving without insurance (6-8 points)
- 4. Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving (6 points)
- 5. Failing to identify the driver of a vehicle (6 points)
- 6. Driving when disqualified (6 points)
- 7. Speeding (3-6 points, or 3 points fixed penalty)
- 8. Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds (3-6 points)
- 9. Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence (3-6 points)
- 10. Failure to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead (3 points)
- 11. Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition (3 points in each case)
- 12. Traffic light offences (3 points)
