Driving Licence Endorsements Codes and Penalty Points

Every endorsement comes with a unique code and is assigned ‘penalty points‘ ranging from 1 to 11. More serious violations result in a higher number of points.

What are Driving Licence Endorsement Codes and What Do They Mean?

A licence endorsement code means a penalty point, that is added to your driving licence when you’ve been found guilty of a driving offence.

Driving licence endorsement codes are unique alphanumeric labels given to various driving violations.

Each code represents a specific offence, like speeding (SP), driving under the influence (DR), or careless driving (CD).

Courts and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) use these codes to document and monitor driving convictions.

Additionally, the codes reflect the seriousness of the offence, which usually relates to the number of penalty points assigned and how long the endorsement stays on your licence.

Endorsement Codes Explained

Here’s a breakdown of the most common endorsement codes and what they mean:

Accident Offences

These penalties apply when a driver is involved in an accident and fails to adhere to regulations.

1. AC10 – Not stopping after an accident
2. AC20 – Not providing details or reporting an accident
3. AC30 – Other unspecified accident offences

Points: 4 to 10

Disqualified Driver

Driving while banned results in a penalty.

1. BA10 – Driving while banned by court order
2. BA30 – Trying to drive while banned

Points: 6

Careless Driving

Driving without proper care and attention is classified as careless driving.

1. CD10 – Driving without due care and attention
2. CD20 – Driving without reasonable consideration for others
3. CD30 – Driving without care or consideration for others

Points: 3 to 9

Construction and Use Offences

These violations relate to vehicle safety and roadworthiness.

1. CU10 – Using a vehicle with faulty brakes
2. CU20 – Using a vehicle with worn-out tyres
3. CU30 – Using a vehicle with faulty steering
4. CU50 – Creating danger by using a vehicle in poor condition

Points: 3 to 6

Reckless/Dangerous Driving

Serious violations that demonstrate a total disregard for road safety.

1. DD10 – Driving in a hazardous manner
2. DD40 – Dangerous driving
3. DD60 – Causing death through dangerous driving

Points: 3 to 11

Drink Driving

Driving while intoxicated is illegal and carries heavy penalties.

1. DR10 – Driving with too much alcohol in breath, blood, or urine
2. DR20 – Driving while impaired by alcohol
3. DR30 – Failing to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample

Points: 3 to 11

Drug Driving

Similar to drink driving, but it involves illegal or prescription drugs.

1. DG10 – Driving under the influence of drugs
2. DG60 – Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs

Points: 3 to 11

Insurance Offences

Driving without adequate insurance is a serious violation.

1. IN10 – Driving a vehicle without insurance

Points: 6 to 8

Licence Offences

These offences relate to driving without a valid licence.

1. LC20 – Driving not in line with licence conditions
2. LC50 – Driving after licence revocation

Points: 3 to 6

Pedestrian Crossings

Not following crossing rules endangers pedestrians.

1. PC10 – Not stopping at a pedestrian crossing
2. PC30 – Driving dangerously past a pedestrian crossing

Points: 3

Speed Limits

Exceeding speed limits is a frequent driving violation.

1. SP10 – Surpassing speed limits for goods vehicles
2. SP30 – Exceeding speed limits on public roads
3. SP50 – Surpassing speed limits on motorways

Points: 3 to 6

Traffic Direction and Signs

Disregarding road signs and signals is both unsafe and illegal.

1. TS10 – Ignoring traffic light signals
2. TS20 – Not stopping at a stop sign
3. TS30 – Not following ‘Give Way’ signs
4. TS50 – Ignoring a traffic sign

Points: 3

FAQ

1. What are endorsement codes and why do they matter?

Endorsement codes are official labels added to your driving record when you commit a driving offence. Each code carries a number of penalty points, typically ranging from 1 to 12, and is associated with a particular offense.

2. How many penalty points will lead to a driving ban?

If you acquire 12 or more penalty points within 3 years, the court will prohibit you from driving. This suspension normally lasts 6 months.

If you are a new driver and receive 6 or more points within 2 years after taking your test, the DVLA will revoke your licence.

3. How long do penalty points stay on my driving record?

Penalty points remain on your record for either four or eleven years, depending on the offense:

Most offenses, such as reckless driving or using a mobile phone while driving, last four years.

Serious offenses, such as causing death by careless driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs, get an 11-year sentence.

4. Can I check my endorsement codes and penalty points online?

Yes, you can check your driving record online through the DVLA’s View Driving Licence service. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. This service shows your active endorsements, penalty points, and disqualifications.

5. What are some common endorsement codes I should know?

Here are a few frequently seen codes:

1. CU80: Using a mobile phone while driving – 3 to 6 points
2. SP30: Exceeding the speed limit on a public road – 3 to 6 points
3. CD10: Driving without due care and attention – 3 to 9 points
4. DR10: Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above the limit – 3 to 11 points
5. BA10: Driving while disqualified – 6 points

Conslusion

Staying safe on the road isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting yourself and everyone else out there.

Getting too many penalty points can result in a driving ban, which can complicate your life significantly. Follow the rules, stay careful, keep your driving record spotless and get into a driving school which can help you understand all the rule of the road.

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