As a driver or motorist, you should understand driving conviction codes because they can severely affect your licence's validity, your insurance premiums and even your eligibility for some jobs.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) uses over 70 driving conviction codes, each representing a specific offence, such as SP30 for speeding or IN10 for driving without insurance.

EASY AS HACK 

Notify your insurer at renewal of any unspent driving convictions. If you don’t, you risk losing your insurance cover.

At a glance

Each driving conviction code corresponds to an offence and has different penalty points associated with it:

  • These are added to a driver’s record for a set number of years
  • You face disqualification if you accrue 12 or more points
  • Points can affect your insurance premium

how do you get penalty points?

The penalty points system in the UK covers over 70 different driving offences[1], many of which are covered by the Road Traffic Act 1988.[2] The RTA’s scope ranges from failing to produce a copy of your driving licence to accidents involving the death of another person.[3]

fixed penalties

Typically, the police assign penalty points to your licence if they consider you have driven in a risky or reckless manner. They may do so at the scene of the offence or use fixed penalty notices for violations such as speeding or using a mobile phone caught by cameras.

As well as points, you’ll receive an endorsement on your driving record (held on a DVLA database) indicating that you were found guilty of a motoring offence. This note will have a special offence code for identification and tracking. The length of time the endorsement stays on your driving licence depends on the code.

court convictions

The police can also issue points for violations such as not wearing a seatbelt. However, in severe or disputed cases, the courts can decide how many points you receive on your licence, as well as any fines or driving bans.

The DVLA records your points and offence codes and adds them to your driver’s record. You’ll receive a postal confirmation, but you can appeal if you view the conviction as unfair.

different categories of conviction codes

A two-letter abbreviation starts each driving offence type. Numbers following the letters show the penalty point endorsements you could face for committing that offence on a points scale from 1 to 11. The higher the points, the more serious the offence.

The court can, at its discretion, disqualify any offence that carries penalty points for any period. However, it must order the disqualification in the most serious crimes. Take a careless driving offence under the category BA. You can get up to 11 points under BA40 for causing death by driving while disqualified.[4]

Another situation where the court must disqualify is any motorist who has collected 12 or more penalty points within 3 years for a minimum of 6 months.[4]

Here are the various DVLA driving offence conviction codes:

  • Accident offences (AC)
  • Disqualified driver offences (BA)
  • Careless driving offences (CD)
  • Construction and use offences (CU)
  • Reckless and dangerous driving offences (DD)
  • Drink driving offences (DR)
  • Drug driving offences (DG and DR)
  • Insurance offences (IN)
  • Licence offences (LC)
  • Miscellaneous offences (MS)
  • Motorway offences (MW)
  • Non-endorsable offence (NE)
  • Northern Ireland (N0, N1, NR)
  • Pedestrian crossing offences (PC)
  • Speed limit offences (SP)
  • Traffic direction and signs offences (TS)
  • Totting-up code (TT)
  • Disqualification under totting-up procedure (SE)
  • Theft or unauthorised taking offences (UT)
  • Mutual recognition (MR)

The following list includes the endorsement codes for specific offences and their identification numbers. Also included are how long each one remains on your licence from the date the offence occurred.

These driving conviction codes are for offences committed in connection with road accidents. The AC10 conviction code is one of the most common endorsement codes that carries penalty points.

 

ACCIDENT OFFENCE CODES

  • AC10 – Failing to stop after an accident
    5-10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • AC12 – Helping someone to fail to stop after an accident
    5-10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • AC14 – Causing or permitting AC10
    5-10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • AC-16 –Inciting failing to stop (AC10)
    5-10 penalty points/duration 4 years [9]
  • AC20 – Not reporting an accident within 24 hours
    5-10 penalty points/duration 5 years
  • AC22 – Helping someone fail to report an accident (AC20)
    5-10 penalty points/duration 5 years
  • AC24 – Causing or permitting AC10
    5-10 penalty points/duration 5 years
  • AC26 – Inciting failing to report (AC20)
    5-10 penalty points/duration 5 years
  • AC30 – Undefined accident offences
    4-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • AC32 – Helping someone commit AC30
    4-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • AC34 – Causing or permitting AC30
    4-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • AC36 – Inciting undefined accident offences
    4-9 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

disqualified driver offence codes

The 4 disqualified driver conviction codes can remain on your driving record for up to 6 years. The courts must disqualify you if you accumulate 12 or more penalty points in 3 years. The disqualification will last for at least 6 months unless you are already disqualified.[4]

