Newly released data has exposed a shocking pattern of repeat offending by drivers who ignore red traffic lights, with more than 1,500 motorists convicted on multiple occasions over a four-year period.
Scale of Repeat Offending Revealed
Figures obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show that a total of 1,548 drivers were convicted for repeatedly failing to stop at red lights between late 2021 and October 2025. Among these serial offenders, the data reveals particularly alarming cases.
Two drivers were caught and convicted five separate times for ignoring red signals. A further seven motorists were caught on four occasions, and 54 individuals were stopped and convicted three times.
Endorsements and Expert Warnings
These offences typically result in a TS10 endorsement on a driver's licence, which remains valid for four years from the date of the offence. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, issued a stern warning about the findings.
"Sadly, it appears that being caught once isn't a sufficient deterrent for some drivers who continue to dangerously put others at risk," Mr Lyes stated. He emphasised the role of enforcement cameras in the absence of police patrols, sending a clear message that ignoring a red light will lead to penalties.
Lyes also highlighted a dangerous trend among some motorists: "Some have also got themselves into a bad habit of seeing an amber and speeding up to beat the signals." He reiterated that The Highway Code is unambiguous: amber means stop unless you have crossed the stop line or are so close that stopping could cause an accident.
Related Offences and Highway Code Rules
The same DVLA dataset uncovered other serious traffic violations. In the four years leading up to 11 October 2025, 13 people were convicted for failing to stop for a school crossing patrol, commonly known as a lollipop person. These offences carry a TS60 endorsement.
Rule 176 of The Highway Code provides clear instructions for drivers approaching traffic lights:
- You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing.
- Only proceed on green if there is space to clear the junction safely or if you are positioning to turn right.
- If lights are faulty, treat the junction as unmarked and proceed with great care.
The persistence of these offences suggests a concerning disregard for road safety laws designed to protect all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The data serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic signals to prevent potentially catastrophic collisions.
