If you’re like me, you may have turned over your driver’s license and wondered what the numbers in the far row mean? After some research, I have now found out, and if you aren’t aware either it could mean you are faced with a hefty fine and penalty points on your license.
‘Information Codes’ are listed under Section 12 of the driving license, and correspond to rules and regulations about what and how you can drive. The most common code is 01 which relates to your eyesight. If you have the 01 code on your license, it means you must wear glasses or contact lenses whilst operating any vehicle if you have informed the DVLA you require glasses when driving. If you are stopped by the police and are not wearing glasses or contact lenses you could be slapped with a £1000 on the spot fine.
Although usually, roadside punishment is quite rare, that’s not to say it won’t ever happen. According to lawyers, it is more common to be sent to the court which can carry a fine of up to 50% of your weekly salary which is capped at £1000 and three to six penalty points. It is highly important to inform the DVLA of changes in your sight so that the codes can be updated and this does include laser eye surgery to correct your vision. Failure to keep your license up to date is a separate offense in itself and again can end you up with a £1000 fine. This also includes not updating your address or marital status.
Motoring law expert from Rothera Sharp, Laura Newton said:
“Failing to update something can be an offence but that’s just a financial penalty. If you are not driving in accordance with the categories it’s like not having L-plates on your car as a learner. That is when it becomes an endorseable offence.”
Other restrictions listed on licenses include hearing aids, length, and weight of the vehicle restrictions, modified steering, brake and clutch systems from those with disabilities and automatic only licenses. There can also be limitations to the number of people you can transport and whether you can hire the vehicle out for profit. The two codes that appear on many licenses but don’t carry any punishment are 115 (which relates to the fact your listed as an organ donor with the DVLA) and 122 (which refers to the need to successfully complete a basic Moped Training Course, or CBT to qualify for the category).
The 10 Most Common Driving Licence Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Eyesight correction, for example, glasses or contact lenses |
| 02 | Hearing/communication aid |
| 40 | Modified steering |
| 101 | Not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit) |
| 105 | Vehicle not more than 5.5 meters long |
| 106 | Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions |
| 107 | Not more than 8,250 kilograms |
| 111 | Limited to 16 passenger seats |
| 115 | Organ donor |
| 122 | Valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course 125 – tricycles only (for licenses issued before 29 June 2014) |
Do you have any unexpected codes on your driving license? Have you ever been stopped and had your driving entitlements queried? Do you have any interesting stories involving driving license mishaps? Be sure to head over to social media and let us know @connect_insure on Twitter and @cibltd on Facebook.
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