  • BA10 – Driving while disqualified by court order
    6 penalty points/duration 6 years
  • BA12 – Helping someone drive BA10
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA14 – Causing or permitting BA10
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA16 – Inciting BA10
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA30 – Attempting to drive while disqualified by court order
    6 penalty points/duration 6 years
  • BA32 – Helping someone BA30
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA34 – Causing or permitting BA30
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA36 – Inciting BA30
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA40 – Causing death by driving while disqualified
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA42 – Helping someone BA40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA44 – Causing or permitting BA40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA46 – Inciting someone BA40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA60 – Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA62 – Helping someone BA60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA64 – Causing or permitting BA60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • BA66 – Inciting BA60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

careless driver offence codes

The careless driving (CD) conviction codes refer to offences such as driving without proper care, according to section 3 of the RTA 1988.

  • CD10 – Driving without due care and attention
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD12 – Helping someone CD10
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD14 – Causing or permitting CD10
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD16 – Inciting CD10
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD20 – Driving without consideration for other road users
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD24 – Causing or permitting CD20
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD26 – Inciting CD20
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD30 – Driving recklessly or without regard for other road users
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD32 – Helping someone CD30
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD33 – Causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD34 – Causing or permitting CD30
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD35 – Helping someone as per CD30
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD36 – Inciting CD30
    3-9 penalty points/duration 4 years

Severe cases can remain on your driving record for 11 years. An example is when your actions led to someone’s death.

  • CD40 – Causing death through careless driving when drunk
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD42 – Helping someone CD40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD44 – Causing or permitting CD40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD46 – Inciting CD40
  • CD50 – Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD52 – Aiding and abetting CD50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD54 – Causing or permitting CD50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD56 – Inciting CD50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD60 – Causing death by careless driving with an alcohol level above the limit
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD62 – Aiding and abetting CD60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD64 – Causing or permitting CD60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD66 – Inciting CD60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD70 – Causing death by careless driving and failing to provide an alcohol sample
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD72 – Aiding and abetting CD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD74 – Causing or permitting CD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • CD76 – Inciting CD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years

The conviction codes CD80 to CD90 will remain on your record for 4 years.

  • CD80 – Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD82 – Aiding and abetting CD80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD84 – Causing or permitting CD82
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD90 – Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD92 – Aiding and abetting CD90
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD94 – Causing or permitting CD90
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CD96 – Inciting CD90
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

construction and use of offence codes

CU refers to individuals operating unsafe vehicles, such as those with faulty steering (CU40). Most offences result in 3 penalty points on your licence, except for CU80, which is for using a mobile phone and can lead to 3 to 6 points. The following remain on your record for 4 years.

  • CU10 – Using a vehicle with defective brakes
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU12 – Aiding and abetting CU10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CI14 – Causing or permitting CU10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU16 – Inciting CU10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU20 – Driving a vehicle that is dangerous
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU22 – Aiding and abetting CU20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU24 – Causing or permitting CU20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU36 – Inciting CU30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU30 – Driving a vehicle with a defective tyre or tyres
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU32 – Aiding and abetting CU30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU34 – Causing or permitting CU30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU36 – Inciting CU30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU40 – Using a vehicle with defective steering
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU42 – Aiding and abetting CU40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU44 – Causing or permitting CU40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU46 – Inciting CU40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU50 – Causing or likely to cause danger due to load or passengers
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU52 – Aiding and abetting CU50
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU54 – Causing or permitting CU50
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU80 – Driving while using a mobile phone 3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU82 – Aiding and abetting CU80
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU84 – Causing or permitting CU80
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • CU86 – Inciting CU80
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years

