What are driving offence codes and why do they matter?
Driving offence codes are official references used to record motoring offences on your licence — and they carry real-world consequences.
From increased insurance premiums to disqualification, understanding what these codes mean isn’t optional. It’s essential for protecting your driving record and your ability to stay on the road.
Each offence, whether it’s speeding, using a phone at the wheel, or driving without insurance, is logged using a code that reflects the type and severity of the offence. Those codes are then paired with penalty points, which stay on your licence for several years.
The more serious the offence, the harsher the consequences. But even minor codes can quietly push up the cost of your insurance — or flag you as a higher-risk driver. Knowing what these codes stand for, how long they last, and how they impact your future is the first step toward avoiding long-term damage to your record.
This guide explains what offence codes mean, how they’re structured, and how to deal with them — so you’re not left guessing what those letters and numbers really mean for your driving future.
How are driving offence codes structured?
Driving offence codes are made up of two letters and a number — the letters group the type of offence, while the number identifies the specific offence within that category.
The letters aren’t random. They correspond to categories like speeding, careless driving, drink-driving, and insurance offences. For example:
- SP relates to speed limit offences
- DR stands for drink or drug-related driving
- IN refers to insurance-related breaches
- CU covers construction and use (like defective tyres or illegal vehicle modifications)
The number that follows narrows it down. For instance:
- SP30 is for exceeding the speed limit on a public road
- IN10 is for driving without valid insurance
- CU80 is for using a mobile phone while driving
Some categories are obvious; others are more technical. But together, the code and its description are what appear on your driving record and are used by insurers and employers to assess your risk.
Importantly, not all codes carry the same penalty — even within the same group. For example, SP30 might carry three points, while other SP codes might carry more depending on the severity and context.
And once that code is on your licence, it stays there for a set period — sometimes four years, sometimes eleven — and it can impact everything from job applications to how much you pay for your next car insurance policy.
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Get QuotesWhat are the most common driving offence codes in the UK?
The most common driving offence codes include speeding (SP30), mobile phone use (CU80), driving without insurance (IN10), and drink-driving (DR10). These appear regularly on driving records and can cause serious problems with insurance and employment.
Not all offences are equally likely — some codes turn up on tens of thousands of records each year, especially for routine mistakes like speeding or using a phone at the wheel.
Here are some of the most frequently issued codes and what they mean:
| Code | Offence Description | Penalty Points | Typical Duration on Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3–6 | 4 years |
| CU80 | Using a mobile phone or device while driving | 6 | 4 years |
| IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks | 6–8 | 4 years |
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol over limit | 3–11 | 11 years |
| TS10 | Failing to comply with traffic light signals | 3 | 4 years |
| CD10 | Driving without due care and attention | 3–9 | 4 years |
Some of these offences — like SP30 — can result from a momentary lapse. Others, like IN10 or DR10, tend to have long-lasting consequences, not just on your driving record but on your ability to get affordable insurance.
Insurers typically rate codes like DR10, IN10, and CU80 as high-risk, and you’ll likely face increased premiums — or even refusal to quote — for several years after the offence.
What are the different categories of driving offence codes?
Driving offence codes are grouped by two-letter prefixes that represent different types of offences — from speeding and drink-driving to insurance breaches and careless driving. Each code then includes a number that identifies the specific offence.
These prefixes are used across the DVLA, police, insurers, and the courts to quickly assess the type and severity of an offence. The associated points and how long each code stays on your licence depend on what the offence was, how serious it was, and whether you were convicted or disqualified.
