Thousands of motorists are still legally permitted to drive despite racking up at least 12 penalty points for speeding, according to a recent investigation that exposed the true scale of the issue across British roads.
The RAC conducted the research and is now demanding urgent action from ministers, calling for persistent offenders to be forced to install special technology to prevent them from breaking the law again. Data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows that 4,154 people are currently escaping standard disqualifications. Usually, drivers face an automatic ban if they reach the 12-point threshold within three years.
Exceptional Hardship Loophole
Drivers typically receive between three and six points depending on how fast they were travelling. Accumulating 12 points usually triggers a six-month ban unless magistrates are convinced it would cause exceptional hardship. However, the latest statistics show that 117 people have managed to rack up more than 20 points from speeding alone. Even more worryingly, two drivers have amassed 43 and 45 points on their licences but have been allowed to continue driving by the courts, as a ban would have caused exceptional hardship. The data also reveals 101 drivers with 20 to 29 points and 14 with 30 to 39 points.
RAC Campaign for Speed-Limiting Devices
The RAC is actively supporting the new Stop Excessive Speeders campaign to change current legislation. They want courts to have the power to order mandatory speed-limiting equipment on offenders' cars. Eight out of 10 drivers surveyed said they would support proposals for anyone caught excessively speeding, or who has been caught speeding multiple times, to have an 'Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance' device fitted to their car to prevent them exceeding the limit again.
Speaking ahead of a parliamentary event about tackling speeding, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "It's very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more, which would normally lead to them losing their licences. A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again. Our research identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have these devices. We urge the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles. This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads."
Government Response
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Speeding is dangerous and drivers who accumulate 12 points will have their licence disqualified in all but exceptional circumstances. Courts are responsible for deciding whether a ban should not be imposed where exceptional hardship is established. Our road safety strategy sets out action to strengthen road safety enforcement, and we have recently consulted on changes to the motoring offences framework, including how penalty points, licence disqualification, licence suspension and vehicle seizure can be used effectively for the most serious offenders."
