Exceptional Hardship Totting Up Ban: 12 Points on your Driving Licence
Exceptional Hardship – Avoid a Totting Up Ban
Our Motorist Defence Team have an outstanding success rate of helping drivers keep their licence or reduce a ban with the Exceptional Hardship argument. If you have 12 points on your licence and need some advice we are here to help.
Call our Transport Team Email our Transport TeamWhat is Exceptional Hardship?
Exceptional hardship can usually be argued on the grounds of either emotional hardship or financial hardship. In order to successfully argue a case of exceptional hardship you will need to put forward a compelling and convincing argument that proves a ban would cause you more difficulties than would normally be suffered by other motorists in your position. For example, it is not enough to argue that losing your driving licence would cause an inconvenience and loss of job in itself isn’t always accepted to be exceptional hardship.
What is a totting up ban?
If you have accrued 12 or more penalty points for driving offences then you automatically face a six month driving ban under totting up rules. Understandably this could have a detrimental impact on your employment, finances and family. However, under an argument of exceptional hardship you may be able to avoid a disqualification.
Need help with 12 points on your licence? Call our exceptional hardship experts – 03456 465 465
It is important to note that whilst the court might not disqualify you, your licence will still be endorsed with penalty points which will remain live for three years, for the purposes of future court proceedings. This means that if you face disqualification again within three years, you may not be able to put forward the same argument to avoid disqualification again.
12 Points on licence – How long could you be banned for?
If you do accumulate 12 points or more within a three year period, you will be disqualified for a minumum of at least 6 months under the totting up rules unless you successfully argue exceptional hardship. However, the length of ban can increase depending on your driving record:
- 6 months – standard minimum ban as required by the courts as soon as you reach 12 points on your licence
- 1 year – You will receive a 12 month ban for accumulating 12 points if you have had a previous disqualification of at least 56 days in the last 36 months
- 2 years – You will receive a two year ban if you have had more than one disqualification of at least 56 days in the last 36 months
Our motorist defence team are experts in advancing exceptional hardship arguments and can help you receive a shortened ban or even avoid disqualification altogether.
97% success rate in helping clients to avoid a totting up ban through exceptional hardship arguments – check our Google Reviews
Arguing exceptional hardship is not easy, and seeking legal advice is often recommended as there is a great deal of preparation required in order to put forward a satisfactory argument. At Rothera Bray we have a wealth of experience in preparing and putting forward successful exceptional hardship arguments for our clients, ensuring that they can keep their licence.
Why use Rothera Bray for Exceptional Hardship arguments?
We will help you in gathering materials to support your argument and assess all relevant information relating to your personal and professional circumstances to put before the court.
We will use our previous experience to collate the necessary documentation and evidence to improve your chances of achieving a positive outcome.
You will be assigned a member of the motoring team who specialises in exceptional hardship arguments and will guide you through the process from start to finish.
We regularly appear at Magistrates’ Courts throughout the UK to present exceptional hardship arguments.
We can offer Skype and Zoom meetings and represent clients across the UK.
We will work closely with you to ascertain your personal circumstances so we can provide a tailored exceptional hardship argument and legal advice that is specific to you.
We have a site dedicated solely to Motoring Offences whilst still using the same expert Motoring solicitors, so if you’re looking for more information about types of offences, our team, where we operate or case studies from some of our previous clients, then head over to Keep Me On The Road. If you feel you’ve read enough and want to speak to one of the country’s leading Transport Law teams, call now on 03456 465 465.
We’re award winning and top rated in Google, have a look at our Google reviews for your own piece of mind.
We have a range of fixed-fee services: please see visit our specialist motorist website for more information:
Keep Me On The Road - FeesSend us a message

“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
stars
Posted 15 April 2025
Outstanding support and customer service from Georgina & specifically Chelsey for her kind attention to every step. If you have speeding ticket issues or any motoring related issues I would highly recommend Rothera Bray!
Matt Collcutt
stars
Posted 11 April 2025
Outstanding professionalism and tremendous amount of help. Saved me from driving ban which would have an impact on my whole life. Reasonable prices - definitely RECOMMEND!!! Thanks again.
P Lys
stars
Posted 27 September 2024
Rothera Bray helped me through a very difficult position with regards to a serious traffic offence. Both Lindsey and Anton put my interests first, diligently walked me through and held my hand during the entire process. They are extremely professional and are subject matter experts. Lindsey in particular was excellent in keeping me informed and talking me through the various steps on route. It put me in a much more confident and comfortable place.
SKyDiverUK
stars
Posted 13 September 2024
I hired this company to represent me on a charge , I found this company professional, transparent and very knowledgeable, shout out to Anton who did an amazing job couldn’t ask for more, the staff kept me informed of updates and what was needed all the way through process , Chelsey and Georgina also involved who were compassionate and understanding throughout and also very professional would highly recommend without hesitation.
Mark T
stars
Posted 23 May 2023
Brilliant service by Lindsey following up to the court date making sure everything is finalised and ready for the day and Anton managed to get me off with no points, fine or licence loss for a case that could’ve easily have lost my licence. Highly recommend for any soliciting needs.
Josh Lofthouse

Anton Balkitis
Partner & Head of Transport
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors.

Olivia Maginn
Barrister & Senior Associate
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

Georgina Power
Solicitor
Georgina Power is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Transport team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.

Rebeca Large-Rodriguez
Paralegal
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport and Motorist Offence department and is based at our Lace Market office.

Chelsey Sewell
Paralegal
Chelsey Sewell is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s transport and motorist offence department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office in the city centre.

Senior judge appointed in Nottingham Attacks public inquiry
After attending the Justice session in the House of Commons on 22nd April, we welcome the announcement that Her Honour Deborah Taylor will be chairing the public inquiry into the Nottingham Attacks of June 2023.

Our new Managing Associate in Employment Law
We’re excited to welcome Rachel Mills to our Derby office as a Managing Associate in Employment Law.

Triple win at Nottinghamshire Law Society Awards
We’re beyond proud to announce that three of our team members were recognised in three categories at the Nottinghamshire Law Society Awards on Friday night.

New legislation will support bereaved working fathers
The Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act (the “PLB Act”) is expected to come into effect soon. It will grant bereaved fathers and partners expanded rights to paternity leave.