There are a number of driving convictions that drivers can be charged for. Each conviction has an endorsement code that remains on a licence for a set period of time, either from the date of conviction or offence. How long the conviction remains on your licence depends on a number of factors.
A number of motoring offences can also result in drivers being disqualified (banned) from driving. Repeat offending, being convicted of a driving offence and receiving 12 or more penalty points on a licence within a three-year period, can all result in disqualification.
Drivers with endorsements on their licences face a range of difficulties as a result of their convictions. As well as a criminal record, convicted drivers will also face increased premiums.
Most conviction codes remain on your driving licence for four years from the date of the offence or conviction, with more serious crimes lasting up to 11 years. According to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, convictions are “spent” after 5 years. After this point, there is no requirement to disclose the conviction to your insurer. Prior to this date, you must always share these details with your insurance company. Below is a list of motoring convictions complete with the driving licence conviction codes and the amount of penalty points you could receive for each offence. Along with this is also the duration these conviction endorsements remain on your driving licence for.
How long do penalty points stay on your licence?
Most points stay on your licence for four years from the date of the offence. But, this does depend on the conviction. Some only count for the first three years, whilst others can stay on your licence for up to 11 years. Usually this is in the case of serious offences, such as death by dangerous driving.
Drivers with endorsements on their licences face a range of difficulties as a result of their convictions. We don’t think insurance should be one of them, which is why we specialise in convicted driver vehicle insurance.
You can learn about driving licence codes on our driving licence categories page.
(AC) Accident Offences
Accident Offences (AC) are conviction codes that relate to offences involving traffic accidents. These include failing to stop after an accident, failing to report a road accident, as well as other accident offences . If you are involved in a road accident, you are legally required to report it to the police. This can be done in person or via an online road traffic incident reporting service. Failure to do so within 24 hours could result on up to 10 points on your licence. Find out more about accident offences here.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC10 | Failing to stop after an accident | 5 – 10 points | 4 years | View |
| AC20 | Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours | 5 – 10 points | 4 years | View |
| AC30 | Undefined accident offences | 4 – 9 points | 4 years | View |
(BA) Disqualified Driver
Disqualified Driver (BA) convictions apply to drivers caught driving while already disqualified by the court. If you are a disqualified driver, find out more about these convictions below.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA10 | Driving while disqualified by order of court | 6 points | 4 years from offence | View |
| BA30 | Attempting to drive whilst disqualified by order of court | 6 points | 4 years from offence | View |
| BA40 | Causing death by driving while disqualified | 11 | 4 years from conviction | View |
| BA60 | Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified | 3 - 11 | 4 years from conviction | View |
(CD) Careless Driving
Careless Driving (CD) convictions apply to a range of careless driving offences, encompassing death by dangerous driving and driving without reasonable consideration for other road users. Convictions of this nature have the potential to levy the highest number of points on your licence, depending on the severity of your circumstances.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD10 | Driving without due care and attention | 3 – 9 points | 4 years from offence | View |
| CD20 | Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3 – 9 points | 4 years from offence | View |
| CD30 | Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3 – 9 points | 4 years from offence | View |
| CD40 | Causing death through careless driving while unfit through drink | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| CD50 | Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drugs | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| CD60 | Causing death through careless driving with alcohol level above the limit | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| CD70 | Causing death through careless driving while failing to supply a specimen for alcohol analysis | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| CD80 | Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving | 3 – 11 points | 4 years from conviction | View |
| CD90 | Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers. | 3 – 11 points | 4 years from conviction | View |
(CU) Construction and Use Offences
Construction and Use Offences (CU) are convictions that relate to the use or condition of your vehicle. This includes offences such as defective tyres and steering, as well as using a mobile phone while driving (CU80) and overloading a vehicle with too many passengers. Besides maintaining due care and attention while driving, regular MOTs and servicing will ensure that your vehicle is kept in proper working condition.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU10 | Using a vehicle with defective brakes | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| CU20 | Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| CU30 | Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| CU40 | Using a vehicle with defective steering | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| CU50 | Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| CU80 | Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as by using a mobile phone | 3 - 6 | 4 years | View |
