Drink Driving Endorsement Codes Explained
When you are convicted of a drink driving related offence, an endorsement code is added to your driving licence record. These codes identify the specific type of offence and remain on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction.
The endorsement codes are used by insurers, employers and the DVLA to identify the nature of a driving conviction. Understanding your endorsement code is important because different codes carry different implications for insurance, employment and the high risk offender scheme.
All drink driving endorsement codes begin with the letters DR, which stands for drink or drugs-related offences. There are several different DR codes, each corresponding to a specific offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Complete List of DR Endorsement Codes
DR10 - Driving or Attempting to Drive with Excess Alcohol
DR10 is the most common drink driving endorsement code. It is imposed for the offence of driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while over the prescribed alcohol limit under section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
A DR10 endorsement stays on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction. It is the code that triggers the DVLA high risk offender scheme if your breath reading was 87.5 micrograms or above, or if you refused to provide a specimen.
DR20 - Driving or Attempting to Drive While Unfit Through Drink
DR20 is imposed for the offence of driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This offence does not require proof that you were over the prescribed limit. Instead, the prosecution must show that your ability to drive properly was impaired by alcohol.
This code is less common than DR10 because the section 5 offence based on a specific reading is easier for the prosecution to prove. DR20 cases often arise where there is evidence of impaired driving but the breath or blood reading is close to or below the legal limit.
DR30 - Driving or Attempting to Drive Then Failing to Provide a Specimen
DR30 is imposed when you were driving or attempting to drive and then failed to provide a specimen for analysis without reasonable excuse. This offence under section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 carries the same penalties as drink driving itself.
The penalties for a DR30 offence are equivalent to the highest range of drink driving penalties because the court cannot know what the reading would have been. A 12-month minimum driving ban applies, and the court may impose a custodial sentence.
DR40 - In Charge of a Vehicle with Excess Alcohol
DR40 is the endorsement code for being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit under section 5(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is a less serious offence than driving while over the limit.
The maximum penalty is 3 months imprisonment, a fine and 10 penalty points. There is no mandatory driving ban, though the court has discretion to disqualify. The no likelihood of driving defence is available for this offence.
DR50 - In Charge of a Vehicle While Unfit Through Drink
DR50 applies when you are found to be in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink under section 4(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Like DR20, impairment must be demonstrated rather than a specific reading being exceeded.
This endorsement is relatively uncommon. The penalties are the same as for DR40: a maximum of 3 months custody, an unlimited fine and 10 penalty points or a discretionary disqualification.
DR60 - Failure to Provide a Specimen for Analysis in Circumstances Other Than Driving
DR60 applies when you fail to provide a specimen for analysis and you were not driving or attempting to drive at the time. This typically arises in drunk in charge cases where the suspect refuses to give a breath, blood or urine sample.
The penalties mirror those for the underlying drunk in charge offence: 3 months custody, an unlimited fine and 10 penalty points. The no likelihood of driving defence is not available for this offence.
DR70 - Failing to Provide a Specimen for a Breath Test
DR70 is imposed for failing to provide a specimen for a roadside breath test under section 6(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is the preliminary screening test conducted at the roadside, not the evidential test at the police station.
This is a separate and less serious offence than failing to provide the evidential specimen. The maximum penalty is a level 3 fine and 4 penalty points. However, failing the roadside test often leads to arrest and further testing at the station.
How Long Do Endorsement Codes Stay on Your Licence
All DR endorsement codes remain on your driving licence for 11 years from the date of conviction. This is longer than most other driving endorsements, which typically last for 4 years.
The endorsement is visible on your licence record throughout this period and must be declared to insurance companies when taking out or renewing a policy. Failure to declare an endorsement can invalidate your insurance cover entirely.
After 11 years, the endorsement is removed from your licence record automatically. You do not need to apply for its removal. However, the underlying criminal conviction remains on the Police National Computer for a longer period governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Impact on Insurance and Employment
Insurance companies use DR endorsement codes to assess risk. A DR10 or any other drink driving related code will result in significantly higher premiums, typically for at least 5 years after the conviction. Some mainstream insurers refuse to cover drivers with DR codes at all.
For employment, the endorsement may need to be disclosed to employers who require you to drive as part of your role. Some employers have policies that prohibit employees with drink driving convictions from driving company vehicles. Professional drivers may lose their livelihood.
The DVLA high risk offender scheme is triggered by certain DR codes where the reading was particularly high or where you refused to provide a specimen. If classified as a high risk offender, you must pass a medical examination before your licence can be returned at the end of your ban.