Driving Penalty Points in Scotland 

If you have committed a driving offence, you might wonder what penalty points are, how the penalty points system works and what penalty points could mean for you.

Penalty points FAQ

A: Penalty points are accumulated when you commit a road traffic offence. For example, careless and inconsiderate driving can result in 3-9 penalty points being put on your license. Once you tot up enough points you can lose your driving license.

If you are caught driving and using your mobile phone in Scotland, you can expect 6 penalty points and a recently increased fine of £200.

Penalty points are probably the element that will affect you more than anything else because those already on 6 will face a potential totting up penalty points ban.

If you are facing a penalty points disqualification, you should get in touch with us today. We can give you some idea of what can be done in your case. Things are never completely straightforward, so it is always worth examining the evidence, the possibility of having exceptional hardship or special reasons that apply to your case.

These terms are defined in law, and we specialise in dealing with cases that might mean penalty points disqualification so don’t hesitate to speak to one of our specialist lawyers.

How long do penalty points stay on my licence?

Penalty points stay on your license for 3 years as far as totting up is concerned. So in terms of totting up to 12 points on a licence within 3 years, it runs from offence date to offence date.

There is no point in delaying cases to try and get it past a 3 year period because the offence dates count.

When can points be removed from my licence?

You can have points removed after 4 years by contacting DVLA and applying for a new or replacement licence.

How many points can motoring offences attract?:

●     Penalty points for careless driving: 3 – 9 points. 

Note that careless driving can involve a discretionary ban as well, and this is becoming increasingly common.

●     Penalty points for speeding: 3- 6 points and the possibility of a fine and a discretionary disqualification.

●     Penalty points for using a mobile phone: 3 points and the possibility of a fine and a discretionary disqualification.

●     Penalty points for dangerous driving: 3-11 points and up to 2 years imprisonment and a driving ban

●     Penalty points for drink driving: 3-11 points with a fine, the possibility of 6 months imprisonment and an obligatory disqualification

●     Penalty points for running a red light: 3 points, the possibility of a fine and a discretionary disqualification.

It is worth checking your penalty points today to see if the DVLA can remove them or if you are close to having 12 penalty points on your licence. 

Our road traffic lawyers

Get in touch with us if you want to discuss your situation, and we can look at the options available to you. Our road traffic lawyers have decades of experience in dealing with all types of road offences. Many of our clients have managed to avoid penalty points after securing our services. 

Penalty points table

Offence Maximum penalty Penalty points
*Causing death by dangerous driving 14 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification (minimum 2 years) 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified)
*Dangerous driving 2 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified)
*Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs 14 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification (minimum 2 years) 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified)
Careless and inconsiderate driving Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification 3 to 9
Driving while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol: or failing to provide a specimen for analysis 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified)
Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification 5 to 10
Driving while disqualified 12 months imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification 6
Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification 3 to 6
Driving without insurance Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification 6 to 8
Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition 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 3 in each case
Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead £1,000 fine (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle) / Discretionary disqualification 3
Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving £1,000 fine (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle) / Discretionary disqualification 6
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification 3 to 6
Speeding £1,000 fine (£2,500 for motorway offences) / Discretionary disqualification 3 to 6, or 3 (fixed penalty)
Traffic light offences £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification 3
No MOT certificate £1,000 fine
Seat belt offences £500 fine
Dangerous cycling £2,500 fine
Careless cycling £1,000 fine
Cycling on pavement £500 fine
Failing to identify driver of vehicle £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification