PENALTY points are added to a UK driving licence when someone breaks the law.
But how long do the points stay on your licence? This is all you need to know.
How long do penalty points stay on your driving licence?
Penalty points are awarded when a driver is convicted of a motoring offence, from speeding to causing death by dangerous driving.
Points will remain on your licence for either four or 11 years depending on the offence.
This means your insurance is likely to increase during this time.
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The start date is either from the day of conviction - if you're punished for dangerous driving or if you've been disqualified - and in all other circumstances, from the day of offence.
The 11 year so-called "endorsement" is usually reserved for causing death by careless driving.
Every penalty point you gain from this system stays on your driving record for four or 11 years, depending on the nature of the offence.
How can I get points removed from my licence?
There is no way to remove the points from your licence once they're marked, as in most cases you have to wait at least four years until they expire.
But, if you receive a penalty for speeding, you will sometimes be given the option to attend a speed awareness course instead if you fulfil the criteria.
The scheme allows motorists who have committed minor offences to do a course with the aim of improving their behaviour while on the road.
How many points can I get before being banned?
Each endorsement has a special code, corresponding to penalty points on a scale from 1 to 11.
The more serious offence, the higher the number of points.
For example, failing to stop after an accident could give you up to 10 points, while driving while disqualified hands you six.
Getting 12 or more penalty points within three years can disqualify you from driving.
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New drivers face even harsher rules.
If you get six or more points within two years of passing your test, your licence can be cancelled or revoked.
Plus, any points from your provisional licence, that occur while learning, will also be carried over to your full one.