Using a handheld mobile phone in a way that distracts you while driving and puts others at risk is considered a dangerous driving offence under section 2A of the RTA 1988. [5]

 

reckless and dangerous driving offence codes

Dangerous driving (DD) is seen as a more serious crime than careless driving (CD), and the court will choose the one that best fits the situation for a single event.[5]

  • DD10 – Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD12 – Aiding and abetting DD10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD14 – Causing or permitting DD10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD16 – Inciting DD10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD20 – Driving at dangerous speed
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD22 – Aiding and abetting DD20
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD24 – Causing or permitting DD20
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD26 – Inciting DD20
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD30 – Reckless driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD32 – Aiding and abetting DD30
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD34 – Causing or permitting DD30
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD36 – Inciting DD30
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD40 – Dangerous driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD42 – Aiding and abetting DD40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD44 – Causing or permitting DD40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD46 – Inciting DD40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD50 – Causing death by dangerous driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD52 – Aiding and abetting DD50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD54 – Causing or permitting DD50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD56 – Inciting DD50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD60 – Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD62 – Aiding and abetting DD60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD64 – Causing or permitting DD60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD66 – Inciting DD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD70 – Causing death by reckless driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD72 – Aiding and abetting DD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD74 – Causing or permitting DD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD76 – Inciting DD70
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD80 – Causing death by dangerous driving
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD82 – Aiding and abetting DD80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD84 – Aiding and abetting DD80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD86 – Inciting DD80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DD90 – Furious driving
    3-9 penalty points/duration years
  • DD92 – Aiding and abetting DD90
    3-9 penalty points/duration years
  • DD94 – Causing or permitting DD90
    3-9 penalty points/duration years
  • DD96 – Inciting DD90
    3-9 penalty points/duration years

 

drug driving offence codes

Another code that may impact your insurance premiums and cover is DG for drug offences. Half of the DG codes must remain on your driving record for 11 years from the conviction date, while the others last for 4 years from either the conviction or offence date.

  • DG10 – Driving or trying to drive with a drug level above the limit
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG12 – Aiding and abetting DG10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG14 – Causing or permitting DG10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG16 – Inciting DG10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG40 – Operating a vehicle with the drug level above the limit
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG42 – Aiding and abetting DG40
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG44 – Causing or permitting DG40
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG46 – Inciting DG40
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG60 – Causing death by careless driving with a drug level over the limit
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG62 – Aiding and abetting DG40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG64 – Causing and abetting DG40
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG66 – Inciting DG60
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG70 – Failing to cooperate with a preliminary test
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG72 – Aiding and abetting GD70
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG74 – Causing or permitting GD70
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG76 – Inciting GD70
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG80 – Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG82 – Aiding and abetting DG80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG84 – Causing or inciting DR80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG86 – Inciting DR80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DG90 – In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG92 – Aiding and abetting DG90
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DG94 – Causing or permitting DG90
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR96 – Inciting DG90
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years

Visit GOV.UK for details on drug driving laws and the approach to illegal and medicinal drugs.

drink driving offence codes

It’s against the law to drive if your blood alcohol is above the legal limit or if you’re unable to drive because of alcohol or drugs.[5]

DR is the assigned code for drink driving, but all of the codes can increase your insurance premiums substantially. Some insurers may decline to offer you cover within the first five years of a ban or charge a higher excess.

DR10 to DR31 and DR61 stay on your driving record for 11 years. The rest are 4 years from the offence date or date of conviction where the court imposed a disqualification.

