How to Avoid Points on Your Driving Licence in Magistrates’ Court

If you’ve received a summons for a motoring offence and you're facing the possibility of penalty points, you’re not alone. Thousands of drivers go through the magistrates’ court every year for speeding, using a mobile phone, failing to identify the driver, or similar offences. The question many ask is: can you avoid getting points on your licence?

The answer depends on the nature of the offence, the strength of the evidence, and how you present your case in court. In some cases, the court may decide to impose a financial penalty without points, but only if persuaded by strong mitigation or exceptional hardship.

Many drivers try to argue technicalities, but this rarely works unless there’s a genuine legal error or lack of evidence. More often, it’s how you present your circumstances that makes the difference. Courts will consider your driving history, personal situation, and whether the offence was an isolated mistake or part of a pattern.

One of the strongest arguments in motoring cases is exceptional hardship. This means showing the court that if points are added to your licence, the consequences would be more serious than usual. For example, it might mean losing your job, being unable to care for someone who relies on you, or falling into financial difficulty.

If you plan to make a hardship argument, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly. That means writing a clear statement, gathering any supporting evidence, and explaining your situation calmly and respectfully in court.

This is where Magistrate Review can help. We provide confidential, impartial pre-trial case reviews written by a serving magistrate. We’ll assess how your case might be viewed and help you understand what’s likely to be persuasive in court — so you don’t go in blind, hoping for the best.

If you’re unsure what to expect at your first hearing, preparing a clear explanation of your circumstances can help you present your case with clarity and confidence.

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