More than 8,600 drivers escape ban despite racking up 12 points or more

Matt Allan
By Matt Allan
Published 8th Dec 2021, 10:48 BST
Updated 9th Dec 2021, 09:17 BST
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Calls for rethink on exemption rules as thosaunds of repeat offenders dodge disqualification

More than 8,600 motorists have been allowed to continue driving despite racking up 12 or more penalty points - enough for an immediate ban.

Under ordinary circumstances, drivers are automatically disqualified from driving if they accrue 12 or more points but a freedom of information inquiry by the PA news agency has revealed thousands are being allowed to keep their licence despite repeatedly breaking the law.

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The revelation has led to calls for the law to be changed to stop courts granting exemptions to a ban.

Penalty points can be issued for a range of driving offences, from speeding and drink driving to driving without insurance or failing to clear ice from your windscreen.

Accruing 12 points within three years usually leads to a driving banAccruing 12 points within three years usually leads to a driving ban
Accruing 12 points within three years usually leads to a driving ban

Most offences carry a minimum of three points, although the most serious cases can see up to 11 points applied to a licence for a single incident.

Under “totting up” rules, if a driver is given 12 or more points within three years, the courts should automatically disqualify them from driving for at least six months. However, a loophole allowing drivers to plead that a ban would cause them “exceptional hardship” means thousands of repeat offenders have kept their licences.

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