Driving Licence Offence Codes: What They Mean and How They Affect You
If you’ve ever received a notice from the DVLA (or the equivalent licensing authority in your country) that mentions an “offence code,” you probably felt a flash of anxiety. Those cryptic numbers and letters aren’t just bureaucratic filler – they dictate how many penalty points you’ll receive, how much you’ll pay, and even whether you might lose your licence altogether.
In this guide you’ll discover:
- What an offence code actually is
- The most common codes you’re likely to encounter
- How the points and fines are calculated
- What you can do if you think a code was applied incorrectly
- Practical tips for staying clear of them
All of the information is written for you, the driver, so you can understand the system, protect your record, and make smarter choices on the road.
1. The Basics: Why Offence Codes Exist
Licensing authorities use offence codes to standardise the way traffic violations are recorded. Instead of writing full sentences on every ticket, a simple code (e.g., 105, F1, B2) tells the system exactly which rule was broken, what penalty applies, and which statute to reference.
- Speed – “105” often means “speeding 31‑40 mph over the limit.”
- Drink‑Driving – “F1” can indicate “driving with a blood‑alcohol concentration over the legal limit.”
- Driving Without Insurance – “B2” is frequently used for “driving a vehicle without valid insurance.”
The codes feed directly into the points‑and‑fines schedule, and they are also used by courts, insurers, and employers when they check a driver’s history.
2. The Most Common Offence Codes (and What They Mean)
Below is a table that covers the 15 codes you’re most likely to see on a UK or comparable European licence notice. The exact wording may vary a little between jurisdictions, but the essential penalties are the same.
| Code | Offence Description | Typical Penalty Points* | Typical Fine (£) | Typical Disqualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | Speeding 31‑40 mph over limit | 6 | £120‑£500 | None (unless repeat) |
| 106 | Speeding 41‑50 mph over limit | 8 | £200‑£600 | None |
| 107 | Speeding 51‑60 mph over limit | 10 | £300‑£900 | 3‑6 months (if repeat) |
| 108 | Speeding >60 mph over limit | 12 | £400‑£1,300 | 6‑12 months |
| F1 | Drink‑driving (BAC > 80 mg/100 ml) | 12 | £2,500‑£5,000 | Minimum 12 months |
| F2 | Drink‑driving (BAC 50‑79 mg/100 ml) | 6‑8 | £500‑£2,500 | 6 months (if repeat) |
| B1 | Driving without insurance | 6‑8 | £300‑£5,000 | 6 months |
| B2 | Driving a vehicle not road‑worthy | 3‑6 | £200‑£2,500 | 3 months |
| C1 | Using a handheld phone while driving | 3‑6 | £100‑£200 | 3 months |
| C2 | Failing to stop at a red traffic light | 3‑6 | £80‑£200 | 3 months |
| D1 | Dangerous overtaking | 6‑9 | £150‑£500 | 6 months |
| D2 | Driving without a valid licence (e.g., provisional on a motorbike) | 6 | £200‑£400 | 6 months |
| E1 | Failure to produce a MOT certificate | 3‑6 | £100‑£300 | 3 months |
| G1 | Driving a vehicle with excess load | 3‑6 | £150‑£400 | 3 months |
| H1 | Failure to wear a seatbelt (driver) | 3 | £100‑£200 | None |
*Points are the standard allocation. The exact number can rise if you have prior convictions, are a repeat offender, or the court‑imposed penalty is harsher.
How to read this table
- Penalty Points affect your licence status. In most countries, accumulating 12 or more points within a three‑year window leads to a disqualification (a “driving ban”).
- Fine ranges illustrate the minimum and maximum you might be ordered to pay. Courts have discretion based on your income, the seriousness of the offence, and any mitigating circumstances.
- Disqualification notes only the usual length. Some offences (especially drink‑driving) carry a mandatory minimum ban, regardless of points.
3. How the Points System Works for You
When an offence is logged with a code, the associated points are added to your driving record. Here’s a quick rundown of what that means for your licence:
| Total Points Accrued | Typical Consequence | Typical Time‑Frame for Points to Drop Off |
|---|---|---|
| 0‑3 | No immediate action; you remain fully licensed. | 3 years |
| 4‑6 | Warning letter from the licensing authority; possible driver improvement course. | 3 years |
| 7‑11 | “Penalty Points Notice” – you may be required to attend a Driver Awareness Course (often at your own cost). | 3 years |
| 12‑15 | Automatic disqualification (usually 6 months) + a possible re‑examination before you can reclaim your licence. | 4 years (points remain on record for longer) |
| 16+ | Longer bans (up to 12 months) and mandatory re‑testing; insurance premiums skyrocket. | 4 years |
Key point: Points expire after a set period (commonly three years), but they stay on your record for longer, which is why insurers can still see them when setting rates.
