Road Traffic Offence

Asher & Tomar solicitors
The following information pertains to Traffic Offences and codes which will appear on a drivers license. Although we have indicated the number of penalty points a driver will expect to receive for committing the offence as well as any disqualification or custodial sentence, we have not indicated the level of fine. There is (in most instances) a basic level of fine structured against most offences, but it must be recognised that it may be the case (if attending court) that mitigation may see the level of fine (possibly) reduced. Equally so, the courts have the power to impose larger fines subject to the individuals actions/responses whilst committing the offence.

Below are the headings under which each section of Offences are located, by clicking on any of these will take you directly to that section on this page.

Codes and OffencesPenalty
Points
May
Imprison
Obligatory
Disqualification
May
Disqualify
Accident Offences
AC10 Failing to stop after an accident5 – 10YesYes
AC20 Failing to give particulars or to report an accident within 24 hours5 – 10YesYes
AC30 Undefined accident offences4 – 9
Disqualified Driver
BA10 Driving while disqualified by order of court6YesYes
BA30 Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court (no longer applied)6Yes
Careless Driving
CD10 Driving without due care and attention3 – 9Yes
CD20 Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users3 – 9Yes
CD30 Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration3 – 9Yes
CD40 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink**3 – 11YesYes
CD50 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drugs**3 – 11YesYes
CD60 Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit**3 – 11YesYes
CD70 Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for analysis**3 – 11YesYes
** not less than two years disqualification or, if similar offence within 10 years, then three years disqualification
Codes and OffencesPenalty
Points
May
Imprison
Obligatory
Disqualification
May
Disqualify
Construction and Use Offences
CU10 Using a vehicle with defective brakes3Yes
CU20 Causing or likely to cause danger by use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition3**Yes
CU30 Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s)3Yes
CU40 Using a vehicle with defective steering3Yes
CU50 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers3Yes
CU60 Unidentified C&U offence (no longer used)3Yes
CU80 Breach of requirements as to control of vehicle, mobile phones etc3Yes
** must disqualify if offence is committed within three years of previous conviction of same offence.
Reckless/Dangerous Driving
DD40 Dangerous driving (includes reckless driving)3 – 11YesYesminimum 1 year
DD60 Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle3 – 11YesYesat least 2 years
DD80 Causing death by dangerous driving (includes reckless driving)3 – 11YesYesat least 2 years
Drink or Drugs
DR10 Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit**3 – 11YesYes
DR20 Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink**3 – 11YesYes
DR30 Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis**3 – 11YesYes
DR40 In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit10YesYes
DR50 In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink10YesYes
DR60 Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive10YesYes
DR70 Failing to provide a specimen for roadside breath test4Yes
DR80 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs**3 – 11YesYes
DR90 In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs10YesYes
** not less than one year disqualification or, if similar offence within 10 years, then three years disqualification
Codes and OffencesPenalty
Points
May
Imprison
Obligatory
Disqualification
May
Disqualify
Insurance Offences
IN10 Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks6 – 8Yes
Licence Offences
LC20 Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence3 – 6Yes
LC30 Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence3 – 6Yes
LC40 Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability3 – 6Yes
LC50 Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds3 – 6Yes
Miscellaneous Offences
MS10 Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position3Yes
MS20 Unlawful pillion riding3Yes
MS30 Play street offences2
MS40 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight or refusing to submit to a test of eyesight3Yes
MS50 Motor racing on the highway3 – 11Yes
MS60 Offences not covered by other codesAs appropriate
MS70 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight3Yes
MS80 Refusing to submit to an eyesight test3Yes
MS90 Failure to give information on identity of driver, etc6Yes
Motorway Offences
MW10 Contravention of special roads regulations (excl. speed limits)3Yes**
** except stopping on hard shoulder in emergency
Pedestrian Offences
PC10 Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations3Yes
PC20 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle3Yes
PC30 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle3Yes
Codes and OffencesPenalty
Points
May
Imprison
Obligatory
Disqualification
May
Disqualify
Provisional Licence Offences
PL 10 Driving without ‘L’ plates3 – 6Yes
PL20 Not accompanied by a qualified person3 – 6Yes
PL30 Carrying a person not qualified3 – 6Yes
PL40 Drawing an unauthorised trailer3 – 6Yes
PL50 Undefined failure to comply with conditions of a provisional licence3 – 6Yes
Speed Limits
SP10 Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits3 – 6Yes**
SP20 Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)3 – 6Yes**
SP30 Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road3 – 6Yes**
SP40 Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit3 – 6Yes**
SP50 Exceeding speed limit on a motorway3 – 6Yes**
SP60 Undefined speed limit offence3 – 6Yes**
** likelihood of disqualification where speed in excess of 30mph over the limit
Traffic Directions and Signs
TS10 Failing to comply with traffic light signals3
TS20 Failing to comply with double white lines3
TS30 Failing to comply with a STOP sign3Yes
TS40 Failing to comply with direction of a constable or traffic warden3Yes
TS50 Failing to comply with a traffic sign (excluding STOP signs, traffic lights or double white lines)3Yes
TS60 Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol3Yes
TS70 Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction or sign3Yes
Theft or Unauthorised Taking
UT50 Aggravated taking or attempting to take a vehicle3 – 11YesYes