Penalty Points / Totting Up
On motoring offences points do not win prizes, most motoring offences carry mandatory penalty points of between 3 - 10 points. If you accumulate 12 penalty points ("totting up") within a 3 year period you are liable to mandatory disqualification for at least 6 months, if it is your second "totting up" disqualification then the minimum is 12 months.
However, the Courts do make mistakes in interpreting the complex laws surrounding disqualification and expert help is advisable.
Further, the Courts do have a discretion not to disqualify if they are satisfied that there was a "special reason" for committing the offence which would take you on to 12 points or more or if "exceptional hardship" can be shown. In either case we strongly advise paying for an expert motorists solicitor to represent you. HOW MUCH IS YOUR LICENCE WORTH TO YOU?
See also "Special Reasons" and "Exceptional Hardship" as grounds for avoiding the mandatory "totting up" disqualification.
The penalty point system is intended to deter drivers from following unsafe driving practices. The court MUST order points to be endorsed on the licence according to the fixed number or the range set by Parliament. The accumulation of penalty points acts as a warning to drivers that they risk disqualification if further offences are committed.