Points lost on your driving licence: how to recover them? Complete 2024 guide

Have you lost points on your driving licence and are wondering how to recover them? Whether following a speeding offence, running a red light, or another traffic violation, the loss of points can have significant consequences, especially if you use your vehicle for work. Here is the essential information to understand the mechanisms for recovering points, based on available sources.

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## Understanding the points-based driving licence system in France

The points-based driving licence system aims to make drivers more responsible. Each licence initially has a points balance (12 points for a standard licence). For each violation of the *Code de la route*, a certain number of points is deducted, depending on the severity of the offence.

### What happens in the event of a total loss of points?
If you lose all your points, your driving licence becomes invalid. You will then receive a notification informing you of this invalidation and requesting that you surrender your licence. You are no longer permitted to drive, under penalty of criminal sanctions. To regain the right to drive, you will need to retake the driving test after a period determined by law [S9].

### How to check your points balance?
To check your points balance, you can consult the online service **Télépoints**, established by an *arrêté* of 27 June 2007. This service allows drivers to access their points balance and the history of their offences [S10]. You can also obtain this information from your *préfecture* or *sous-préfecture*.

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## Methods for recovering points

### 1. Automatic recovery of points
The *Code de la route* provides for the automatic recovery of points under certain conditions:
- **2-year period without a new offence**: If you commit no offence resulting in a points deduction for 2 years from the date of the last offence, your licence is automatically credited with the maximum number of points. This period is extended to **3 years** if one of the offences committed is a *délit* or a 4th or 5th class *contravention* [S9].
- **6-month period for the loss of 1 point**: If you have lost only one point, this point is automatically recredited after 6 months, provided you commit no new offence during this period [S9].

### 2. The points recovery course
You may attend a **road safety awareness course** to recover up to 4 points on your licence, within the 12-point limit. Here are the key elements:
- **Conditions**: You may attend only one course per year (rolling 12-month period). Your licence must not be invalidated.
- **Course content**: The course covers road safety themes and is led by accredited professionals.
- **Effects of the course**: Points are credited upon completion of the course, provided your balance is not already at 12 points.

*For employees in the road transport sector*: An agreement dated 13 November 1992 provides for the creation of a special professional fund, "permis sécurité," to finance specific training and assist drivers in recovering their points [S3][S8].

### 3. Appeal in case of error or dispute
If you believe a points deduction is unjustified, you may challenge the decision:
1. **Check the offence**: Consult your full information statement.
2. **Challenge the fine**: If the offence was recorded by a speed camera or *procès-verbal*, you may contest the fine within 45 days.
3. **Refer the matter to the court**: If your challenge is rejected, you may refer the matter to the competent court.

*Note*: Payment of a fixed penalty fine constitutes an admission of the offence, making the points deduction final [S6].

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## Points recovery and professional life

The loss of points can impact your professional activity, particularly if your job requires driving a vehicle.

### 1. Employer and employee obligations
In certain sectors, such as the **pharmaceutical industry**, the collective bargaining agreement provides that the employer must verify at least **once a year** the validity of the licences of employees whose roles require holding this document. The employee must inform their employer as soon as they become aware of a points deduction or licence suspension [S1][S2].

### 2. Solutions in the event of licence suspension or invalidation
If your licence is suspended or invalidated, your employer must seek **alternative solutions** before considering termination of your contract. For example:
- **Job adjustment**: Temporary assignment to tasks that do not require driving.
- **Training**: Proposal to attend a points recovery course, potentially funded by the employer.

*Example*: In the **road transport sector**, an agreement provides for mechanisms to finance training and assist drivers in recovering their points [S3][S8].

### 3. Dismissal for loss of licence
An employer may dismiss an employee whose licence has been suspended or invalidated **only if driving is an essential condition of the role** and no alternative solution is possible. Case law requires that the dismissal be **proportionate** and that the employer has done everything possible to avoid terminating the contract.

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## Mistakes to avoid to protect your licence

1. **Do not pay a fine without consideration**: Payment of a fixed penalty fine constitutes an admission of the offence, making the points deduction final [S6].
2. **Check your points balance regularly**: Consult your balance on **Télépoints** to anticipate deductions.
3. **Inform your employer**: If your job requires driving, you must inform your employer as soon as you become aware of a points deduction or licence suspension [S1][S2].

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## Frequently asked questions

### 1. How long does it take to automatically recover points?
- **2 years** without a new offence for minor *contraventions*.
- **3 years** if one of the offences is a *délit* or a 4th or 5th class *contravention*.
- **6 months** to recover a single lost point [S9].

### 2. Can I attend a points recovery course if my licence is invalidated?
No, a course may only be attended if your licence is valid.

### 3. Can my employer dismiss me if I lose my licence?
This depends on your job. If driving is essential to your role and no alternative solution is possible, dismissal may be considered. However, the employer must first seek solutions before proceeding with termination.

### 4. How much does a points recovery course cost?
The price typically ranges between **€200 and €300**. Some employers may cover all or part of the cost [S3][S8].

### 5. Can I contest a points deduction?
Yes, you may contest a points deduction by following the steps outlined above. However, payment of the fine makes the deduction final [S6].