Licence points issued to drivers in Britain rises by 12% as speeding named most common driving offence

16 October 2025

• Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that there was a 12% increase in points issued to drivers in Britain in 2024, with speeding on a public road the most common offence. *
• The member-owned business found that, regionally, drivers from the South West of England receive points at the highest rate. **
• Meanwhile, 35–44-year-olds receive the most licence points of any age group, with motorists aged 65 and over receiving the fewest.
• This comes as Co-op Insurance reminds motorists to drive safely on the roads ahead of the winter months.

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance shows that the number of penalty points received by drivers on Britain’s roads rose by 12% in 2024.

The member-owned business found that this increase forms part of a rising trend in the number of points being issued to drivers since 2021, according to figures from the DVLA, which indicates a potentially significant uptick in the amount of driving offences committed.

Meanwhile, the findings also revealed that speeding on public roads and speeding on motorways were the most common driving offences in both 2023 and 2024, followed by driving a vehicle that’s uninsured against third party risks.

What’s more, regionally, the data shows that points are issued to drivers in the South West of England at the highest rate, followed by the East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber. Conversely, Londoners receive points at the lowest rate, just ahead of licence holders in Scotland and the North East.

In addition, the age group that receives the most points on their licence for driving offences are those between 35 and 44 followed by 45 and 54-year-olds and 55 to 64-year-olds, whilst drivers who are 65 and over tend to have the fewest.

In the UK, points issued on a driving licence will reflect the severity of the offence and stay on the licence for four to 11 years, depending on the type of offence.

Speeding on a public road or motorway will see drivers handed between three and six points with a £100 fine unless they’re given the option of a speed awareness course.

However, in the event that the individual pleads not guilty to receipt of a fixed penalty notice but the court finds against them, they’ll receive a fine of up to £1000 if the offence took place on a public road and up to £2,500 if it took place on a motorway. They could also potentially be disqualified from driving or have their licence suspended. ***

Meanwhile, when it comes to driving without valid insurance, the police could give an individual a fixed penalty of £300 and six to eight points on their licence. However, if the case goes to court, the individual could receive an unlimited fine and even be disqualified from driving. What’s more, the police have the power to seize and, in some instances, destroy the vehicle being driven uninsured. ****

In addition, to fines and a potential driving ban, should an individual receive an IN10 conviction, it will stay on their records for four years and they, in turn, they could face much higher insurance premiums as a result. However, speeding can also lead to an increase in premiums once the insurer is informed of receipt of points.

Therefore, Co-op Insurance is reminding motorists to drive safely on the roads ahead of the winter months when the roads tend to be more dangerous and check that their insurance is valid getting before behind the wheel.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:

“Driving is a crucial part of everyday life for so many people, whether that’s for work or leisure.

“However, our findings indicate that there has been an increase in the number of driving offences committed, shown by a rise in the number of licence points issued to motorists on Britain’s roads.

“Accumulating points for both speeding and driving without insurance can lead to higher premiums, and even disqualification from driving, due to insurers deeming drivers to be a greater risk should they receive 12 or more points on their licence.

“We’re therefore encouraging motorists to ensure that they drive safely and to ensure that they’re covered so that they can avoid penalties, save money and reduce the risk of accidents whilst on the roads.”

Find out more about Co-op Car Insurance: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/car-insurance

-ENDS-

Notes to the editor

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance. Points data as of 2 August 2025. Driving offences data as of 30 August 2025.

*The data shows the number of penalty points held on all licence holder’s records, this includes current, expired, non-licence holders and non-GB licence holders, broken down by year issued and total number of points:

Most common driving offences in 2023 and 2024: 1. SP30 – Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road 2. SP50 – Exceeding speed limit on a motorway 3. IN10 – Using a vehicle uninsured against the third-party risks.

** Per 1,000 people – regional population based on 2021 census figures

*** https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties

**** https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-without-insurance

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op: Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Owned by over 6 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 6,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 54,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.