2.7 Million Drivers with Points on Licences
As revealed in a recent report, over 2.7 million drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales currently hold at least three penalty points on their driving licences, primarily due to various motoring offences.
Maximum Points and Offences Leading to Hefty Penalties
Mike Potter, CEO of DriveElectric, highlighted the gravity of accumulating 12 points on a driving license within three years, leading to possible disqualification. Additionally, penalty points often result in increased insurance premiums.
Top Offenses for Maximum Points
- Driving with alcohol or drug level above the limit: up to 11 points
- Causing death or injury while driving unlicensed, uninsured, or disqualified: up to 11 points
- Causing death by careless driving or culpable homicide: up to 11 points
- Dangerous driving or motor racing on highways: up to 11 points
- Failing to stop after an accident: up to 10 points
- Careless and inconsiderate driving: up to 9 points
- Driving an uninsured vehicle: up to 8 points
Other notable offences include driving while disqualified, exceeding speed limits, and using a mobile phone while driving, each potentially leading to six points.
Lesser but Significant Offenses
Driving with defective brakes, tyres, steering, or other vehicle defects, carrying too many passengers, or not complying with traffic directions can result in three penalty points. Similarly, not stopping at pedestrian crossings and driving with uncorrected eyesight can lead to three points each.
Checking and Duration of Penalty Points
Drivers can check their penalty points on the Government’s website using their driver’s license number, national insurance number, and postcode. While points expire after three years, the offence might remain on the driving record for up to 11 years.