  • DR10 – Driving or trying to drive with excessive alcohol
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR12 – Aiding and abetting DR10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR14 – Causing or permitting DR10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR16 – Inciting DR10
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR20 – Driving or trying to drive while impaired by alcohol
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR22 – Aiding and abetting DR20
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR24 – Causing or permitting DR20
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR26 – Inciting DR20
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR30 – Driving or trying to drive and not providing a specimen for analysis
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR31 – Driving or attempting to drive and refusing blood sample analysis taken without consent due to incapacity
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR32 – Aiding and abetting DR30
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR33 – Aiding and abetting DR31
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR34 – Causing or permitting DR30
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR35 – Causing or allowing DR31
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR36 – Inciting DR30
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR37 – Inciting DR31
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR40 – Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR42 – Aiding and abetting DR40
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR44 – Causing or permitting DR40
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR46 – Inciting DR40
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR50 – Driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR52 – Aiding and abetting DR50
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR54 – Causing or permitting DR50
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR56 – Inciting DR50
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR60 – Not providing a specimen for analysis outside of driving or trying to drive
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR61 – Denying permission to analyse a blood sample taken without consent due to incapacity, except in driving-related cases
    10 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR62 – Aiding and abetting DR60
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR64 – Causing or permitting DR60
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR66 – Inciting DR60
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR70 – Failing to cooperate with a preliminary test
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR72 – Aiding and abetting DR70
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR74 – Causing or permitting DR70
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR76 – Inciting DR70
    4 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR80 – Driving while unfit due to drugs
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR82 – Aiding and abetting DR80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR84 – Caused or permitted DR80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR86 – Inciting DR80
    3-11 penalty points/duration 11 years
  • DR90 – In charge of a vehicle while unfit due to drugs

10 penalty points/duration 4 years

  • DR92 – Aiding and abetting DR90
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR94 – Causing or permitting DR90
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • DR96 – Inciting DR90
    10 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

insurance offence codes

IN10 is the conviction code for the offence of driving without insurance, which is illegal. You must have at least third-party cover to drive in the UK. Driving without insurance is called a ‘document offence’.[5]

  • IN10 – Driving uninsured
    6-8 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • IN12 – Aiding and abetting IN10
    6-8 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • IN14 – Causing or permitting IN10
    6-8 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • IN16 – Inciting IN10
    6-8 penalty points/duration 4 years

Find out what to do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

 

licence offence codes

Licence offence codes LC10 to LC50 are generally considered document offences because they involve proper licensing and notifications, like providing false information when applying for a licence. They will remain on your driving record for 4 years.

  • LC10 – Driving without a valid licence
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC12 – Aiding and abetting LC10
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC14 – Causing or permitting LC10
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC16 – Inciting LC10
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC20 – Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC22 – Aiding and abetting LC20
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC24 – Causing or permitting LC20
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC26 – Inciting LC20
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC30 – Driving after falsely claiming fitness on a licence application
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC32 – Aiding and abetting LC30
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC34 – Causing or permitting LC30
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC36 – Inciting LC30
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC40 – Driving a vehicle without reporting a disability
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC42 – Aiding and abetting LC40
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC44 – Causing or permitting LC40
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC46 – Inciting LC40
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC50 – Driving with a cancelled licence or medically refused licence
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC52 – Aiding and abetting LC50
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC54 – Causing or permitting LC50
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • LC56 – Inciting LC50
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

miscellaneous offence codes

Miscellaneous offence codes are general offences that don’t fit other categories but still have legal consequences. These driving conviction codes are recorded on your licence or driving record after a conviction. Penalty points vary but stay on your driving record for about 4 years.[6]

  • MS10 – Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS12 – Aiding and abetting MS10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS14 – Causing or permitting MS10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS16 – Inciting MS10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS20 – Unlawful pillion riding
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS22 – Aiding and abetting MS20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS24– Causing or permitting MS20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS26 – Inciting MS20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS30 – Play street offences
    2 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS32 – Aiding and abetting MS30
    2 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS34– Causing or permitting MS30
    2 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS36 – Inciting MS30
    2 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS40 – Uncorrected eyesight or refusing test
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS42 – Aiding and abetting MS40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS44– Causing or permitting MS40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS46 – Inciting MS40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS50 – Motor racing on the highway
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS52 – Aiding and abetting MS50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS54 – Causing or permitting MS50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS56 – Inciting MS50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS60 – Offences that other codes do not cover
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS62 – Aiding and abetting MS60
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS64 – Causing or permitting MS60
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS66 – Inciting MS60
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS70 – Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS72 – Aiding and abetting MS70
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS74 – Causing or permitting MS70
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS76 – Inciting MS70
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS80 – Refusing to submit to a vision test
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS82 – Aiding and abetting MS80
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS874 – Causing or permitting MS870
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS86 – Inciting MS80
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS90 – Failing to give information about your identity
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS92 – Aiding and abetting MS970
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS94 – Causing or permitting MS90
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MS96 – Inciting MS90
    6 penalty points/duration 4 years

You must notify the DVLA if a doctor or optometrist determines that you don’t meet the 6/12 standard with corrective lenses. Read the government’s driving eyesight rules.

