Driving Ban

[jack_s]

I have 3 points on my licence from just over 2 years ago. I have recently come back into the country and started a job 70 miles from home, hence a new car and driving everyday. Unfortunately there are numerous roadworks around here and I have just received 3 speeding tickets, all 3 received in the post after the last 1 was incurred, each for 10 miles an hour over, even though they were rush hour and was just flowing with the traffic - no excuse, I know. I know it will have to go to court, but what are the likely outcomes ??

[naz_nomad]

A person whose penalty points reach 12 or more in a period of 3 years is liable to be disqualified

3 + 3x3 = 12 ... bye bye license...

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/endorsem.htm

[Catso]

Welcome to GB. Good 'ere, innit?

[JudgeJ]

As naz_nomad explains so succinctly, you are likely to be disqualified for a minimum of six months.

Assuming you accept the conditional offer of a fixed penalty for each of the recent three offences, the third will not be processed as it takes you to the 12 point limit. Instead you will be summonsed to court with a warning that you face disqualification.

You do not have to attend bit if you do not the case will be heard in your absence. The magistrates may well decide to impose a fine and points equivalent to the fixed penalty (�60 and 3pts) but they will also disqualify you under the �totting up� process.

If you attend you will be offered the opportunity to explain to the court what effect a disqualification will have upon you, and what, if any, �exceptional hardship� you or others may face as a result.

If your argument concerning exceptional hardship is successful the magistrates have the discretion to disqualify you for a lesser period than the mandatory six months, or not at all. Beware, though. The argument is a tough one and the usual effects such as loss of job are not generally considered �exceptional�.

[bob57]

if your case comes to before your the end of your three years is up you will probably lose your licence under the totting up procedure
but if it comes up after your three years you could come away with a heafty fine and nine points on your licence
it is possible to plead with the judge to keep your licence under some circumstance ie-: you need it to keep your job and possibly if you are between 55-65 you'll probably be unable to get another job because of age
I know this has happened before as a friend of mine had the same situation as yourself and he was able to keep his licence
but best advice anyone can give you is to get a good lawyer on your case
best of luck

[JudgeJ]

sorry, bob, but hoping that the case is delayed long enough to avoid a ban under "totting-up" is a no-hoper.

It is the dates of the offences which count for these purposes. If the offence which takes the driver to 12 points is committed within three years of the first, then a ban is mandatory unless "exceptional hardship" can be shown.