How Long Do Points Last on Your Driving Licence?
Everything you need to know to keep your record clean and your wallet happy
Driving licences aren’t just a piece of plastic – they’re a living record of your road behaviour. Every time you’re caught breaking a traffic rule, the authorities may add penalty points (sometimes called endorsement points) to your licence. Those points don’t disappear the instant you pay a fine; they sit on your record for a set period, influencing everything from insurance premiums to the risk of a licence suspension.
In this post you’ll discover:
- The exact lifespan of points in the most common jurisdictions (UK, US states, Australia)
- How the type of offence changes the clock
- What happens when points expire – and when they don’t
- Practical steps you can take to reduce or manage points
Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s demystify the point system so you can drive with confidence.
1. The Basics – What Are “Points” Anyway?
| Term | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty/endorsement points | A numeric value added to your licence after certain traffic offences (e.g., speeding, drink‑driving). | Accumulate to trigger warnings, higher insurance, or licence suspension. |
| Driving record | The official log of all points, endorsements, and convictions attached to your licence. | Used by police, courts, insurers, and employers to assess risk. |
| Thresholds | Specific point totals that trigger actions (e.g., 12 points in the UK leads to a possible 6‑month ban). | Knowing these helps you avoid costly consequences. |
Points are not a fine; they’re a behavioural marker. The longer they stay, the more weight they carry when insurers calculate premiums.
2. How Long Do Points Stay? – By Region
Below is a quick reference table that summarises the typical expiry periods for the most common jurisdictions. (If you live elsewhere, the pattern is usually similar – points last between 2‑4 years, but always check your local road authority.)
| Jurisdiction | Standard Points Expiry | Exceptions (Longer/Shorter) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (GOV.UK) | 4 years from the date of the offence (or the date of conviction if later). | Serious offences – drink‑driving, speeding 30 mph+ over limit, and causing death: points stay for 11 years. | Most minor offences disappear after 4 years, but major breaches linger. |
| England & Wales (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency – DVLA) | Same as UK table above – 4 years for most, 11 years for the most serious. | Disqualification periods: points remain even after the ban ends. | A disqualification doesn’t wipe the points; they continue to count toward future thresholds. |
| Scotland | 4 years (or 11 years for the same serious offences). | No major deviation from the rest of the UK. | Same rules apply – treat Scotland like England/Wales for points. |
| Australia – NSW | 3 years from the date of the offence. | Serious traffic offences (e.g., drink‑driving, reckless driving) can stay on record for 10 years. | Points decay faster, but high‑risk behaviour still follows a long‑term rule. |
| Australia – Victoria | 3 years for most offences. | Major offences (e.g., drink‑driving, excessive speeding) stay for 10 years. | State‑by‑state variations are minor; always check your local road authority. |
| United States – California | 2 years for most moving violations. | DUI and hit‑and‑run stay 10 years; reckless driving may stay 3 years. | Each state sets its own schedule; California is a useful benchmark. |
| United States – New York | 18 months for most violations. | DUI stays 10 years; speeding over 25 mph above limit can stay 4 years. | Shorter periods for minor offences, but serious ones follow a decade‑long rule. |
| United States – Texas | 2 years for most moving violations. | DUI and reckless driving remain for 10 years. | Points decay quickly unless you commit a high‑risk offence. |
Quick tip: Even when points expire on paper, the conviction itself may still appear on a background check for a longer period (often 5–10 years). Insurance companies can still factor it into premiums.
3. What Triggers the Clock? – When Do Points Start Counting?
- Date of the offence – Most authorities start the timer on the day you actually broke the law.
- Date of conviction – If you contest the ticket and are found guilty later, the clock may start from the court’s judgment date.
- Disqualification periods – If you’re banned, points do not disappear; they remain active under the ban and continue to count toward future thresholds.
4. Managing Your Points – Practical Steps
A. Check Your Record Regularly
- UK: Use the DVLA’s View your driving licence service (free, requires your licence number and NINO).
- Australia: Log in to your state’s Roads and Maritime Services portal.
- US: Request a copy from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or use an online “point check” service.
B. Take a Defensive‑Driving Course
- Many jurisdictions allow you to reduce points (or at least avoid additional penalties) by completing an accredited course.
- In the UK, a Speed Awareness Course replaces points for a first-time minor speed offence (if you’re eligible).
- In the US, a Traffic School often removes points from your record for a single violation.
C. Appeal When You Have a Strong Case
- If you believe a ticket was wrongly issued, you have the right to contest it in court. A successful appeal erases the points entirely.
D. Maintain a Clean Record After a Ban
- Points earned before a ban remain, so after your licence is reinstated, you may still be close to the suspension threshold.
- Drive conservatively for at least 12 months post‑ban to rebuild confidence and avoid adding more points.
E. Consider Insurance Implications
- Some insurers offer “no‑claims” discounts that are unaffected by points, while others raise premiums immediately.
- Shop around annually; a driver with a few points may find a better rate with a company that values “safe driving courses” over raw point totals.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do points disappear automatically, or do I need to request removal? | They expire automatically after the prescribed period. No action is required, but you can request a formal Certificate of Clearance if needed for employment. |
| Can I have points removed before they expire? | In most places, points can only be reduced via qualified courses (e.g., Speed Awareness, Defensive Driving) or by successfully appealing a conviction. |
| Will a point affect my insurance right away? | Usually yes. Insurers receive updated driving records each renewal cycle and may adjust premiums immediately. |
| If I get a new licence (e.g., after moving states), do my points transfer? | In the US, points stay with your driving record, which follows you across states via the National Driver Register (NDR). In Australia and the UK, points stay on your national record regardless of state or region. |
| Do points affect employment background checks? | Many employers, especially those with fleet vehicles, look at your driving record. A serious offence (e.g., DUI) can be a disqualifier even after points have expired. |
| What happens if I reach the point threshold while already banned? | The ban can be extended, and you may be required to attend a remedial course before your licence is reinstated. |
| Are there any “point‑free” offences? | Yes. Minor parking tickets, vehicle tax violations, and certain administrative fines typically do not add points. |
| Can points be transferred to a family member’s licence? | No. Points are tied to the individual licence holder and are non‑transferable. |
6. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Bullet List)
- Standard expiry: 4 years (UK), 3 years (Australia), 2 years (most US states).
- Serious offences (drink‑driving, high‑speed, causing death): 10–11 years.
- Points start counting: from the offence date, unless the court conviction date is later.
- Check your record: at least once a year via official online portals.
- Reduce points: take an approved defensive‑driving or speed‑awareness course.
- Appeal: if you have evidence the ticket was issued in error.
- Insurance impact: immediate; shop around for better rates after any points are added.
- Employment checks: serious convictions can affect job prospects even after points expire.
7. Bottom Line – Stay Ahead of the Clock
Understanding how long points last gives you the power to plan your driving future. By regularly checking your record, taking advantage of point‑reduction courses, and contesting wrongful tickets, you can keep your licence clean, your insurance premiums low, and your driving confidence high.
Remember: points are a temporary mark of a mistake, but the habits you build after the incident are what will define you as a driver for years to come. Drive safely, stay informed, and let the points fade away—on schedule.