In road traffic law, totting up refers to the accumulation of penalty points on your driving licence. When a certain number of points are exceeded, it can result in a driving ban. At Auriga advocates we understand the negative impacts of a driving ban and are committed to helping motorists retain their licence when possible.

What is a totting up ban?

A totting-up ban is defined as the automatic driving disqualification of a driver when they accumulate a total of 12 or more points on their driving licence within a three-year period.

How long do you get banned for totting up?

At minimum, totting up usually results in a six-month driving disqualification. The minimum ban is 12 months if the driver has a previous disqualification for 56 days or more within the last 3 years.

How to avoid a totting up ban

Aside from keeping points off your license, a totting up ban is avoidable if the court accepts an exceptional hardship application. These applications are likelier to succeed when assessed and managed by experienced driving offence solicitors.

Can you appeal a totting up ban?

If the Magistrates' Court rejects a driver’s exceptional hardship application, they have 21 days to make appeal to the Crown Court. They can also apply to have their driving ban suspended when appeals are pending.

Can I drive once my totting up ban is up?

If all requirements are met, motorists can return to driving once the totting-up ban ends. If the ban is for 56 days (or less), driving licences are reinstated automatically.

Are points wiped after a ban?

After the ban, is finished points are removed from the driver’s licence. However, the disqualification is kept on record for around four years and can have a bearing on other driving offences.

What can happen if a new driver accumulates 6 or more points within the first 2 years of driving?

In the UK, if a new driver accumulates six or more points on the first two years after they pass their test, their licence is revoked.

They must apply for a provisional licence again and must retake the practical and theory driving tests. They cannot drive until they re-obtain their full driving licence.

If you are currently facing a totting up ban, get in touch with our team today at Auriga Advocates for expert advice.