Thousands of motorists who have accumulated enough speeding points to lose their licence are still legally driving on UK roads, according to new figures analysed by the RAC.
Data obtained from the DVLA shows 4,154 drivers currently have 12 or more penalty points for speeding offences but continue to hold a valid driving entitlement after courts accepted that a driving ban would cause exceptional hardship.
Among the most notable cases:
- 117 drivers have more than 20 speeding points
- 14 drivers have between 30 and 39 points
- Two drivers have amassed 43 and 45 points
Under the normal totting-up rules, reaching 12 points would usually result in a driving ban.
Technology Proposed for Repeat Offenders
The RAC is supporting the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which wants courts to have the option of requiring repeat speeding offenders to install Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) devices.
The technology works differently from the speed warning systems fitted to many new cars. Rather than simply alerting drivers when they exceed the limit, IISA can actively prevent a vehicle from travelling above the legal speed limit, except in defined emergency circumstances.
Campaigners argue the approach could help reduce reoffending while allowing drivers who demonstrate exceptional hardship to continue travelling for work or family commitments.
Strong Public Support
Research cited by the campaign found that eight in ten drivers would support the use of speed-limiting technology for motorists who repeatedly break speed limits or are caught driving at excessive speeds.
The RAC also points to Government road casualty data showing speeding was a contributory factor in one in five fatal road collisions during 2024.
