The simple mistakes UK drivers do in their car that can land them with points (2025)

These little known things could land you with points on your licence and fines of up to £5k

UK drivers have been warned to avoid doing these little known things that could result in getting points on their licence.

While most people are aware of the risk of points due to speeding or dangerous driving, these ten things could also risk scoring you points on your licence.

If UK drivers get up to 12 points on their licence in less than a three-year period, they could be disqualified from driving for a minimum of six months and may have to retake their driving test in order to continue. For new drivers, they can not exceed six points in a two-year period.

To avoid scoring those dreaded points, UK drivers must ensure they are clued up on what is and isn't allowed while driving.

Nyo Logan, tyre content manager at tyre company BlackCircles, said: “If you get 12 points on your driving licence in less than a three-year period, this could result in you being disqualified from driving. If you are a new driver and receive 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test, your license will be revoked.

“Getting points on your licence also increases your car insurance policy, as your insurance provider will want to be informed about your motoring convictions. For these reasons, it is important to keep in mind any offences that would add points to your licence and ensure that you are safe on the road.”

Ten things to avoid doing as a UK driver

Wearing dark sunglasses

While wearing sunglasses while driving isn't in itself illegal, sunglasses that are very dark and only transmit 3-8 per cent of light are illegal to wear whilst driving. These are a hazard because they can affect your sight.

Drivers caught wearing these sunglasses could face a hefty £5,000 fine and nine penalty points.

Smoking or vaping in your car

Smoking or vaping in your car is not illegal in itself, however, you could be charged if you are caught with your driver’s screen covered in smoke.

Under the careless or dangerous driving provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2003, it can be considered that a smoke-covered screen may lead to an accident, and you could face three to nine points on your licence. The DVLA also states that those caught could be fined as high as £2,500.

Eating and drinking while driving

It can be tempting to eat and drink while driving, but if caught doing so, you could be accused of not being in proper control of your motor vehicle.

You could be fined up to £200 and have six points on your licence.

Having a cluttered dashboard

You may want to customise your car’s interiors, but this could lead to penalties. Although not illegal, drivers caught with a cluttered dashboard that is deemed a distraction could land you a fine of £100 and three points on your licence.

For those who are confused as to where Sat Navs should go on your dashboard, the recommendation is that they should be placed at the bottom right corner of your windscreen to avoid screen obstruction.

Letting your dog hang its head out of the window

Your furry friend might want to hand its head out of the car window during journeys. but Rule 57 of the Highway Code prohibits this. The rule states that your dog should be safely secured when travelling to avoid distraction or injury.

If caught, drivers could expect up to six points on their licence and even a £5,000 fine.

If you haven’t had an eye test

It is very important for drivers to have regular eye tests and, if needed, wear glasses while driving. Drivers with poor eyesight could face up to £1,000 fine and a three-point penalty. This is particularly important for older drivers, as eyesight can change regularly.

Road rage

If you are caught shouting, using abusive language, or making rude hand gestures, you could be convicted of dangerous or careless driving under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act. Drivers caught can face a £1,000 fine and three points on their licence.

Found sleeping in your vehicle

Being found asleep in your car can add points to your license. If you are under the influence of alcohol and you are found with your keys in your car, you may be breaching Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1998. Even if you are not operating the car, you could face 10 points on your license.

Riding an electric scooter over the alcohol limit

Operating an electric scooter while over the alcohol limit can add points to your licence and even a driving ban. Doing so could result in you receiving a minimum of six points on your licence and even a criminal conviction.

Not fitting child's seat properly

It is very important for your child’s seat to be properly fitted into your vehicle so that there is no risk of distraction or injury whilst you are driving. Drivers caught with a seat that is not properly fitted could face a fine of up to £500 and three points on their driver’s licence.