SPEEDING drivers are using a legal loophole to get around losing their licence.
Some motorists are avoiding driving bans despite reaching the maximum of 12 penalty points thanks to a little-known road law.
Chris EadesThousands of drivers are avoiding losing their licences despite racking up 12 points thanks to a little-known loophole[/caption]
The latest DVLA figures show a whopping 15,333 UK licences currently exceeding the supposed maximum limit, though this does include some who have already served bans.
Different driving offences carry different numbers of points, with reaching 12 supposed to result in an automatic band.
However, many are turning to a unique defence to avoid punishment.
Offending drivers can dodge a ban by arguing that not being allowed to get behind the wheel will cause them or others “exceptional hardship”.
Legally, this term is very vaguely defined, meaning that the rules around granting leniency are quite flexible.
Examples could include relying on a car for your job or requiring one because you suffer from a disability.
Expert lawyer Dominic Smith told The Telegraph: “We get about three to five enquiries a day from drivers who have exceeded 12 points.
“Of the ones that we think have a case, we have about an 80% success rate.
“Courts are more likely to grant exceptional hardship if the hardship is felt by another person, such as family members or employees.”
Campaigners have slammed the loophole as making a “mockery” of the Highway Code and allowing “dangerous drivers” to remain on Britain’s roads.
Jason Wakeford, from road safety charity Brake, added: “These are irresponsible individuals who have shown disregard for the law and the lives of other road users, time after time.
“People who clock up more than 12 points should face an automatic ban.”
It comes after drivers were warned about a hidden dashboard signal that could mean they are in real danger.
Meanwhile, a man was filmed mangling a ULEZ camera days before the hated levy is expanded to the entire Greater London Area.