Receiving a penalty notice can be confusing, especially when you need to locate specific information like the offence code. Whether you’ve received a fixed penalty notice for speeding, a parking ticket, or another violation, finding the offence code is crucial for payment, appeals, or understanding the exact nature of your offence.
This comprehensive guide shows you exactly where to find offence codes on different types of penalty notices across the UK, helping you navigate the process quickly and efficiently.
What is an Offence Code on a Penalty Notice?
An offence code is a unique alphanumeric identifier that specifies the exact nature of the violation you’ve been charged with. These codes are standardised across UK law enforcement agencies and serve multiple purposes:
The code system allows authorities to categorise offences systematically, making it easier to process payments, track violations, and manage legal proceedings. Each code corresponds to a specific section of law, penalty amount, and potential consequences.
For driving offences, these codes often become endorsement codes on your driving licence if you’re convicted. Understanding your offence code helps you grasp the seriousness of the violation and plan your response accordingly.
Physical Location of Offence Codes on Different Types of Penalty Notices
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
On standard fixed penalty notices issued by police forces, the offence code typically appears in one of these locations:
Primary Location: Look for a box labelled “Offence” or “Offence Code” usually positioned in the upper third of the notice. This section contains both the code (like SP30 for speeding) and a brief description of the violation.
Alternative Locations: Some forces place the offence code near the penalty amount or in a dedicated “Details of Offence” section. The code format usually consists of 2-4 characters, combining letters and numbers.
Notice Number Integration: The notice number is a 16-digit number found in the top right-hand corner and sometimes incorporates elements that reference the offence type, though this differs from the specific offence code.
Parking Penalty Charge Notices
Local authority parking tickets follow a different format but still contain identifiable offence codes:
Standard Position: The offence code appears in a section titled “Contravention Code” or “Offence Details,” typically located mid-way through the notice.
Code Format: Parking violation codes are usually numeric (like 01, 02, 30) and correspond to specific parking contraventions under Traffic Management Act provisions.
Traffic Light Camera Penalties
Automated enforcement notices from traffic light cameras display offence codes prominently:
Location: The code appears in the “Nature of Offence” section, often accompanied by the specific regulation breached (such as failing to comply with traffic light signals).
Speed Camera Penalty Notices
Camera-generated speeding notices show offence codes in standardised positions:
Primary Position: Look for the offence code in the “Details of Alleged Offence” section, usually displayed as SP codes (SP10, SP20, SP30, etc.) depending on speed excess and location type.
Understanding Penalty Notice Structure and Layout
Notice Number Components
Every penalty notice contains a unique reference number that helps with identification and payment processing. This number differs from the offence code but works alongside it for administrative purposes.
The structure typically includes force identifiers, notice type indicators, and sequential numbering that helps authorities track and process violations efficiently.
Essential Information Sections
Penalty notices follow a standard layout containing:
Header Information: Date, time, location, and issuing authority details Vehicle Details: Registration number, make, model, and colour Offence Specification: Code, description, and relevant legislation Financial Information: Penalty amount, payment deadlines, and early payment discounts Legal Options: Appeal rights, court procedures, and contact information
This systematic approach ensures all necessary information is clearly presented and easily accessible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locating Your Offence Code
Visual Identification Method
Follow these steps to quickly locate your offence code:
Step 1: Identify the notice type (police FPN, council parking ticket, camera notice) Step 2: Look for sections labelled “Offence,” “Contravention,” or “Details of Alleged Offence” Step 3: Scan for alphanumeric codes (usually 2-4 characters for driving offences, numeric for parking) Step 4: Cross-reference with the offence description to confirm accuracy
Common Positions on Different Notice Types
Most penalty notices place offence codes in predictable locations:
Upper Third: Police-issued FPNs typically display codes prominently near the top Middle Section: Parking notices often place contravention codes mid-document Below Vehicle Details: Some formats position offence information immediately after vehicle identification Near Penalty Amount: Codes sometimes appear adjacent to financial information for easy reference
Types of Offence Codes You Might Encounter
Driving and Motoring Offences
The UK uses standardised codes for driving violations:
| Code Range | Offence Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| AC10-AC30 | Failing to stop after accident | AC10: Failing to stop |
| BA10-BA60 | Alcohol-related offences | BA10: Driving with excess alcohol |
| CD10-CD70 | Construction and use violations | CD10: Driving without due care |
| SP10-SP50 | Speeding offences | SP30: Exceeding statutory speed limit |
| TS10-TS70 | Traffic light and sign violations | TS10: Failing to comply with traffic light |
Parking Violations
Local authorities use numeric codes for parking contraventions:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours |
| 02 | Parked or loading in a restricted street where waiting is restricted |
| 12 | Parked in a residents’ or shared use parking place without displaying a valid permit |
| 30 | Parked for longer than the maximum period permitted |
Public Order Offences
Non-motoring penalty notices use different coding systems:
These might include antisocial behaviour penalties, environmental violations, or public space misuse offences, each with specific identification codes relevant to the issuing authority.
