12 Common UK Driving Offences, And the Penalties That Come With Them

Whether you’re hiring a van for a job in Strood, moving house across Kent, or just getting from A to B, it’s important to know where you stand when it comes to driving offences. The UK uses a points-based system for road violations, and racking up too many can affect your ability to hire a vehicle.

At Hire2You, we prioritise safety and trust. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the 12 most common driving offences in the UK,  including how many points they carry, what the DVLA codes mean, and what we can and can’t accept when it comes to hiring a van or car.

1. Speeding (SP Offences)

Code Examples:SP30 (Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road), SP50 (Exceeding speed limit on a motorway)

• Points: 3–6

• Fine: £100 fixed penalty, up to £2,500 if taken to court

• Endorsement Length: 4 years from the offence date

• Note: You may be offered a speed awareness course instead of points in minor cases.

Hire2You Accepts:SP offences, if total points are 6 or fewer.

2. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving (CU80)

Code:CU80 (Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone)

• Points: 6

• Fine: £200

• Endorsement Length: 4 years

• Note: If you’re within 2 years of passing your test, this can lead to disqualification.

Hire2You Accepts:CU80 may be accepted as long as you have no more than 6 total points.

3. Driving Without Insurance (IN10)

Code:IN10 (Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks)

• Points: 6–8

• Fine: Unlimited

• Impact: Vehicle can be seized or destroyed

• Endorsement Length: 4 years

Hire2You Does Not Accept:IN10 offences under any circumstance.

4. Driving Without a Licence (LC20, LC30)

Codes:

• LC20 (Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence)

• LC30 (Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence)

• Points: 3–6

• Fine: Up to £1,000

• Endorsement Length: 4 years

Hire2You Does Not Accept:Drivers with expired bans or serious licence offences.

5. Careless or Dangerous Driving (CD and DD Offences)

Codes:

• CD10 (Driving without due care and attention)

• DD40 (Dangerous driving)

• Points:
  • Careless driving (CD): 3–9

  • Dangerous driving (DD): Mandatory disqualification + 3–11 points

• Fines: £100–unlimited

• Impact: Prison sentence possible for serious offences

Hire2You Does Not Accept:Any dangerous driving offences or those involving disqualification.

6. Running a Red Light (TS10)

Code:TS10 (Failing to comply with traffic light signals)

• Points: 3

• Fine: £100 fixed penalty

• Endorsement Length: 4 years

Hire2You Accepts:TS10 if total points are 6 or fewer.

7. Drink Driving (DR Offences)

Codes:

• DR10 (Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above the limit)

• DR20 (Driving while unfit through drink)

• Points: 3–11 (depending on circumstances)

• Fine: Unlimited

• Disqualification: Mandatory 12–60 month ban

• Impact: Serious criminal offence

Hire2You Does Not Accept:Any DR-coded offences or previous bans, even if expired.

8. Drug Driving (DG Offences)

Codes:

• DG10 (Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above limit)

• DG60 (Causing death by careless driving with drug level above limit)

• Points: 3–11

• Fine: Unlimited

• Disqualification: At least 12 months

• Note: Includes prescription and illegal drugs

Hire2You Does Not Accept:Any drug driving offences under DG codes.

9. Not Wearing a Seatbelt (CU50)

Code:CU50 (Seatbelt offence)

• Points: None (usually results in a fine only)

• Fine: £100

• Note: Can escalate if combined with careless driving.

Hire2You Accepts:Not a disqualifying offence.

10. Vehicle in Dangerous Condition (CU20, CU30)

Codes:

• CU20 (Defective tyres)

• CU30 (Defective brakes)

• Points: 3 per fault

• Fine: Up to £2,500

• Endorsement Length: 4 years

Hire2You Accepts:If total points are under 6 and no safety risk is present.

11. Failing to Stop After an Accident (AC10)

Code:AC10 (Failing to stop after an accident)

• Points: 5–10

• Fine: Unlimited

• Impact: Up to 6 months imprisonment

• Endorsement Length: 4 years

Hire2You Does Not Accept:Any offence with a previous ban or serious criminal element.

12. Driving Without a Valid MOT (No Specific Code)

• Points: None

• Fine: £1,000

• Impact: Insurance may be invalid

• Note: Does not usually apply to hire vehicles — all Hire2You vehicles are MOT compliant and road legal.

What’s Acceptable at Hire2You?

We aim to make van and car hire in Kent simple, straightforward and safe, but we do have clear eligibility rules.

You can hire from us if:

• You have 6 or fewer points on your licence

• Your offences are minor (e.g., speeding, mobile phone use)

• You have no history of driving disqualifications

You cannot hire from us if:

• You have more than 6 points

• You have any of the following offence codes:
  • DR (Drink Driving)

  • DG (Drug Driving)

  • IN10 (Driving Without Insurance)

• You’ve ever had a driving ban, even if it has expired

We carry out a full check using the DVLA Licence Check Service to ensure all drivers meet our safety and insurance requirements.

Ready to Hire a Van or Car in Kent?

At Hire2You, we offer flexible, same-day vehicle hire across Strood, Medway, and the wider Kent area. Whether you’re moving house, delivering goods, or heading to a job site, we’ve got the right van or car for you.

• No deposit

• No credit check

• No hassle

Check availability and book online now at Hire2You