(DD) Reckless / Dangerous Driving
Reckless/Dangerous Driving (DD) convictions are more sever than careless driving convictions. You are considered driving dangerously when you have fallen far below the standard that could be expect of a competent driver, and were considered obviously dangerous to competent and careful drivers. Dangerous means there was a danger of physical injury (however minor) or serious damage to property. It does not have to be proved that anyone was actually injured, that damage actually took place or that anyone felt in danger.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD10 | Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | 3 – 11 points | 4 years | View |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3 – 11 points | 4 years | View |
| DD60 | Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle | 3 – 11 points | 4 years | View |
| DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3 – 11 points | 4 years | View |
| DD90 | Furious driving | 3 – 9 points | 4 years | View |
(DG) Drug Offences
Drug Offences (DG) relate to the use or responsibility of a vehicle while under the effects of drugs. The most serious offences in this category of convictions last on your licence for 11 years with up to 11 points.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG10 | Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| DG40 | In charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit | 10 points | 4 years from offence or 4 years from date of conviction where disqualification is imposed | View |
| DG60 | Causing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
(DR) Drink Offences
Motor offences that are categorised as drink (DR) related can often be catastrophic. Drivers with drink driving endorsements on their licence are faced with insurance premiums that are significantly higher than drivers with clean licences.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| DR20 | Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| DR30 | Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| DR31 | Driving or attempting to drive then refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity | 3 – 11 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| DR40 | In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit | 10 points | 4 years from offence or 4 years from date of conviction where disqualification is imposed | View |
| DR50 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink | 10 points | 4 years from offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed. | View |
| DR60 | Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10 points | 4 years from offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed. | View |
| DR61 | Refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10 points | 11 years from conviction | View |
| DR70 | Failing to co-operate with a preliminary test | 4 | Code DR70 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed. | View |
| DR80 | Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs | 3 – 11 points | 11 Years from the date of the conviction | View |
| DR90 | In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs | 10 points | 4 Years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where disqualification is imposed | View |
(IN) Insurance Offences
Driving without valid insurance (IN10) can be caused by sharing incorrect information with an insurance company or forgetting to pay. While these might be honest mistakes, it’s important to ensure all details, including billing information, are up to date with your insurer.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks | 6 – 8 points | 4 years | View |
(LC) Licence Offences
Licence Convictions (LC) apply to offences that involve misuse or deception of a driving licence. Licence offences include driving a vehicle after making false fitness claims during your licence application, or otherwise driving in a way not in accordance with your licence.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC20 | Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| LC30 | Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| LC40 | Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| LC50 | Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
(MR) Mutual Recognition
Mutual Recognition (MR) codes on your driving record are there if you’re disqualified while driving in Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man. Your disqualification period will also be valid in GB and will stay on your record for 4 years from the date of conviction.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR09 | Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or serious risk) | - | 4 years | View |
| MR29 | Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of a driver | - | 4 years | View |
| MR39 | Driving a vehicle faster than the permitted speed | - | 4 years | View |
| MR49 | Driving a vehicle while disqualified | - | 4 years | View |
| MR59 | Other conduct constituting an offence for which a driving disqualification has been imposed by the State of Offence | - | 4 years | View |
(MS) Miscellaneous Offences
Miscellaneous Offences (MS) apply to a wide range of convictions that aren’t easily categorised. Miscellaneous offences include driving with defective eyesight (MS70), motor racing on the highway (MS50) and a variety of other obscure offences.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS10 | Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| MS20 | Unlawful pillion riding | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| MS30 | Play street offences | 2 points | 4 years | View |
| MS50 | Motor racing on the highway | 3 – 11 points | 4 years | View |
