Driving Offences & Maximum Penalties

Driving Offence

Prison

Fine

Driving Ban

Penalty Points
Causing death by dangerous driving* 14 years Unlimited Obligatory. Min 2 years compulsory re–test. 3–11**
Dangerous driving* 2 years Unlimited Obligatory.
Compulsory re–test. Min 1 year.		 3–11**
Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs 14 years Unlimited Obligatory
Min 2 years		 3–11**
Careless driving, inconsiderate driving, driving without due care and attention N/A £5,000 Discretionary 3–9
Driving while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol; or failing to provide a specimen for analysis 6 months £5,000 Obligatory 3–11**
Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident 6 months £5,000 Discretionary 5–10
Driving when disqualified 6 months
Scotland: 12 months		 £5,000 Discretionary 6
Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds 6 months £5,000 Discretionary 3–6
Driving without insurance N/A £5,000
FPN: £200		 Discretionary 6–8
FPN: 6
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence N/A £1,000 Discretionary 3–6
Speeding N/A £1,000£2,500†
FPN: £100		 Discretionary 3–6
FPN: 3
Traffic light offences N/A £1,000
FPN: £100		 Discretionary 3
No MOT Certificate N/A £1,000
FPN: £30
Seat belt offences N/A £500
FPN: £100
Dangerous cycling N/A £2,500
Careless cycling N/A £1,000
Cycling on pavement N/A £500
Failing to identify driver of vehicle N/A £1,000 Discretionary 6
Use of hand–held mobile phone whilst in charge of a vehicle N/A £1,000
£2,500††
FPN: £100		 3
* Where a court disqualifies a person on conviction for one of these offences, it must order an extended re–test. The courts also have discretion to order a re–test for any other offence which carries penalty points: an extended re–test where disqualification is obligatory, and an ordinary test where disqualification is not obligatory.
** If exceptionally not disqualified.
† Motorway.
†† If driving a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle.
FPN Fixed Penalty Notice.
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