Nearly five million penalty points issued in 2025
New research has found that nearly five million penalty points were issued to UK drivers last year.
According to analysis by Uswitch, 4,839,104 penalty points were issued for driving offences in 2025.
Of these, 2,981,795 points were for speeding on a public road, 683,881 were for speeding on a motorway, 373,165 were for driving without insurance, 235,135 were for failing to provide information as to the driver’s identity, and 202,033 points were issued for breaching requirements to control the vehicle, such as using a phone.
Despite this, Uswitch data found that only half of drivers surveyed (51%) believe penalty points are effective at reducing dangerous driving.
Uswitch insurance expert Leoni Moninska said: “Penalty points can remain on your driving record for either four or 11 years depending on the offence, and can increase your car insurance costs.
“For example, between August 2025 to January 2026, drivers with one conviction were quoted on average 21% more than those with none. Disclosing your points is a legal obligation and insurers have access to your DVLA records, so it’s important that you do.”
