Britons Would Risk Penalty Points for a Partner – Autos Community

Nearly one in ten Britons have or would consider taking penalty points for their partner, even though it could lead to a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. 

That’s the finding of a survey by the motoring experts at Tiger.co.uk, who quizzed respondents on whether and why they’d take the points for a loved one.

One per cent of dishonest Britons admitted to having already taken penalty points for someone else, with eight per cent saying they would consider it.

That’s despite the offence, perverting the course of justice and fraud, carrying severe consequences. Perverting the course of justice can carry an unlimited prison sentence, and fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006 can carry up to ten years’ imprisonment.

Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 triggers the offence. It places a legal duty on the registered keeper or other relevant person to identify who was driving when the police request the information.

Giving false information elevates this from a motoring offence into a serious criminal one.

Despite the serious ramifications of taking someone else’s penalty points for a motoring offence, seven per cent of those questioned said they would consider it if it meant their partner losing their driving licence.

A further three per cent cited needing to drive to work, while one per cent admitted a higher car insurance price would tempt them to break the law and take the points.

Surprisingly, three per cent of those questioned admitted a partner asked them to take points for them.

Penalty points are not uncommon for UK motorists. Three points can be given for offences including failing to comply with traffic light signals, using a vehicle with defective brakes and leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position.

A speeding offence carries three to six points and stays on your record for four years.

More serious offences, including driving or attempting to drive with alcohol above the limit and dangerous driving, are subject to up to 11 points.

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, said: “Taking someone’s penalty points is a serious offence and could result in a hefty jail sentence and a permanent criminal record.

“It’s concerning to see almost one in ten respondents have or would consider taking points on behalf of a partner. Our advice is simple – don’t take somebody else’s points. It’s illegal, and the ramifications are severe.

“As well as a potential criminal conviction, a driving ban and prison term, there are other, longer-term consequences. A criminal record can affect employment, professional licences and travel visas.

“Courts treat perverting the course of justice harshly. No driving licence is worth a criminal record.” 

Tiger.co.uk gives customers the tools to help them compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products, from car insurance to van, fleet and motorbike insurance.