Understanding the codes assigned to driving offences is essential for every UK motorist. These endorsements appear on your driving licence when convicted of a road traffic violation, carrying penalty points that can lead to fines, licence suspension, or bans. This guide details the main categories of offences, their codes, points ranges, and durations on your record, drawing from official regulations to help you navigate the system effectively.
How Licence Endorsements Operate
UK law mandates that courts add endorsements to your driving record for motoring convictions. Each code combines letters and numbers indicating the offence type, with points from 1 to 11 based on severity. Points typically stay for four years, but drink and drug offences linger for 11 years. Accumulating 12 or more points within three years triggers a minimum six-month disqualification under the totting-up procedure, denoted by TT99.
New drivers face stricter rules: those within two years of passing their test lose their licence automatically upon reaching six points. Endorsements influence insurance premiums and job prospects in driving-related fields. Checking your record via the DVLA’s online service or post office branches keeps you updated.
Key Categories of Driving Offences
Offences group into categories like accidents, speeding, and careless driving. Below, we outline major groups with examples, points, and implications using official data.
Accident-Related Violations
Failing to handle accidents properly ranks among serious offences. Drivers must stop, exchange details, and report if needed.
- AC10: Not stopping after an incident – 5-10 points, 4 years.
- AC20: Failing to report or provide details within 24 hours – 5-10 points, 4 years.
- AC30: Other undefined accident issues – 4-9 points, 4 years.
These can escalate if injury or damage is significant, potentially leading to court summons.
Driving While Disqualified
Operating a vehicle under a court ban carries heavy penalties, showing disregard for legal orders.
| Code | Offence | Points | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA10 | Driving while disqualified | 6 | 4 years |
| BA30 | Attempting to drive while disqualified | 6 | 4 years |
| BA40 | Causing death while disqualified | 3-11 | 4 years |
| BA60 | Causing serious injury while disqualified | 3-11 | 4 years |
Such actions often result in immediate arrest and extended bans.
Careless and Inconsiderate Driving
CD codes cover lapses in attention or road courtesy, common in everyday policing.
- CD10: Without due care – 3-9 points, 4 years.
- CD20: Without reasonable consideration – 3-9 points, 4 years.
- CD30: Combined care and consideration failure – 3-9 points, 4 years.
- CU80: Using phone or losing control – 3-6 points, 4 years.
Evidence from dashcams or witnesses strengthens these cases.
Dangerous and Reckless Behaviour
DD codes signify high-risk actions endangering lives, often mandating disqualification.
| Code | Offence | Points | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DD10 | Serious injury by dangerous driving | 3-11 | 4 years |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3-11 | 4 years |
| DD60 | Manslaughter by driving | 3-11 | 4 years |
Courts assess danger via speed, conditions, and intent.
Speeding Offences in Focus
SP codes dominate endorsements, with millions issued yearly. Limits vary by road and vehicle type.
- SP30: Over public road limit – 3-6 points, 4 years. Standard fine £100.
- SP40: Passenger vehicle excess – 3-6 points, 4 years.
- SP50: Motorway over limit – 3-6 points, 4 years.
- SP10: Goods vehicle speeding – 3-6 points, 4 years.
In-camera evidence or officer pacing confirms violations. Banding system sets points: 10%+9mph=3 points; higher speeds risk more.
Traffic Signs and Directions
TS codes penalize ignoring signals or officer instructions.
| Code | Offence | Points | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| TS10 | Traffic light violation | 3 | 4 years |
| TS20 | Double white lines | 3 | 4 years |
| TS30 | Stop sign ignore | 3 | 4 years |
| TS40 | Officer direction failure | 3 | 4 years |
| TS50 | Sign direction breach | 3 | 4 years |
These Fixed Penalty Notices resolve quickly if paid promptly.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol and Drugs
DR and DG codes address substance influence, with zero-tolerance enforcement.
- DR10: Drive over alcohol limit – 3-11 points, 11 years.
- DR20: In charge over limit – 10 points, 11 years.
- DG10: Drive over drug limit – 3-11 points, 11 years.
- DR60: Refuse breath specimen – 10 points, 4 years.
Preliminary tests lead to evidential breathalysers; refusals add points.
Licensing and Insurance Issues
LC and IN codes target administrative failures.
- LC20: Drive without proper licence – 3-6 points, 4 years.
- IN10: Drive uninsured – 6-8 points, 4 years.
Motor insurance database checks verify coverage.
Miscellaneous and Other Violations
MS and MW cover varied issues like improper parking or motorway misuse.
- MS10: Dangerous vehicle position – 3 points, 4 years.
- MS50: Highway racing – 3-11 points, 4 years.
- MW10: Use hard shoulder – 3 points, 4 years.
These often stem from momentary errors.
Consequences and Mitigation Strategies
Points accumulate across offences. Twelve points mean court for totting-up (TT99), with possible ban reduction for clean records or courses. Speed-awareness or drink-drive courses can swap 3 points for education, if eligible.
Insurance rises 5-20% per three points. Employers check via DVLA for jobs. Remove points after expiry via DVLA update.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my endorsements?
View online at GOV.UK with licence details or get a print from Post Office.
Can points disappear early?
No, they stay fixed periods; courses may prevent addition.
What if I dispute a code?
Contest via single justice procedure or court; seek legal advice.
Do foreign offences count?
UK courts handle reciprocally via MR codes.
How to avoid endorsements?
Adhere limits, avoid distractions, ensure documents valid.
References
- Endorsement codes and penalty points — GOV.UK. 2023-05-01. https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/endorsement-codes-and-penalty-points
- Penalty points (endorsements): Overview — GOV.UK. 2023-05-01. https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements
- Endorsements and penalty points — nidirect. 2024-01-15. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/endorsements-and-penalty-points
- Driving offence codes explained: UK licence endorsements — Auto Express. 2023-08-20. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/owning-car/359367/driving-offence-codes-explained-uk-licence-endorsements-speeding-and-other
- List of UK driving licence endorsements — Wikipedia. 2024-03-10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UK_driving_licence_endorsements