Got Penalty Points On Your Licence? Here’s What to Do
Transport for London (TfL) has strict rules for PCO drivers. Violating those rules can lead to penalty points on your licence and fines. Repeat offences may also result in licence suspension.
Driving responsibly can help you avoid penalty points, but mistakes can happen at any time. Knowing what steps to take after getting penalty points can help prevent further fines and complications.
In this article, we will explain how the penalty points work and what to do after getting points.
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Article Highlights
- Understanding penalty points
- How long do penalty points stay on your licence
- Steps to take after getting penalty points, and more.
What Are Penalty Points And How Do They Work?
Penalty points are added to your driving record for violating TfL rules. The number of points you get varies depending on the rule violation. For instance, speeding usually results in 3 points, while using a mobile phone when driving can lead to 6 or more points with fines.
Let’s look at how the points system works in London:
Situation | TfL Response |
Minor offences like speeding or running a traffic light can lead to 3 points | TfL may issue a £100 fine, but won’t take serious action unless you repeat the offence. |
Serious offences like using phone while driving or failure to report an accident to TfL within 48 hours can lead to 6+ points | TfL can issue a £300 fine and may also temporarily suspend your licence for up to 3 months. |
Accumulating 9 points total | TfL will issue a fine depending on the offence. It may also send a warning that you are just one offence away from losing your licence. |
Accumulating 12 points in three years | TfL can suspend your licence for up to six months and may not issue a new licence for up to 12 months after your current licence expires. In addition, your case can go to court, which has the authority to ban you from driving altogether. |
New drivers getting 6 or more points within the first two years | DVLA can revoke your driving licence, while TfL may also ban you from PCO driving. You will need to reapply for both licences. |
How Long Do Penalty Points Stay On Your Licence?
The points on your licence can last for several years, depending on the offence. For instance, points for minor offences usually remain active for 3 years. After this, they no longer count in your total points.
On the other hand, points from serious offences like driving under the influence can stay active for 10 years.
The points remain in your driving record for one extra year after they are no longer valid. If an employer, insurer, or regulatory authority checks your driving history during that time, they can still see those points even if they are not active.
We at Fleeto know how important it is for PCO drivers to have a clean driving record. That’s why we always keep our drivers updated on the latest rules and regulations. Choose our PCO car hire or rent to buy plans, keep your licence clean and your career on track!
What Steps Should You Take After Getting Points On Your Licence?
These are the steps you should take after getting penalty points to stay compliant with TfL’s rules:
Report Points in Time
PCO drivers who got their licence after July 1, 2024 must report the points to TfL within 48 hours. Drivers whose licences were issued before July 1, 2024 can report the incident within 21 days. However, once these drivers renew their PCO licence, the new 48-hour limit will apply to them as well.
Failing to report the points on time can revoke your licence.
Keep Proof of Reporting
You can send an email to drivers@tph.tfl.gov.uk to report penalty points. Keep proof of time and date when reporting the incident to protect yourself in case of a dispute.
Pay the Fine
Penalty points usually come with a £100-£300 fine. You can pay the fine within 14 days for a 50% discount. However, failing to pay the fine on time could lead to more serious penalties.
Get Legal Advice
You can contest points if you believe they were wrongly given. Consult a lawyer or a traffic law specialist to file an appeal.
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Stay Safe Going Forward
Penalty points can cost you your licence and livelihood, but you can avoid them by being a responsible driver. Stay within speed limits, avoid using phone while driving, and follow traffic signs. Be extra careful if you already have points on your licence. Take driver awareness courses if necessary to know all the rules and regulations that apply to PCO drivers. Staying informed can help you avoid costly penalties and protect your licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do you get for speeding?
Speeding usually gets you 3 penalty points on your licence. However, repeat offences can lead to serious penalties, fines, or licence suspension.
How many points do you get for using phone while driving?
Using a phone while driving compromises safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. You can get 6 penalty points on your driving licence and a hefty fine for committing this offence.
How long will penalty points stay on my licence?
Penalty points can stay on your licence for 3-10 years, depending on the offence. Always drive carefully and follow traffic rules to avoid getting points on your licence.
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