Driving Offence Codes List

What is the "Driving Offence Code"?

Under the driving offence code, there are around 20 unique offences you can break. If these driving offences are broken it can lead to either a fine, points on your licence or a court date - or a mixture of a few of them.

We have outlined some of these driving offence codes below:

What is a Speed Awareness Course?

A speed awareness course is an educational course offered as an alternative to receiving penalty points on your driving license and paying a fine for certain low-level speeding offenses. The course is designed to raise awareness about the consequences of speeding and encourages safer driving behaviour.

Here are some key details about speed awareness courses in the UK:

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for attending a speed awareness course vary among different police forces and jurisdictions. Generally, the following factors are considered:

• The nature of the offense: Typically, only minor speeding offenses within a certain threshold are eligible.
• Previous driving history: Drivers who have recently attended a speed awareness course or have certain other convictions may not be eligible.
• Jurisdiction: Each police force or local authority may have its own eligibility criteria.

Course Content: The speed awareness course is usually a classroom-based session led by experienced driving instructors. The content of the course focuses on:

• The risks and consequences of speeding.
• The importance of adhering to speed limits.
• How to recognize and manage different driving conditions.
• Strategies for maintaining appropriate speeds and safe driving habits.

Duration and Cost: The duration of a speed awareness course is typically half a day or a full day, depending on the course provider. The cost of the course is borne by the driver and varies depending on the location but is generally comparable to the fine for the offense.

Impact on Driving Record: Attending a speed awareness course allows drivers to avoid receiving penalty points on their driving license for the specific offense. It also means that the offense does not need to be disclosed to insurance companies in some cases. However, attendance is usually recorded by the police, and if the driver commits another speeding offense within a specified period (usually three years), they will not be offered a speed awareness course as an option for the subsequent offense.

It's important to note that speed awareness courses are discretionary and not available for all speeding offenses. The availability, eligibility criteria, and specific details of the courses are at the discretion of the local police force to where the offence was committed.

What is the penalty for a mobile phone driving offence?

In the UK, the penalty for driving whilst holding a phone depends on the specific circumstances of the offense and whether it is categorised as a "mobile phone offense" or "using a handheld device while driving."

The penalties for such offenses are as follows:

1. Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN): If you are caught driving while holding a mobile phone or using a handheld device, you can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice, which consists of:

   • A fine of £200.
   • Six penalty points added to your driving license.

2. Court Summons: In more serious cases or if the offense is contested, the police may choose to pursue the offense through court proceedings. If found guilty, the penalties can be more severe and determined by the court, including:

   • A fine of up to £1,000.
   • Discretionary disqualification from driving.

It's worth noting that penalty points on a driving license can have various consequences, such as increased insurance premiums, potential license suspension if a certain number of points accumulate, and the possibility of being a new driver losing their license if they accrue six or more points within two years of passing their driving test.

Additionally, it's important to highlight that using a hands-free device while driving is legal in the UK. However, the driver must remain in full control of the vehicle and not be distracted, as being distracted can still be considered an offense under the broader "not being in proper control of a vehicle" category, which carries penalties similar to those for using a handheld device while driving.

Laws and penalties can change, so it's always advisable to consult the latest available guidelines or seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding penalties for driving while holding a phone in the UK.

Speeding Offence Codes

Speeding offenses are categorised and identified using specific offense codes. The offense codes are part of the National Offence Classification (NOC) system used by the police and courts to record and process various types of offenses, including speeding violations.

The typical offense code used for speeding here in the UK is SP30. Here is a breakdown of the SP30 offense code:

• Offense Code: SP30
• Description: Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road
• Penalty Points: 3
• Endorsement Code: SP (Speeding Endorsement)
• Fine: The amount of the fine can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the severity of the offense and the speed recorded, but is typically £100.

When a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit on a public road in the UK, the SP30 offense code is typically used to record and classify the offense. The driver will receive 3 penalty points on their driving license, and a fine may be imposed. The fine amount can vary and is typically determined by the court based on guidelines and the driver's specific circumstances.

The other speeding codes (SP10, SP20, SP40 & SP50) are less common, but typically consist of the same points & fine structure.

What is the process for receiving a speeding fine?

1. Detection: The driver's speed is detected by a speed measurement device, such as a radar gun, speed camera, or average speed camera system. The device records the speed at which the vehicle was traveling.

2. Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP): If the driver's speed is found to be in excess of the speed limit, a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) is usually sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the offense. The NIP informs the registered keeper that an offense has been committed and requests the driver's details.

3. Driver Identification: The registered keeper of the vehicle is required to provide the details of the driver at the time of the offense. If the registered keeper was the driver, they can provide their own details. Failing to provide the driver's details without a reasonable excuse is a separate offense.

4. Conditional Offer or Summons: Once the driver's details are obtained, the police may proceed in one of two ways:

   a. Conditional Offer: For less severe speeding offenses, the police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty. This typically involves a fine, penalty points on the driver's license, and the option to attend a speed awareness course (if eligible). The driver can choose to accept the offer and pay the fine, or they can challenge the offense in court.

   b. Summons: In more serious cases or if the driver rejects the conditional offer, the police may initiate court proceedings by issuing a summons. The driver will receive a court summons, and the case will be heard in a Magistrates' Court.

5. Court Proceedings: If the case goes to court, the driver will have to attend the Magistrates' Court on the specified date. They can represent themselves or seek legal representation. The court will hear the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence and then make a judgment. If found guilty, the court may impose a fine, penalty points, and potentially disqualification from driving, depending on the circumstances.

Avoiding Speeding Penalties with Road Angel Pure

Having a Road Angel Pure can be the difference between receiving a speeding ticket or not. By owning a Road Angel Pure device, you are ensuring that you are safe on the road as you will know where speed cameras are located.