UK Driving Conviction Codes Explained

Navigating the intricacies of UK driving law can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. When you're pulled over or receive notification of an offence, you'll likely encounter terms like 'endorsement codes' or 'conviction codes'. These are not just bureaucratic jargon; they are specific alphanumeric identifiers assigned by the DVLA to various driving offences. Understanding what these codes mean, how long they remain on your driving licence, and the penalty points they carry is crucial for any motorist. This guide aims to demystify these codes, providing a comprehensive overview of common driving convictions and their implications, particularly concerning your car insurance.

What are Driving Conviction Codes?

Driving conviction codes, officially known as endorsement codes, are unique identifiers attributed to driving offences across the UK (with the exception of Northern Ireland). These codes, along with a corresponding number of penalty points, are recorded on your driving licence record. They serve to inform officials, the DVLA, and crucially, your insurance provider, about the nature of the offence committed. The severity of the offence dictates the number of penalty points awarded, typically ranging from three points upwards, and the duration for which the endorsement remains on your licence, which can be from four years up to a maximum of 11 years for more serious offences.

How Long Do Conviction Codes Stay on Your Licence?

The duration for which a conviction code and its associated penalty points remain on your driving licence varies depending on the offence. Generally, most endorsements will stay on your licence for four years from the date of the offence. However, for more serious motoring convictions, such as those involving causing death by dangerous driving or certain drink-driving offences, these can remain on your record for up to 11 years. It's important to note that under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, most convictions are considered 'spent' after five years. This means that for insurance renewal purposes, you may no longer need to disclose them, provided they are indeed spent. However, always be truthful with your insurer; failure to disclose unspent convictions can invalidate your policy.

Understanding Different Categories of Driving Offences

The DVLA categorises driving offences to help identify their nature and severity. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common categories and their associated codes:

Accident Offences (AC Codes)

These codes relate to offences committed when involved in an accident. They typically remain on your licence for four years. For example:

• AC10: Failing to stop after an accident. This can result in 5 to 10 penalty points.
• AC20: Failing to report an accident within 24 hours. This also carries 5 to 10 penalty points.
• AC30: Undefined accident offences, with 4 to 9 penalty points.

Disqualified Driver (BA Codes)

These codes are for offences committed while disqualified from driving. They remain on your licence for four years.

• BA10 & BA30: Driving or attempting to drive while disqualified. These offences typically incur 6 penalty points.
• BA40 & BA60: Causing death or serious injury while disqualified. These can carry 3 to 11 penalty points.

Careless Driving (CD Codes)

This broad category covers driving without due care and attention. Most CD codes stay on your licence for four years, but some serious offences related to causing death can remain for 11 years.

• CD10, CD20, CD30: Driving without due care and attention or consideration for other road users. These carry a maximum of 9 penalty points.
• CD40-CD70: Offences causing death by careless driving. These are serious and remain on your record for 11 years, with penalties up to 11 points.
• CD80 & CD90: Causing death by careless driving or driving without licence/disqualified/uninsured. These remain for four years with penalties up to 11 points.

Construction and Use Offences (CU Codes)

These relate to the condition of the vehicle or its equipment not being roadworthy. Most CU codes result in 3 penalty points and stay on your licence for four years.

• CU30: Driving with defective tyres.
• CU80: Using a mobile phone while driving (not hands-free). This can incur 3 to 6 penalty points.

Reckless/Dangerous Driving (DD Codes)

These are more serious offences and generally remain on your licence for four years.

• DD40: Dangerous driving. This carries up to 11 penalty points.
• DD60: Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving. This also carries up to 11 penalty points.
• DD90: Driving furiously, with a limit of 9 penalty points.

Drink Driving (DR Codes)

Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously. The more severe offences remain on your licence for 11 years.

• DR10, DR20, DR30, DR31: Driving or attempting to drive while over the legal alcohol limit, or unfit due to alcohol, or failing to provide a specimen. These carry 3 to 11 penalty points.
• DR61: Not allowing a blood sample analysis (due to incapacity) in specific circumstances. This carries a flat 10 points and stays for 11 years.
• DR50, DR60: Being in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit. These carry 10 penalty points and stay for four years.
• DR70: Failing to cooperate with a preliminary test, carrying 4 penalty points for four years.

Drug Driving (DG Codes)

Similar to drink driving, drug driving offences have serious consequences.

• DG10, DG60, DR80: Driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of drugs. The more severe offences (DG60, DR80) remain for 11 years with up to 11 points, while DG10 remains for 4 years.
• DG40, DR90: Being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. These carry 10 penalty points and remain for four years.