 

motorway offence codes

The MW10 conviction code covers a subset of motorway driving offences. They are linked to offences such as reversing on the motorway, driving or parking on the hard shoulder, overstaying on it, stopping on the highway, and driving in a bus lane.

These codes affect your legal status and insurance risk, and you may be disqualified if you accumulate 12 or more points.

  • MW10 – Failing to drive according to special motorway regulations
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MW12 – Aiding and abetting MW10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MW14 – Causing or permitting MW10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • MW16 – Inciting MW10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years

Each fixed penalty offence code under MW10 carries 3 penalty points.

Learn how to drive safely on the motorway.

 

northern ireland driving conviction codes

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) use different codes than Great Britain to identify driving offences. Although the list of codes is extensive, the following are some of the key endorsable offences:

  • N042 – 5008092 – Stopping on a motorway
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • N043 – 5008013 – Speeding
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • N044 – 5013156 – Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • N045 – 5013141 – Driving car with unrestrained child under 12
    3 penalty points
  • N046 – 5008101 – Incorrectly parked at parking space
    No points/Duration 4 years

British (GB) licence holders can also face disqualification for offences committed in Northern Ireland:

  • NI09 – GB drivers disqualified in Northern Ireland
  • NR09 – GB drivers whose licence was revoked in Northern Ireland

 

non-endorsable (nend) OFFENCES

A NEND offence means no points are added but it can still lead to disqualification and a fine. NE99 is an administrative code the DVLA uses for driving-related offences that do not carry penalty points but. It replaced UT10, UT20, UT30 and UT40 in 19929
No points added.

 

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING OFFENCE CODES

The PC driving conviction code is recorded on your driver’s record and licence and relates to unlawful behaviour that impacts road safety.

  • PC10 – Undefined violation of pedestrian crossing rules
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC12 – Aiding and abetting PC10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC14 – Causing or permitting PC10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC16 – Inciting PC10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC20 – Violating pedestrian crossing rules with a moving vehicle
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC22 – Aiding and abetting PC20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC24 – Causing or permitting PC20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC26 – Inciting PC20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC30 – Breaching pedestrian crossing rules with a parked vehicle
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC32 – Aiding and abetting PC30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC34 – Causing or permitting PC30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • PC36 – Inciting PC30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

SPEED LIMIT OFFENCE CODES

The speeding offence code is among the most frequently searched codes. In 2022, the DVLA reported that 11% of cars exceeded the speed limit on single carriageways, 51% violated 30mph speed limits, and 48% sped on motorways.[7]

Here are the speeding codes:

  • P10 – Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP12 – Aiding and abetting SP10
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP14 – Causing or permitting SP10
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP16 – Inciting SP10
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP20 – Speeding (not goods or passenger vehicles)
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP22 – Aiding and abetting SP20
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP24 – Causing or permitting SP20
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP26 – Inciting SP20
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP30 – Speeding on a public road
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP32 – Aiding and abetting SP30
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP34 – Causing or permitting SP30
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP36 – Inciting SP30
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP40 – Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit

3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years

  • SP42 – Aiding and abetting SP40
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP44 – Causing or permitting SP40
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP46 – Inciting SP40
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP50 – Speeding on the motorway
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP52 – Aiding and abetting SP50
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP54 – Causing or permitting SP50
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • SP56 – Inciting SP50
    3-6 penalty points/duration 4 years

Think before you speed! How much time do you really save?

 

traffic direction and sign offence codes

These common driving offences occur when traffic signs and directions are ignored, resulting in penalty points and fines on your record. They are significant as they impact road safety and insurance costs.

