Penalties Summary

A guide to the range of penalties available to the courts for UK driving offences.

Some disqualified drivers may need to re-take the driving test or take and extended driving test, prior to gaining their full driving licence.

Although the decision to order a re-test is at the discretion of the court, it is normally influenced by the severity of the offence and the length of the ban. An extended test is normally ordered if the offence involves dangerous driving or other offences that require an obligatory disqualification. A normal length driving test can be ordered where a driver has been disqualified for other endorsable offences.

Causing death by dangerous driving
Maximum penalty: 14 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification (minimum 2 years).
Penalty Points: 3 to 11

Dangerous driving
Maximum penalty: 2 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification (minimum 1 year).
Penalty Points: 3 to 11

Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs
Maximum penalty: 14 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification (minimum 2 years).
Penalty Points: 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified)

Careless and inconsiderate driving
Maximum penalty: Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 3 to 9

Driving while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol: or failing to provide a specimen for analysis
Maximum penalty: 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification
Penalty Points: 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified)

Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident
Maximum penalty: 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 5 to 10

Driving while disqualified
Maximum penalty: 6 months’ imprisonment (12 months in Scotland) / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 6

Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds
Maximum penalty: 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 3 to 6

Driving without insurance
Maximum penalty: Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 6 to 8

Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition
Maximum penalty: LGV or PCV unlimited, other vehicles £2,500/ Obligatory disqualification if offence committed within 3 years of a previous conviction for a similar offence - 6 months min. Otherwise discretionary
Penalty Points: 3 in each case

Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle) / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 3

Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle) / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 6

Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 3 to 6

Speeding
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine (£2,500 for motorway offences) / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 3 to 6, or 3 (fixed penalty)

Traffic light offences
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification
Penalty Points: 3

No MOT certificate
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine

Seat belt offences
Maximum penalty: £500 fine

Dangerous cycling
Maximum penalty: £2,500 fine

Careless cycling
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine

Cycling on pavement
Maximum penalty: £500 fine

Failing to identify driver of vehicle
Maximum penalty: £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification

Source: www.gov.uk
Correct as of March 2018.