19 February 2026
Do penalty points affect insurance? Your 2026 guide
8 minutes
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Penalty points are added to your driving licence record when you commit driving offences (such as speeding or using a phone while driving), and are used to encourage safer driving.
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Penalty points increase your risk profile from an insurer’s perspective, which often results in higher insurance premiums.
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You must tell your insurer about any penalty points, as failing to disclose them can invalidate your cover.
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Accumulating 12 points (or 6 for learners) results in an automatic six‑month driving disqualification.
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Penalty points remain on your driving record for three years. If you’re unsure whether or not you have penalty points, you can check online via the NDLS website.
Penalty points can impact your insurance in different ways, often increasing your premium and sometimes making it more difficult to find cover. Here, we break down how penalty points affect insurance, from common offences to driving bans, how to check your points online and top tips to keep your record clean in 2026.
What’s covered
- What are penalty points and how do they work?
- How do penalty points affect insurance?
- Will a driving ban affect my car insurance?
- How long do penalty points last on my licence?
- 10 common motoring offences that result in penalty points
- How to check penalty points on your record
- Tips to avoid penalty points
- FAQs
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What are penalty points and how do they work?
In Ireland, penalty points are used to enforce road rules, designed to improve road safety and driver behaviour.
Penalty points are issued for driving offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, or failing to obey traffic lights. You will receive penalty points when:
- A court convicts you of a driving offence that carries penalty points.
- You pay a fixed‑charge notice (FCN) for a driving offence that carries penalty points.
The points are then added to your driving licence record electronically. They do not physically appear on your licence card; instead they’re stored on the National Vehicle and Driver File, which is run by the Department of Transport.
The number of penalty points depends on the offence, with penalties ranging from one to five points. For example, you'll typically receive 3 points for speeding, whereas driving without insurance could result in 5 penalty points.
Accumulating 12 penalty points within a three‑year period (or six penalty points if you're a learner driver) results in an automatic six‑month driving ban in Ireland.
You'll need to surrender your driving licence to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) within 14 days of the disqualification starting. Once that disqualification period ends, your points reset zero and you begin again with a clean record.
How do penalty points affect insurance?
Penalty points often increase your motor insurance premium because insurers view them as evidence of higher risk driving, so prices tend to rise at renewal.
The impact of penalty points on your insurance depends on the insurer and your policy. Typically, if you have fewer than two points, your car insurance might not be affected, but that varies by provider. Some providers want a clean licence, while others may allow up to six, provided that the points came from fixed‑charge offences rather than a court conviction.
Insurers look at a range of risk factors when calculating insurance premiums, and penalty points are one of them. The number of points, the type of offence, and the driver's licence type will all feed into how your premium is affected. In most cases, the more points on your record, the higher your insurance cost will be.
Remember: You must tell your insurer if you've received any fixed penalty points. Failing to disclose them could affect your ability to make a claim, leaving you to cover the expense yourself.
Will a driving ban affect my car insurance?
A driving ban will have a clear impact on your car insurance because insurers treat a disqualification as evidence of high‑risk behaviour. Your premium is likely to rise sharply when you return to driving, and it will be harder to find cover; some insurers may refuse to offer cover altogether.
If your driving ban lasts longer than two years, you will lose your no‑claims bonus, which in turn could make your car insurance more expensive.
How long do penalty points last on my licence?
Penalty points remain on your driving record for three years from the date they’re added.
However, if your licence expires or you’re serving a court disqualification, that time doesn’t count toward the three-year period.
10 common motoring offences that result in penalty points
The table below outlines the 10 most common driving offences in Ireland, along with the penalty points and fixed charges they incur, according to data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA)*:
You can find the RSA's full list of offences incurring penalty points and fixed charges here
How to check penalty points on your record
If you’re unsure whether you have penalty points or how many are on your record, you can check via the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website.
Here, you'll need to fill out a Driver's Statement Form using your name as it appears on your licence, your driver number, your date of birth and your PPSN. Once submitted, your statement is sent directly to the email or postal address linked to your driver record. This information is only issued to the licence holder and not to third parties.
Tips to avoid penalty points
Staying penalty‑point‑free comes down to a mix of good habits, awareness and steady, predictable driving. Here's our 10 top tips to help you keep your record clean and potentially keep your insurance costs down.
1. Stick to the speed limit
It may seem obvious, but always keep your speed within the posted speed limits and adjust it when roads are wet, busy or poorly lit.
2. Keep your attention on the road
Put your phone out of reach, avoid fiddling with controls and save snacks or drinks for when you’re parked.
3. Never drive under the influence
If you’ve had alcohol or taken drugs, don’t drive. Even small amounts will affect judgement, and the penalties are severe.
4. Follow traffic signs and signals
Give traffic lights, road markings and signs your full attention. They’re there to guide you, and ignoring them often leads to penalty points.
5. Wear your seat belt
Make sure everyone in the car is strapped in before you move off. A quick check avoids both fines and serious harm.
6. Keep your documents up to date
Check your licence, insurance and motor tax dates regularly. Letting them lapse can lead to penalties you could easily avoid.
7. Have required documents visible
If your vehicle needs tax, NCT or insurance discs displayed, make sure they’re clearly visible and in date.
8. Maintain your vehicle
Look after the basics: lights, brakes, tyre tread, indicators and wipers. A roadworthy car helps you avoid unexpected offences.
9. Avoid aggressive driving
Leave space, overtake safely and avoid weaving through traffic. Calm driving keeps points at bay.
10. Know the rules and plan ahead
Stay updated on changes to road laws and give yourself enough time for each journey. When you’re not rushed, you’re far less likely to bend the rules.
*Sources:
This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is accurate at time of publication. This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Do penalty points affect insurance: FAQs
Can I appeal penalty points?
The short answer is yes, you can appeal against penalty points in Ireland, but you'll have to demonstrate valid procedural or exceptional grounds.
You can either apply to the Gardaí to cancel the Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) before paying, or contest it in court. Just be aware that if the case doesn’t go your way, you’ll face a higher fine and a higher points total than the on‑payment amount.
How much is a speeding fine in Ireland?
A standard fixed‑charge speeding fine is €160 if paid within 28 days. It rises to €240 for the next 28 days, and a final option of €320 is available up to seven days before a scheduled court date. Paying the fixed charge usually results in 3 penalty points; a court conviction typically results in 5.
Can you get penalty points for no tax in Ireland?
No. Driving without motor tax can lead to fines (and your vehicle may be immobilised or seized), but it doesn’t carry penalty points.
How much will 3 points affect my insurance?
It varies by insurer and policy. Some insurers may make only a small adjustment for three points, while others might raise insurance premiums more significantly. Your overall risk profile, the offence type and your licence status all influence the final price.
Do I have to tell my insurance if I get points?
Yes, you must disclose all penalty points to your insurance provider. Failing to do so can void your policy and prevent any claims from being paid out, even if the points are minor or expired, because insurers can check driving records and will invalidate cover for non-disclosure.