Types of driving offence and their punishments explained

While most Brits wouldn't knowingly break the law, there is a wide range of offences that could land you in hot water behind the wheel if you’re not careful. This guide will walk you through some of these offences, as well as the associated punishments, so that you know what to avoid and what you’re risking if you don’t.

What is a driving offence?

A driving offence is any action taken by the driver or owner of a vehicle which contravenesthe Road Traffic Act. While most of these offences relate to the physical operation of the vehicle, some also apply to administrative offences such as failing to insure a vehicle or failing to provide documentation on request.

Types of motoring offence (and their penalties)

Ourguide to penalty points will tell you all you need to know about points on your licence, including how many will lead to you being disqualified from driving.

What to do if you're charged with a motoring offence

If you've been charged with a motoring offence you generally have two options: accept the charge or plead your case in court. While in many cases it will be clear that your charge is correct and you should accept the charge and punishment that comes with it, in some cases it might be possible to appeal the charge and have it overturned. For this reason, you should seek legal advice if you believe the charge may be incorrect or ac ase of mistaken identity at all.

How will committing a driving offence affect my car insurance?

Driving offences will generally drive up your car insurance premiums, although some will affect insurance far more than others. Check out our guide onconvicted driver insurance for more details about how driving offences affect car insurance premiums.