| MS60 | Offences not covered by other codes (including offences relating to breach of requirements as to control of vehicle) | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| MS70 | Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| MS80 | Refusing to submit to an eyesight test | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| MS90 | Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc | 6 points | 4 years | View |
(MW) Motorway Offences
Code MW10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence. This conviction relates to drivers failing to behave in accordance with special road regulations, such as roadworks and motorway rules.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MW10 | Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits) | 3 points | 4 years | View |
(PC) Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrian Crossing (PC) convictions refer to offences involving drivers and pedestrian crossings. Contravention of crossing regulations usually refers to running a red light or parking across a zebra crossing.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC10 | Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| PC20 | Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| PC30 | Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle | 3 points | 4 years | View |
(SP) Speed Limits
Speeding Convictions (SP) occur after an individual is deemed to be driving in excess of a speed limit.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP10 | Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| SP20 | Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
| SP40 | Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit | 3 – 6 points | 4 years | View |
(TS) Traffic Direction and Signs
Failure to comply with traffic signals will result in a Traffic Direction and Signs Conviction (TS). The variety of convictions vary depending on which traffic sign you have failed to comply with. TS convictions include Stop sign offences, double white line offences and failure to comply with the direction of a constable/warden. These offences result in 3 points being added to your licence.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS10 | Failing to comply with traffic light signals | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| TS20 | Failing to comply with double white lines | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| TS30 | Failing to comply with ‘stop’ sign | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| TS40 | Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| TS50 | Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding ‘stop’ signs, traffic lights or double white lines) | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| TS60 | Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign | 3 points | 4 years | View |
| TS70 | Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign | 3 points | 4 years | View |
(TT) Special Code – Totting Up
The Special Code is used to identify drivers disqualified after totting up points on their licence. If penalty points reach or exceed 12 within a three-year period, the driver can be disqualified from driving.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT99 | It shows disqualification under ‘totting-up’ – if the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within 3 years, the driver can be disqualified | Disqualification Possible | 4 years | View |
(UT) Theft or Unauthorised Taking
Aggravated taking of a vehicle will result in a UT50 conviction, as well as any other criminal convictions that might apply. UT50 convictions add 3-11 points on your licence.| Driving Licence Conviction Code | Motoring Offence | Penalty Points | Duration Conviction Stays on your Licence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT50 | Aggravated taking of a vehicle | 3 – 11 points | 4 years | View |
FAQs on Driving Licence Conviction Codes
Causing or permitting a conviction: what are the codes?
If you did not directly cause an offence but permitted one to happen, then you will receive a conviction code. In this instance, codes with the number zero will be changed to a four.
For example, if you permit someone to drive a vehicle under a different class than they are qualified to drive, such as an articulated lorry, you will be served with the conviction code LC24. The LC20 conviction code will be adapted to identify that, whilst you weren’t involved in the actual crime, you permitted the crime to happen.
What are the codes for aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a conviction?
Similarly to causing or permitting, if you aid, abet, or procure, the last digit on a conviction code changes to two. LC20 will therefore appear as LC22 on your record as you helped someone to commit the crime.
What are the codes for inciting a conviction?
Likewise, if you are found guilty of inciting a conviction offence, then you will have a six added to the end of your conviction code. For a driver that fails to comply with traffic light signals, this could amount to the TS10 code appearing on their licence. In the circumstance that a passenger incited a driver to disregard a red light, this would result in a TS16.
What are non-endorsable offences?
These are offences that aren’t placed onto your licence. These could be things like not having windscreen wipers or not having a clean enough windshield. You are more likely to get an on-the-spot fine, rather than a fine with points.
While still driving convictions, these are less serious than drink driving or drug driving, and so a FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice) is issued.
Are You a Convicted Driver in Need of Car Insurance?
At Keith Michaels, we understand exactly how difficult it can be for convicted drivers to find a car insurance policy that works for them. Once a conviction is added to your licence, certain insurers will consider you high risk and increase your premiums, if not cancelling your insurance altogether.
We have over 30 years of experience in sourcing competitive car insurance quotes for a range of specialist circumstances. Give us a call today