HINTS & TIPS
12 British driving
offences that carry
penalty points –
and how many
» » DRIVING OFFENCES
which are generally penalised
with penalty points as well as
a fine in the UK have been
revealed.
From three penalty points
for traffic light offences
to ten for failing to report
an accident, each breach
of the law that could hurt
drivers’ licences as well
as their pockets has been
highlighted.
Other infringements that
could see Brits hit with points
include failure to have a full
view of the road and traffic
ahead and inconsiderate
driving.
British drivers who
accumulate 12 or more
penalty points through
motoring offences within a
three-year period can be
banned from driving for up to
six months (or more if they’ve
if it’s not their first ban), if
disqualification is not applied
anyway at a court’s discretion
for a more serious incident.
Accumulating six or more
penalty points within two
years of passing your driving
test also leads to a licence
withdrawal and re-test
requirement.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.
co.uk said: “Safety should
be every vehicle owner’s
priority when driving and
we’re always right behind
the police’s efforts to remove
dangerous drivers from the
roads. Motorists should be
acutely aware that breaking
the law while behind the
wheel doesn’t just mean
paying a fine and forgetting
about it.
“It will land them with
penalty points on their
licence, which could
ultimately lead to a ban from
driving and potentially affect
your job. We’ve highlighted
the 12 UK driving offences
where disqualification isn’t
immediately obligatory and
how many penalty points
they can carry, to urge any
drivers who might consider
bending the rules to think
again.”
1. Failing to stop after an
accident or failing to
report an accident –
5 to 10 points
2. Careless and
inconsiderate driving –
3 to 9 points
3. Driving without insurance
– 6 to 8 points
4. Using a hand held mobile
phone when driving –
6 points
5. Failing to identify the
driver of a vehicle –
6 points
6. Driving when disqualified
– 6 points
7. Speeding – 3 to 6 points
or 3 points fixed penalty
8. Driving after refusal or
revocation of licence on
medical grounds –
3 to 6 points
9. Driving otherwise than
in accordance with a
licence – 3 to 6 points
10. Failure to have proper
control of the vehicle or
full view of the road and
traffic ahead – 3 points
11. Using a vehicle in a
dangerous condition –
3 points in each case
12. Traffic light offences –
3 points
Can I park my
van at home?
» » VAN DRIVERS WHO PARK
their vehicles at home
overnight are being urged to
check whether they’re staying
within the law…
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.
co.uk said: “If you’re working
for yourself or set off early in
the morning, then parking your
van at home makes sense. But
it is important to check all the
rules and regulations around
doing that. It’s not as simple
as just letting your neighbours
know. You need to check
deeds, clarify the position of
your local council and make
sure you’re aware of any
parking restrictions.”
Here are LeaseVan.co.uk’s
tips for parking your van at
home.
Company rules
Before you take a work
van home, make sure your
employer allows vans to be
parked off-site overnight.
Check your deeds
Generally, it’s fine to park a
work van on your drive or in the
garage. But, check the deeds
of your house in case there
are any planning restrictions or
enforced covenants which say
you can’t park trade vehicles at
the property.
Insurance
Let your insurers know
you’ll be parking at your
home address to check it’s
covered. If not you could
invalidate your cover.
Parking restrictions
Check there are no parking
restrictions on your street.
If you live in a controlled
parking area, check the times.
If you use a resident’s permit,
confirm with the local council
that vans are not excluded. If
there are no restrictions, make
sure you’re parked further
than 10m from a junction.
Weight of the vehicle
If your van weighs over 7.5
tonnes it must not be parked
on a verge or pavement unless
you have police permission. If it
weighs more than 2,500kg and
is left on the street, between
sunset and sunrise, the lights
must be left on. If your van
weighs less, you can leave
the lights off if the road has a
speed limit of 30mph or less.
Neighbours
Be mindful of your
neighbours. They may not
appreciate a huge van parked
in front of your house or on
the drive.
JUL/AUG 2019
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