The law around points on a licence and disqualification can be complex – but if a driver accumulates 12 points within three years as a result of driving endorsements, a disqualification will result.
This process is known as “totting up”.
Points also remain on a licence for three years and can only be removed after four years.
The “totting up” process involves 3 points for an endorsement for a minor driving offence – and up to 9 points for a more serious motoring offence.
In some cases, a driving offence may be so serious – for example, in cases of drink driving, drug driving or dangerous driving – that an automatic disqualification is imposed by a court.
The penalties for motorcycling offences can range from 3 points to disqualification – and each offence can soon add up to the 12-point limit at which an automatic ban is imposed.
Some of the most common motorcycling offences involve speeding, dangerous or careless driving and motorcycle maintenance issues.
Because motorcycles are frequently used for courier work, there may also be issues with carrying loads which are too heavy and may cause the motorbike to become unbalanced on the road, especially when weaving in and out of traffic at speed on a delivery.
In cases of careless driving and speeding, a penalty of between 3 and 9 points is likely.
A ban can last from six months upwards – and in cases where a motorcyclist relies on having a licence for professional purposes, a ban will affect employment prospects.
Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors have extensive experience in advising motorcyclists facing charges involving:
The Duncan Lewis motoring law team can also advise on appealing against disqualification – and mitigation in cases where losing a motorbike licence may cause exceptional hardship.
Duncan Lewis can also advise on applying for reinstatement of a motorbike licence early after disqualification.
Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors represent clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal.
Duncan Lewis' Crime Department has been recognised as a Top Tier and recommended criminal defence practice by Chambers UK 2018 and the Legal 500 2017 Edition – and has an exceptional track record in defending cases involving motor cycling offences.
Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors advise clients who may face prosecution for a road traffic offence to contact us as soon as possible, especially if a Notice of Intended Prosecution has been issued.
A member of the Duncan Lewis motoring offence department can attend police interview under caution – and our motoring law department regularly advises new riders, experienced riders and professional riders such as motorbike couriers on road traffic offences.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide in England and Wales – and a motoring law solicitor from Duncan Lewis can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes.
Call Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice on road traffic offences, including charges involving driving without an MOT certificate.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0207 275 2036.