penalty points - valid for??

[craigw]

Quick question guys.. I got 3 points in Oct 1997. I thought they were only valid for 3 years, just sent off to DVLA and they came back and said they are valid for 4 years?? Anyone know the answer?

[JSG]

As far as I know they are only live, ie count for totting up for three years but can't be removed from your licence for four years. JSG. Edited by JSG on Monday 4th June 14:03

[craigw]

Thanks for that. I wonder if they will take into account that they are not valid when I stand up in court next week?

[richb]

I expect this depends on what the points were for? However I always thought speeding points are for 3 years? So it would seem logical that after 3 years you get them removed from your licence? Perhaps one for John to clarify??? Rich...

[JSG]

Craig, You should be ok. You give your licence to the court usher and the magistrate is just told that it is 'clean as far as todays offence is concerned' or something similar. Good luck.

[HECTOR]

Craig, I have been in this situation before,the points are definitely only 'live'for 3 years but remain a further year to scar your license.Court tried to ban me once when 3 of my points had expired but had not been on my license for 4 years.Clerk of the court claimed he had made a mistake,I wonder !

[craigw]

thanks for all your advice etc guys. been sh**ting myself a bit. I know its my own fault but its still a bit gutting..

[john robson]

as JSG states valid for 3 yrs on for 4yrs. somethings like drink/drive stay for 10yrs. The relevant date though is from date of conviction not date of offence, when they are on your licence, but if you are appearing at court again then they look at how many points were 'live' when you committed the offence, this is to stop people delaying going to court till points are over three years old to escape bans (if that makes sense) Edited by john robson on Tuesday 5th June 10:29