For many drivers in Northern Ireland, a speeding ticket can feel like an unwelcome but isolated incident. However, accumulating penalty points can have significant consequences for your driving licence. At McPartland & Sons Solicitors, serving drivers across Northern Ireland, we often encounter questions about the impact of multiple speeding offences. So, what exactly does receiving two speeding tickets mean for your licence here?
It’s crucial to understand that the repercussions of speeding tickets in Northern Ireland operate on a penalty point system. Each speeding offence carries a specific number of penalty points, and accumulating too many within a certain timeframe can lead to a driving disqualification.
The Penalty Point System in Northern Ireland:
In Northern Ireland, the penalty points for speeding offences typically range from three to six points, depending on the severity of the speeding and the road type. For example, exceeding the limit by a small margin in a 30 mph zone might result in three points, while significantly exceeding the limit on a motorway could lead to six points.
These penalty points remain on your driving record for four years from the date of the offence. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points over three years, you will face disqualification from driving.
The Immediate Impact of Two Speeding Tickets:
The immediate consequence of receiving two speeding tickets depends on the number of penalty points each carries and the time frame within which they were issued. Let’s consider a few scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Two Lower-End Offences: If both speeding tickets resulted in the minimum of three penalty points each, you would accumulate six penalty points. While this doesn’t trigger an immediate disqualification, it places you halfway to the 12-point threshold. Any further traffic offences within the three-year window could quickly lead to a ban.
- Scenario 2: A Mix of Offences: If one ticket carried three points and the other carried four or more points, your total would be seven or more points. This significantly increases your risk of disqualification if you incur any further penalty points within the relevant period.
- Scenario 3: Two Higher-End Offences: If both speeding tickets resulted in six penalty points each, you would immediately reach the 12-point threshold and face a driving disqualification.
The “Totting-Up” Disqualification:
Reaching 12 or more penalty points within three years triggers what is known as a “totting-up” disqualification. The length of this disqualification depends on the total number of points accumulated:
- 12 or more points: A minimum disqualification of six months.
- A second disqualification within three years: A minimum disqualification of one year.
- A third or subsequent disqualification within three years: A minimum disqualification of two years.
It’s important to note that these are the minimum disqualification periods. The court can impose longer bans depending on the specific circumstances of the offences and your driving record.
What Happens After a Disqualification?
Once your disqualification period ends, you will not automatically get your licence back. You need to apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland to have your licence reinstated. For longer disqualifications, you may also be required to retake your driving test.
Furthermore, having a driving disqualification on your record will likely lead to significantly higher insurance premiums.
Can You Avoid Disqualification?
In some limited circumstances, it may be possible to argue against a totting-up disqualification. This typically involves demonstrating to the court that a driving ban would cause exceptional hardship. Exceptional hardship goes beyond the normal inconvenience experienced by someone who loses their driving licence. Examples might include situations where losing your licence would lead to the loss of employment for you or others, or cause severe difficulties for family members who rely on you for essential transportation.
However, successfully arguing exceptional hardship is not guaranteed and requires strong evidence and legal representation. It’s crucial to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible if you believe you have grounds to make such an argument.
Preventing Further Offences:
The best way to avoid the consequences of multiple speeding tickets is to adhere to speed limits at all times. Familiarise yourself with the speed limits on different types of roads and be mindful of your speed, especially in variable conditions.
Seeking Legal Advice:
If you have received two speeding tickets or are concerned about the number of penalty points on your licence, it is essential to seek legal advice from experienced solicitors like McPartland & Sons. We can:
- Assess your situation and explain the potential consequences.
- Advise you on your legal options.
- Represent you in court if necessary, including making arguments against disqualification.
- Provide guidance on the process of reinstating your licence after a ban.
Don’t underestimate the impact of accumulating speeding tickets. Taking proactive steps and seeking legal advice when needed can help protect your driving licence and future. Contact McPartland & Sons Solicitors today for confidential and expert guidance.
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