THOUSANDS of motorists continue to drive on Britain’s roads, despite having racked up enough penalty points to be disqualified, an investigation has found.

Licence holders who accumulate 12 or more points in a three-year period for motoring offences such as speeding (three to six points) and drink-driving (three to 11 points) should receive a disqualification for at least six months reports the Daily Mail.

However, courts have discretion to allow offenders to keep driving if they are able to prove extenuating circumstances, including when a ban would cause extreme financial hardship.

This appears to have been the case for an astounding 8,632 motorists in Britain who currently have at least 12 points on their driving licence. 

Road safety charity Brake said it was ‘appalling’ that these motorists have not been banned, and police leaders said laws should be changed to stop drivers being granted exemptions in court.

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-10252571/More-8-600-drivers-escape-ban-despite-racking-12-points.html