Driving licence points: the overlooked way to get them back

A method that motorists often overlook.

This is a genuine concern for frequent drivers. The growing number of roadside checks and automated speed cameras can sometimes lead to substantial points losses on a driving licence, or even its withdrawal.

Recovering driving licence points

There are a number of straightforward rules for getting them back. For instance, if you commit no further offences for six months after paying a fine, the point you lost is restored. You should also be aware that your full 12 points will be reinstated after three offence-free years, or after just two years if you have not committed any class 4 or 5 offence.

Other options are available, including road-safety awareness courses. These can restore four points per year, which may prove useful. However, although beneficial, they are also very time-consuming.

There is another unconditional option, highlighted by the droit-finances website, which refers to Article L. 223-6, paragraph 5, of the Highway Code:

“Points deducted as a result of contraventions in the first four classes under this code are reallocated to the driving licence holder once a period of ten years has elapsed” from the date of the offence.

In practical terms, this applies provided that your licence has not been withdrawn during those ten years. You must also not have benefited from the full restoration of your twelve-point balance during that period, as points cannot be returned more than once.

The digital driving licence gains momentum

Naturally, a ten-year wait may seem particularly long. Nevertheless, the opportunity to recover points can be worthwhile over time, especially as motorists receive them automatically and without any action on their part.

As a reminder, the driving licence has been available in the France Identité app since last year. During a police check, you simply show your phone to prove that you hold one. Both the pink driving licences, the older version, and the newer licences can be added.

How to present your licence in France Identité

When stopped, all you need to do is select “present your driving licence”, give your consent, and show it to an officer. The officer will then scan it using NFC technology to confirm that it is genuine. To use this feature, however, you will need a smartphone running at least Android 11 or iOS 16. To find out more, see our previous article here.