Penalty point WARNING – You could be jailed for taking points for another driver

UK motorists are at risk of landing jail time for taking penalty points for other motorists. 

According to new research by Co-op Insurance, around 20 per cent of drivers in the UK have taken points for another motorist. 

This is completely illegal and comes with huge consequences. 

Motorists could be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice and can even face a maximum life sentence. 

More typically, for this kind of offence, drivers fraudulently taking points are more likely set to land a large fine and prison sentence.

One way drivers are getting away with taking points for other people is for speeding oddness as the driver of the car at the time needs to be confirmed so the points are given to the correct person. 

In addition to this, any drivers found to have given the incorrect identity could face more penalty points and a driving ban. 

According to the research, men are more likely to take the points than women and over half of those who took points were for a partner or significant other. 

Nick Ansley, head of motor insurance at Co-op, said: “It’s surprising and quite concerning that a fifth of motorists have taken penalty points for someone else.

“Penalty points are in place to deter people from committing motoring offences and to ensure safer driving for all on the roads.

“We want to ensure people are safe on the roads and whilst some drivers may think they’re helping out another, by swapping penalty points, they’re putting themselves and others at risk.”

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “You would be charged with perverting the course of justice if you get taken to court – more commonly ‘failure to give information as to identity of driver’ could be applied to your licence if you don’t tell them who was driving – that’s a fine plus six points on your licence.

“It would take the involvement of a very dedicated policeman or speed camera employee to get caught as most speeding tickets are issued virtually automatically – but a human review of the picture is normally done before the paperwork is posted off.

“Therefore if a man is clearly seen at the wheel and a woman’s name is supplied they may recheck.

“In short, being accused of perverting the course of justice is not something anyone wants connected to them – especially for the sake of points on your licence.”