4. What to Do If You Receive an Offence Code You Disagree With
You have the right to contest an offence if you believe the code was applied incorrectly. Follow these steps:
- Read the Notice Carefully – Identify the exact code, date, location, and the officer’s description.
- Gather Evidence – Dash‑cam footage, photographs, receipts (e.g., proof of insurance), or witness statements can support your case.
- Check the Legal Definition – Look up the statutory wording for that code on the licensing authority’s website. Sometimes a “speeding” code may actually refer to a speed camera reading that’s later found to be faulty.
- Submit a Formal Representation
- Write a concise letter (or complete the online form) stating why you believe the code is wrong, attach evidence, and request a review.
- Do this within 28 days of receiving the notice—missing the deadline often means you lose the right to appeal.
- Await the Decision – The authority will usually respond within 28 days. If they uphold the offence, you’ll receive a “decision letter.”
- Consider a Court Appeal – If the decision still seems unfair, you can take the matter to a magistrates’ court. Be prepared to pay court fees and, potentially, a higher fine if you lose.
Pro tip: Many drivers find that a well‑structured representation (clear timeline, numbered paragraphs, and cited regulations) is far more persuasive than a vague “I didn’t do it” claim.
5. Practical Tips to Avoid Common Offence Codes
Below is a checklist you can keep on your phone or in your car. Tick each item daily to minimise the risk of accumulating points:
- Speed Limits – Use a speed‑limit reminder app that adjusts automatically when you cross a boundary.
- Alcohol – Apply the “2‑hour rule”: if you’ve had any alcohol, wait at least two hours per unit before driving.
- Insurance & MOT – Set calendar alerts for renewal dates; keep digital copies of policy and MOT certificates in the glovebox.
- Mobile Phone – Invest in a genuine hands‑free kit and turn off all notifications while driving.
- Seatbelts & Children – Make it a habit to check that every passenger is buckled before you move off.
- Load Limits – Weigh your load before loading a van or trailer; use a portable load‑cell if you frequently carry heavy items.
- Red Lights & Stop Signs – Practice the “look‑ahead” technique: anticipate intersections and begin decelerating early.
- Overtaking – Only overtake when visibility, road markings, and speed all allow a safe maneuver.
- Driver Awareness – If you receive a warning or a low‑point offence, enrol in a voluntary improvement course—many insurers offer discounts for completion.
- Record‑Keeping – Keep a small notebook (or digital note) of any traffic stops, including officer name and badge number, for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does a penalty point stay on my licence?
A: In most jurisdictions points remain for three years from the date of the offence. However, they can affect your insurance premiums for up to four years after they fall off.
Q2: Can I pay the fine and avoid points?
A: No. Paying the fine does not remove the points; the offence code determines both the fine and the points automatically.
Q3: What happens if I’m abroad and get a foreign offence code?
A: Many countries have reciprocal agreements. A serious foreign offence (e.g., drink‑driving) will usually be reported back to your home licensing authority and may result in points or a ban.
Q4: I’m a learner driver and got a “B2” for driving without insurance. Can I still take my practical test?
A: A learner can only take the test if they have a valid provisional licence and are insured for the test. If you were caught driving without insurance, you must first resolve the offence (pay fines, attend any required courses) before re‑applying for a provisional.
Q5: Does a “warning” carry an offence code?
A: Warnings typically do not have an offence code, nor do they add points. However, repeat warnings may lead to formal charges later.
Q6: My car was stolen and later used in a crime. Will I get points?
A: You will not be held responsible for offences committed with a stolen vehicle if you can prove you were not in control of it at the time. Report the theft immediately and keep police reference numbers.
Q7: Can I request a copy of all offence codes on my record?
A: Yes. In the UK, you can request a Driving Licence Information check from the DVLA for a small fee. Other countries have similar services.
6. Bottom Line: Knowledge Is Your Best Defence
Understanding offence codes transforms a bewildering string of numbers into a clear roadmap of your responsibilities and rights as a driver. By familiarising yourself with the most common codes, keeping track of points, and acting promptly if you believe an error has been made, you protect not only your licence but also your wallet and peace of mind.
Remember, each point is a warning sign that you’re edging closer to a possible disqualification. Use the checklists, stay proactive about your insurance and MOT, and always drive within the law.
Take a moment now: pull up the table above, note which codes could apply to your most frequent journeys (commuting, long‑haul, weekend trips), and set a reminder to review your driving record at least once a year.
Safe travels, and may your licence stay clean!