A fine and driving-offence points are separate consequences. A dated record of offences and notices makes the next required action clearer.
Evidence to keep
Before you start
TD's December 2025 booklet describes a notice at eight or more points but below fifteen within two years. Ten or more triggers a mandatory Driving Improvement Course notice, requiring completion within three months of issue. Fifteen or more involves court disqualification proceedings, with a first disqualification of three months and subsequent disqualification of six months. Not every traffic offence carries points; check the official scheduled offences and your record rather than assuming every parking notice counts.
What to do, step by step
- List each offence date, description, points and later documents. The two-year calculation relates to offence dates rather than restarting on payment. Several offences from one incident may be counted independently.
- Where uncertain, obtain the official record through Police's Traffic Conviction Record Office and compare notices. Old messages, memory and an unofficial points calculator are not reliable substitutes.
- On a mandatory course notice, arrange an approved course within its deadline and retain completion evidence. Work commitments or an approaching licence renewal do not automatically remove the obligation.
- Handle summonses and disqualification paperwork according to their requirements, checking and updating the address registered with TD. Probationary drivers must additionally review their separate restrictions, extension and cancellation rules.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Probationary-licence offences can cause extension or cancellation before a driver focuses on a fifteen-point total. TD's appendix distinguishes minor offences, including three- or five-point offences, from serious offences carrying ten or more points. Check the actual conviction and probationary rules.
Failing to attend court can have further consequences, and service may be deemed effective under prescribed conditions. Do not drive during disqualification. Confirm any later licensing application and lawful return date against the court order and TD requirements.
A practical example
A driver with five points incurs another five-point offence. They should check the two-year period and any mandatory-course notice, rather than assuming no action is required because the total remains below fifteen.
Check points, courses, court action and probationary consequences separately, acting on each notice in time.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.
This is general information; an individual dispute depends on the facts, documents, and current law.