Penalty Points & Speeding Points
Totting Up - Exceeding 12 Penalty Points - Disqualification

What is 'Totting Up' Penalty Points?

It is relatively common knowledge that upon receiving 12 penalty points, a Magistrates' Court must disqualify the licence holder for a minimum of six months. If one or more previous 'relevant disqualifications' has been imposed by a court, then the minimum disqualificaiton period is 12 months. Obviously, the consequences of this can be catastrophic - loss of job, income and security.


Is there any way of avoiding a driving ban if you get 12 penalty points?

The usual rule is subject to 'special reasons' and/or 'mitigating circumstances' arguments. Mere loss of a job is never enough to prevent or reduce disqualificaiton caused by penalty points. We expertly represent clients' interests in this regard so as to present their situation and relevant information/evidence within the context of the strict, stringent and often difficult legal requirements which must be fulfilled in order to persuade a Court that disqualification should not occur or should be at least reduced.



Of course, there is no guarantee that a client's circumstances will be such as to persu ade a Court in this regard. Each speeding points and penalty points case inevitably turns on its own facts. However, given the 'high stakes' involved, it is suggested that you seriously consider engage the services of an expert and experienced motoring offences lawyer in this regard as soon as possible.

And whilst it is obviously advisable that we meet as early as possible in order to discuss matters so that we are fully briefed of all relevant and useful circumstances, we are well used to acting under time pressure and with limited time to receive instructions or prepare.


Can't you simply represent yourself to avoid disqualification cause by penalty points?

You have a right to appear in court on your own behalf. That is clear. However, it cannot be overestimated the positive difference an expert motoring offences lawyer can make to your chances of avoiding or reducing a driving ban. We can immediately assess the circumstances you present to us in order to determine the most appropriate points to draw to the court's attention for your benefit.

Also the laws relating to imposition of speeding points and penalty points is remarkably confusing for those not usually involved or familiar with it.


Will it cost you alot of money to get proper representation?

We do not believe so given the level of our fees in comparison with the prospective cost should you not have full legal representation and so lose your licence for six months or longer (remember the six months is a minimum period for a driving ban - not a maximum) when it may well have been the case that had the appropriate facts been drawn to the Magistrates' attention, they would have taken a more lenient view. Clients often walk away from court with either no driving ban or a driving ban which is low enough to mean that they will not lose their job, income and so livelihoods.


PENALTY

Mandatory disqualification for minimum six months, unless exceptional hardship or special reasons can be shown.

Consequences: Immediate loss of licence for a minimum of six months.