Here’s a breakdown of the main categories, with common codes, what they mean, and the consequences you could face:
Driving Offence Code Categories and Examples
| Prefix | Offence Type | Example Code(s) | Description | Penalty Points | Licence Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP | Speed Limit Offences | SP30, SP50 | Speeding on public roads or motorways | 3–6 | 4 years |
| DR | Drink/Drug Driving | DR10, DR80, DG10 | Driving under the influence, refusing breath tests | 3–11 | Up to 11 years |
| IN | Insurance Offences | IN10 | Driving uninsured | 6–8 | 4 years |
| CU | Construction and Use | CU80, CU30 | Mobile phone use, illegal tyres or defective equipment | 3–6 | 4 years |
| TS | Traffic Signs/Signals | TS10, TS20 | Running red lights, ignoring road signs or lines | 3 | 4 years |
| CD | Careless Driving | CD10, CD30 | Driving without due care or reasonable consideration | 3–9 | 4 years |
| DD | Dangerous Driving | DD40, DD60 | Dangerous driving or causing death by dangerous driving | Up to 11 | Up to 11 years |
| LC | Licence Offences | LC20, LC30 | Driving with no licence or after revocation | 3–6 | 4 years |
| AC | Accident Offences | AC10 | Failing to stop or report an accident | 5–10 | 4–11 years (depends on case) |
| MS | Miscellaneous Offences | MS90 | Failing to provide driver details when required | Varies | 4 years |
| MW | Motorway Offences | MW10 | Contravening motorway regulations | 3 | 4 years |
| PC | Pedestrian Crossing Offences | PC30 | Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing | 3 | 4 years |
| UT | Theft/Unauthorised Taking | UT50 | Aggravated vehicle taking or theft | 3–11 | Up to 11 years |
| TT99 | Totting-Up Disqualification | TT99 | Accumulating 12+ points within 3 years | Disqualification | 4 years from conviction |
| MR | Mutual Recognition Codes | MR09, MR19 | Recognised foreign driving offences | Varies | Varies |
Some codes are straightforward — SP30 for speeding, IN10 for no insurance. Others, like TT99 or MR, are procedural rather than behavioural. But all of them matter to insurers and employers, particularly when you’re applying for a new policy or role that involves driving.
If you’ve got one of these on your record, knowing what it means — and how long it will follow you — can make a real difference when it comes to getting cover or avoiding disqualification.
How long do driving offence codes stay on your licence?
Most driving offence codes stay on your licence for four years, but the most serious — like drink or drug driving — can remain for up to eleven years.
The duration depends on the type of offence and whether you were disqualified from driving.
The length of time a code remains on your record isn’t just an administrative detail. It can affect:
- The cost of your car insurance
- Whether you’re eligible for certain jobs
- Your risk of disqualification under the totting-up system
Here’s how it works:
4-Year Endorsements
These are the most common and apply to the majority of minor and moderate offences, including:
- Speeding (SP30)
- Mobile phone use (CU80)
- Driving without insurance (IN10)
- Running red lights (TS10)
- Careless driving (CD10)
Even though they stay on your licence for 4 years, insurers usually ask about any convictions within the last 5 years — so the impact on your insurance could last longer.
11-Year Endorsements
Reserved for the most serious offences, especially where public safety is at risk:
- Drink driving (DR10, DR20)
- Drug driving (DG10, DG60)
- Failing to provide a specimen (DR80)
- Causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink or drugs
These stay on your record for 11 years from the date of conviction, and will heavily impact your ability to get insurance or regain your licence after disqualification.
The Totting-Up Rule (TT99)
If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 3-year period, you can be disqualified under the totting-up system. The TT99 code will then stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of conviction — even if your points expire sooner.
How do driving offence codes affect car insurance?
Driving offence codes can significantly increase your car insurance premium — and in some cases, result in refusals from mainstream insurers. The impact depends on the type of offence, how recent it was, and how insurers perceive the associated risk.
Every time you apply for insurance, you’re legally required to declare any unspent motoring convictions. That includes all codes still on your licence, plus any that insurers specifically ask about — usually within the last five years.
But not all offences are viewed equally.
For example, a SP30 (speeding) might add 10–25% to your premium depending on the circumstances. A CU80 (mobile phone use) or IN10 (no insurance) can add much more — sometimes 50% or more, or even trigger a rejection from certain insurers entirely. DR10s (drink-driving) are particularly difficult, and may force you to seek cover through specialist providers.
Here’s how insurers typically view the risk level of common offences:
Perceived Risk Level by Offence Type
| Code Type | Risk Level (Insurer View) | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| SP (Speeding) | Low to Medium | +10% to +25% |
| CU (Mobile/Construction) | Medium to High | +25% to +40% |
| IN (No Insurance) | High | +40% to +60% or rejection |
| DR (Drink Driving) | Very High | +100%+, limited options |
| TS (Traffic Signals) | Medium | +15% to +30% |
| CD (Careless Driving) | High | +30% to +50% |
What can you do if you’ve got points on your licence?