Insurance Offences (IN Codes)

Driving without valid insurance is a significant offence.

• IN10: Driving a vehicle uninsured against third-party risks. This offence remains for four years and can result in 6 to 8 penalty points.

Licence Offences (LC Codes)

These relate to issues with your driving licence itself.

• LC40: Driving after failing to notify the DVLA of a disability.
• LC50: Driving after your licence has been cancelled or refused due to medical reasons.
• These offences typically carry 3 to 6 penalty points and remain for four years.

Miscellaneous Offences (MS Codes)

A catch-all for various other offences.

• MS50: Motor racing on a highway, carrying up to 11 penalty points.
• MS90: Failing to provide driver identity, carrying 6 penalty points.
• MS30: 'Play street' offences, carrying 2 penalty points.
• Most MS codes remain for four years.

Motorway Offences (MW Codes)

These relate to specific motorway regulations.

• MW10: Contravention of special road regulations (excluding speed limits), such as driving in contravention of motorway signs or rules. This carries 3 penalty points for four years.

Pedestrian Crossings (PC Codes)

These offences relate to regulations at pedestrian crossings.

• All PC codes (PC10, PC20, PC30) carry 3 penalty points and remain on your licence for four years.

Speed Limits (SP Codes)

Exceeding speed limits is one of the most common offences.

• SP10-SP50: Offences for exceeding various speed limits (goods vehicles, passenger vehicles, motorways, public roads). These generally carry 3 to 6 penalty points and remain for four years.

Traffic Direction and Signs (TS Codes)

These cover failure to comply with traffic signals and signs.

• TS10: Failure to comply with traffic light signals.
• TS50: Not complying with a traffic sign.
• These offences typically carry 3 penalty points and remain for four years.

Theft or Unauthorised Taking (UT Codes)

These relate to the unlawful use of a vehicle.

• UT50: Aggravated taking of a vehicle. This remains on your record for four years and can carry 3 to 11 penalty points.

Special Code (TT Codes)

This code is applied when a driver accumulates too many points.

• TT99: Commonly known as the 'totting-up' offence. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, you will receive the TT99 code and likely face disqualification. This code remains on your record for four years, and disqualification can be a significant consequence.

The Impact on Car Insurance

Having a driving conviction, even for a seemingly minor offence, can significantly impact your car insurance. Insurers view drivers with endorsements and penalty points as higher risk. This often leads to increased premiums or difficulty in obtaining cover altogether. It is absolutely vital to declare any unspent convictions to your insurance provider when applying for a policy or when renewing. Failure to do so can invalidate your insurance, meaning any claims made would not be paid, and you could face further penalties. If you have convictions, you will likely need to seek specialist 'convicted driver' insurance, which is tailored to your circumstances. While premiums may be higher, specialist insurers understand the market and can often find more competitive rates than standard insurers.

How to Check Your Driving Licence Endorsements

You can check your driving licence record, including any conviction codes and penalty points, through the official UK government website. You can view your driving record, see the vehicles you are entitled to drive, and check any penalty points or disqualifications. You can also generate a 'check code' to share this information with third parties, such as your insurance provider. Your insurer can also typically access this information if you provide your driving licence number on your application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a driving conviction code?

A driving conviction code, or endorsement code, is a unique identifier assigned to a specific driving offence recorded on your driving licence. It helps officials, the DVLA, and insurance companies understand the nature of the offence.

How long do penalty points stay on my licence?

Most penalty points remain on your licence for four years from the date of the offence. However, more serious offences, such as causing death by dangerous driving, can remain for up to 11 years. The 'totting-up' disqualification (TT99) also remains for four years.

What happens if I don't disclose convictions to my insurer?

If you fail to disclose any unspent convictions or penalty points to your insurance provider, your policy may be invalidated. This means that in the event of a claim, the insurer could refuse to pay out and may even reclaim any money already paid. It can also lead to significantly higher premiums in the future.

Can I get car insurance with driving convictions?

Yes, you can. However, you will likely need to seek specialist 'convicted driver' insurance. Insurers will see you as a higher risk, so premiums may be higher, but specialist providers can help you find suitable cover.

How do I find out my conviction codes?

You can check your driving licence record, including all conviction codes and penalty points, on the UK government's official website.

Understanding these codes is essential for responsible driving and ensuring you have the correct car insurance. Always drive safely and adhere to the law to avoid accumulating penalty points and the associated consequences.