Why Offence Codes Matter
Legal Implications
Offence codes determine the legal framework governing your case. Each code corresponds to specific legislation, potential penalties, and legal procedures. Understanding your code helps you:
Research the exact law you’re accused of breaking, determine maximum penalties and potential consequences, identify applicable defences or mitigating factors, and prepare appropriate responses for court proceedings if necessary.
Payment Processing
Most online payment systems require offence codes for processing. The code ensures your payment is correctly allocated and prevents administrative errors that could complicate your case.
Appeal Procedures
When challenging a penalty notice, the offence code helps you:
Focus your appeal on relevant legal points, cite appropriate legislation and case law, demonstrate technical defences specific to your violation type, and present evidence that directly addresses the alleged offence.
What to Do When You Cannot Find the Offence Code
Contacting Issuing Authority
If the offence code is unclear or missing:
Police Forces: Contact the force that issued the notice using the phone number provided on the document Local Authorities: Reach out to the parking enforcement department for the relevant council Camera Partnerships: Contact the safety camera partnership responsible for the area
Alternative Identification Methods
When codes are illegible or absent:
Use the offence description to identify likely codes through official government resources. Reference the notice number when contacting authorities for clarification. Check supporting documentation that might contain clearer code information.
Digital Penalty Notices and Electronic Codes
Modern enforcement increasingly uses digital systems. Electronic notices sent via email or accessed through online portals display offence codes in standardised formats, often with additional detail and clearer presentation than paper versions.
Digital systems also provide immediate links to relevant legislation, payment options, and appeal procedures, making the process more transparent and accessible.
Common Mistakes When Reading Penalty Notices
Many people confuse different reference numbers on penalty notices:
Notice Number vs Offence Code: The 16-digit notice number is for administrative purposes, while the offence code identifies the specific violation Force Codes vs Offence Codes: Some notices display force identification codes that are separate from offence codes Date Codes vs Offence Codes: Timing information shouldn’t be mistaken for offence identification
Always verify you’re using the correct code by checking it appears alongside an offence description.
Regional Variations Across the UK
England and Wales
English and Welsh forces generally follow standardised DVLA coding systems for driving offences. Local authorities have some flexibility in parking enforcement presentation but use common contravention codes.
Scotland
Scottish authorities use similar coding systems but may have slight variations in notice layout and presentation. The fundamental code structure remains consistent with UK-wide standards.
Northern Ireland
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) maintains its own coding documentation while following UK-wide standards for most offence categories.
Using Offence Codes for Online Services
Government online services increasingly require offence codes for:
Payment Processing: GOV.UK penalty notice portal uses codes to verify payments DVLA Services: Checking penalty points and licence status Court Services: Online plea entry and case management Appeal Systems: Electronic challenge submission
Always double-check codes before submitting online information to prevent processing delays.
Legal Rights and Next Steps
Understanding your offence code enables informed decision-making about:
Accepting the Penalty: Pay promptly for discounts where available Requesting Mitigation: Present circumstances that might reduce penalties Formal Appeals: Challenge the notice through proper legal channels Court Representation: Seek professional legal advice for serious offences
Each code carries different implications for your driving record, insurance costs, and future legal position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the offence code located on a speeding ticket?
On police-issued speeding tickets, look for the offence code in the “Details of Alleged Offence” section, usually appearing as SP codes (like SP30 for exceeding statutory speed limits on public roads). It’s typically positioned in the upper half of the notice alongside the offence description.
What should I do if my penalty notice has no visible offence code?
Contact the issuing authority immediately using the phone number on the notice. Provide your notice number and vehicle registration for identification. They can supply the missing code and may reissue the notice if necessary.
Are offence codes the same across all UK police forces?
Yes, driving offence codes are standardised across the UK through DVLA guidelines. However, local authority parking codes and some specialist enforcement codes may vary slightly between regions.
Can I pay my penalty online without the offence code?
Most online payment systems require the offence code for processing. If you cannot locate it, use the notice number to contact the issuing authority for clarification before attempting online payment.
How do I know if my offence code will result in driving licence penalty points?
Check the official DVLA penalty points guidance using your specific offence code. Motoring offences typically carry penalty points, while parking violations usually don’t affect your licence.
Conclusion
Finding the offence code on your penalty notice is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether dealing with driving violations, parking tickets, or other penalties, the code provides essential information for payment, appeals, and understanding your legal position.
Remember that offence codes appear in predictable locations on penalty notices: typically in dedicated offence sections, near the top of police notices, or in contravention details on parking tickets. When in doubt, contact the issuing authority for clarification rather than guessing.
Taking prompt action with the correct offence code ensures smooth processing and protects your legal rights throughout the penalty notice procedure.