Shocking DVLA figures reveal drivers with up to 45 speeding points still legally behind the wheel
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
More than 4,000 motorists who have accumulated enough penalty points for speeding offences to trigger a driving ban are still legally driving on UK roads, according to new data released ahead of a Parliamentary event focused on excessive speeding.
Analysis of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data obtained through a Freedom of Information request found that 4,154 drivers currently hold 12 or more penalty points for speeding offences, despite the threshold normally resulting in disqualification under the UK’s “totting up” rules.
The figures reveal that 117 of these drivers have amassed more than 20 speeding-related penalty points. Among the most serious cases, two motorists have accumulated 43 and 45 points respectively but remain licensed to drive after courts accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship.
The data also identified 101 drivers with between 20 and 29 points on their licences, while a further 14 drivers have accumulated between 30 and 39 points. The findings have reignited concerns about the effectiveness of current sanctions for repeat speeding offenders and whether existing court exemptions are being used too frequently.
More than 4,000 drivers with 12 or more speeding penalty points have avoided disqualification, prompting renewed calls for technology-based interventions to tackle repeat offenders.
The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which is calling on the Government to introduce new powers allowing courts to require repeat and excessive speeders to use technology that physically prevents vehicles from exceeding speed limits. The campaign will be showcased to MPs at a Parliamentary event taking place today.
The proposed technology, known as Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA), differs from the advisory speed assistance systems now fitted to many new vehicles. While advisory systems warn drivers when they exceed speed limits, IISA actively restricts a vehicle from travelling above the permitted speed, except in specific emergency situations that are recorded for review.
Supporters of the measure point to public backing for stronger action against repeat offenders. RAC research conducted as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy consultation found that 86% of drivers support additional measures targeting excessive speeding. Separate research commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign found that eight in 10 drivers would support mandatory installation of IISA technology for motorists caught repeatedly or excessively speeding.
The campaign’s calls come as Department for Transport casualty data for 2024 showed that exceeding the speed limit was recorded as a contributory factor in one in five fatal road collisions. While the Government’s recently published Road Safety Strategy highlights the role of advisory speed assistance technology in improving vehicle safety, it does not include proposals for using intervening speed assistance as a targeted measure for repeat speeding offenders.
Simon Williams, RAC Head of Policy, 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 – and for very good reason given that speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads.
“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 also identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have 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 – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”
A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign said: “Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of death on our roads, and the public clearly recognises the need for action. What our research shows is that people instinctively understand the link between tackling dangerous driving and saving lives.
“Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance is a practical, proportionate solution, targeting repeat offenders while allowing the vast majority of drivers to go about their daily lives without disruption.”