  • TS10 – Not following traffic light signals
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS12 – Aiding and abetting TS10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS14 – Causing or permitting TS10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS16 – Inciting TS10
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS20 – Ignoring double white lines
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
    TS22 – Aiding and abetting TS20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS24 – Causing or permitting TS20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS26 – Inciting TS20
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS30 – Not stopping at a stop sign
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS32 – Aiding and abetting TS30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS34 – Causing or permitting TS30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS36 – Inciting TS30
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS40 – Not following a traffic constable’s instructions
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS42 – Aiding and abetting TS40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS44 – Causing or permitting TS40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS146 – Inciting TS40
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS50 – Not following traffic signs (except ‘stop’, lights, or double white lines)
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS52 – Aiding and abetting TS50
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS54 – Causing or permitting TS50
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS56 – Inciting TS50
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS60 – Not following school crossing sign
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS62 – Aiding and abetting TS60
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS64 – Causing or permitting TS60
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS66 – Inciting TS160
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS70 – Failure to follow a traffic direction sign
    3 penalty points/duration years
  • TS72 – Aiding and abetting TS70
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS74 – Causing or permitting TS70
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • TS76 – Inciting TS70
    3 penalty points/duration 4 years

 

theft offence codes

The UT50 conviction code is a specific code for vehicle theft and results in a penalty of 3 to 11 points. The violation will stay on your driving record for 4 years from the date it happened, and it is usually associated with other factors, such as causing damage or injury, which is why it’s called ‘aggravated’.

  • UT50 – Aggravated taking of a vehicle
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • UT52 – Aiding and abetting UT50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • UT54 – Causing or permitting UT50
    3-11 penalty points/duration 4 years
  • UT56 – Inciting UT50

 

mutual recognition offence codes

The police use driving recognition (MR) codes when a driver is banned in Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man for the following driving violations and report to the DVLA. They are called ‘mutual recognition’ codes because they work the same way in other parts of Great Britain, preventing disqualified drivers from avoiding their bans by driving into different areas.

MR codes do not carry penalty points but stay on your driving record for 4 years. 

  • MR09 – Reckless or dangerous driving
  • MR19 – Wilful failure to stop and report after an accident
  • MR29 – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs’
  • MR39 – Speeding
  • MR49 – Driving while disqualified
  • MR59 – Other disqualification offences

 

can you get car insurance with a driving conviction?

You can get car insurance with a driving conviction, but your premiums may increase as insurers will consider you as high risk. It may depend on the offence and its severity.

Most insurers will still consider you for insurance, especially if it was a one-time mistake. Remember, you must disclose any convictions when you apply, or you could invalidate your policy.

Discover more about our car insurance

 

FAQs 

how long do penalty points stay on your licence?

Penalty points stay on your licence typically for 3 to 4 years and are visible to the police and insurers. Your driving record, held by DVLA, keeps a complete history of your offences for 4 to 11 years, depending on the motoring offence. The record is used for legal and insurance checks.

how many driving licence points leads to a driving ban? 

The number of driving licence points that lead to a ban are 12 penalty points within 3 years.

do points on my licence increase my car insurance?

Yes, points on your licence can increase your car insurance as it can indicate you were driving irresponsibly and could mean the insurer considers you a higher risk.

what happens if you don't tell your insurance company about a conviction?

If you don’t tell your insurance company about existing conviction codes, it’s likely to invalidate your insurance policy.
You could face higher costs and criminal charges if your insurer finds out through the MyLicence site, which gives them driving data held by the DVLA.[8]

do you have to declare all driving convictions?

No, you must only declare any unspent driving convictions still on your driving record. You do not have to disclose spent convictions to employers or organisations like car hire firms.

how can i find out what points i have on my licence?

  • You can find out what points you have on your licence through the DVLA online portal
  • You will need your driving licence and National Insurance numbers.

 

Sources

[1] assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

[2] www.legislation.gov.uk

[3] www.cps.gov.uk

[4] www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk

[5] www.cps.gov.uk

[6] nidirect.gov.uk

[7] www.gov.uk

[8] www.mib.org.uk

[9] developer-portal.driver-vehicle-licensing.api.gov.uk