- Be honest: Non-disclosure can invalidate your policy — and leave you uninsured.
- Shop around: Some insurers specialise in covering drivers with convictions.
- Look at telematics: Black box policies can help prove you’re a safe driver now.
- Wait it out: Once points expire and are removed, your premium should gradually fall — but expect it to take a few years.
Some insurers will give you a clean slate the moment your endorsement drops off your record. Others may still price cautiously for a year or two after that.
How to check, manage or remove endorsements
You can check your driving record online through the DVLA, see what endorsements you have, and confirm when they expire — but there’s no way to remove points early. They stay until their expiry date and cannot be appealed or wiped once applied.
If you’ve had an offence code added to your licence, it will remain visible to both you and insurers for the duration of its endorsement period — usually four or eleven years, depending on the offence. Even once expired, it may still be considered by insurers when calculating your premium for a time.
Checking Your Driving Record
The quickest way to check your current points and codes is through the DVLA’s free service:
- Visit: gov.uk/view-driving-licence
- Log in with your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode
- You’ll see all valid endorsements, the date of conviction, offence codes, and when they’ll expire
You can also use this service to generate a licence check code to share with insurers or employers — helpful if you need to prove your driving status.
Related Read: How To Check Your Driving Licence In The UK
When Are Endorsements Removed?
There is no manual removal process. Endorsements are automatically deleted once they expire — typically:
- 4 years from the date of offence for most minor to mid-level convictions
- 11 years from date of conviction for drink, drug, or dangerous driving offences
- 4 years for TT99 (totting up) codes, counted from the date of conviction
Once a code is removed, you no longer need to declare it unless explicitly asked. But remember — many insurers ask about any convictions in the last 5 years, so even expired codes may need to be disclosed.
Rehabilitation Periods and Spent Convictions
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, convictions become “spent” after a certain time — meaning they no longer need to be declared outside insurance and certain jobs (e.g. teaching, law enforcement). For most motoring offences, the spent period is the same as the endorsement duration.
Final thoughts
Driving offence codes aren’t just lines on your DVLA record — they shape how insurers see you, affect what you pay, and can even influence job prospects. The more you understand them, the more control you keep over your driving future.
Most drivers don’t realise how quickly small mistakes can add up. A speeding fine here, a phone use offence there — before long, you’re paying double for insurance and one misstep away from disqualification. Even seemingly minor codes like SP30 or TS10 stay with you for years.
The good news? You’re not stuck. By checking your record regularly, understanding the impact of each code, and driving clean going forward, you can rebuild your profile. Insurers do reward drivers who stay offence-free after points — and in time, your premiums will fall.
But it starts with knowledge. Know what your offence codes mean. Know how long they last. Know when and how to disclose them — and who’s best placed to insure you when you’ve got points on your licence.
Driving may be second nature. But managing your record? That needs attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Every motoring offence recognised by the DVLA is assigned a code that appears on your driving record and can affect your insurance and driving eligibility.
Most drivers are disqualified if they accumulate 12 points within 3 years. For new drivers, the limit is just 6 points in the first 2 years after passing.
Failing to disclose convictions or points can void your policy. Even if your claim is unrelated, the insurer can cancel your cover or refuse to pay out.
No. Some codes are red flags — like DR10 for drink-driving or IN10 for no insurance. Others, like SP30 for speeding, are viewed as lower risk but still affect premiums.
No. Once endorsements expire — usually after 4 or 11 years — they’re automatically removed from your DVLA record. However, insurers may still ask about them for 5 years.
No. A ban is separate from points. Once the disqualification ends, any active points remain until their own expiry date — unless the court orders otherwise.
Yes. Many employers request a DVLA licence check code before hiring for roles that involve driving. Offences can affect job eligibility, especially for fleet or delivery work.
Only if you appeal the conviction itself through the courts. Once a code is endorsed and no appeal is filed, it can’t be removed unless the conviction is overturned.