Penalty points
Penalty points
Conviction for certain motoring offences can result in endorsement of the driving licence with penalty points.
Penalty points last 3 years from the date of the offence, but remain on the licence for 4 years (11 years for drinking or drug offences).
If 12 or more points are accumulated within 3 years the driver will be disqualified, however, the Courts are given limited powers not to disqualify in exceptional circumstances.
The 3 year term is measured from the date that the latest offence was committed.
After disqualification, under the totting-up procedure the existing points will be removed from the licence, but the licence will refer to the disqualification for 4 years (11 years for alcohol or drugs driving offences).
A form to apply for removal of penalty points can be collected at a post office.