Endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice FAQs
I have received an endorsable fixed penalty notice – what are my options?
On receipt of an endorsable fixed penalty notice you have two options available to you:
Option 1: You can pay the fine of £60 and have 3 penalty points endorsed on your driving licence.
or
Option 2: You can write to the Fixed Penalty Processing Centre requesting a court hearing.
Is there a time limit?
Yes, you must comply with either Option 1 or Option 2 within 21 days from the surrender / production of your driving licence.
I wish to accept the endorsable fixed penalty points and notice. How many points will be endorsed on my driving licence?
All endorsable fixed penalty notice offences carry 3 penalty points except the offence R driver not displaying R plates, which carries 2 penalty points.
How do I pay the fine in respect of the endorsable fixed penalty notice?
You must complete Part 2 (payment slip) of the fixed penalty notice, and send it with the sum of £60 to:
Laganside Court,
45 Oxford Street,
Belfast,
BT1 3LL,
Telephone Payments: 028 9072 8265 / 8231.
For driving licence enquiries: 028 9072 8234 / 4571 / 4500.
For general enquiries: 028 9072 8318 / 4594 / 8235 / 8236.
Cheques, postal orders and money orders should be made payable to the Clerk of Petty Sessions. Credit card payments cannot be accepted.
Can I make payment by cash?
Yes. You can pay by cash by calling at the Fixed Penalty Office, Laganside Court, between 9:30am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday (except bank / public holidays).
I accepted the endorsable fixed penalty notice, and surrendered my driving licence, but I now want to challenge its issue?
In this case, you must complete Part 3 (court hearing) and forward within 21 days to:
Fixed Penalty Processing Centre,
Lisnasharragh PSNI,
42 Montgomery Road,
Belfast,
BT6 9LD.
In due course you will receive a summons, which will give the date and time set for the hearing. Arrangements will also be made to have your driving licence returned.
I accepted the endorsable fixed penalty notice but was unable to surrender my driving licence at the time of issue?
In this case, you must complete Part 3 (court hearing) and forward within 21 days to:
Fixed Penalty Processing Centre
Lisnasharragh PSNI
42 Montgomery Road
Belfast
BT6 9LD
In due course you will receive a summons, which will give the date and time set for the hearing. Arrangements will also be made to have your driving licence returned.
If I opt for a court hearing, do I still have to produce documents?
Yes. You are required by law to produce the documents indicated by the police officer issuing this notice at the police station nominated. Please note you will be committing further offences if you do not do so within the period specified on the notice – 7 days.
When producing my documents at the police station – do I have to surrender both parts of my driving licence?
Yes. You must surrender both parts of your driving licence - the paper part and the plastic counterpart.
What happens if I am unable to produce my driving licence?
The endorsable fixed penalty notice allows the motorist to produce his driving licence within 7 days at a nominated police station. However, if you cannot produce your documents within the designated time period you must notify the nominated police station. The nominated station will formally record the fact that you are unable to produce them.
The fixed penalty process cannot proceed if a driving licence has not been produced, and therefore the matter will be dealt with by way of prosecution. If you have already made payment you will be refunded accordingly.
I have surrendered my driving licence for endorsement, but did not pay the fine, what will happen?
If you have already surrendered your driving licence the Fixed Penalty Office will proceed with its endorsement. However, because you have failed to make payment the Fixed Penalty Processing Centre will generate a fine registration certificate. This will result in the penalty increasing from £60 to £90. The fine is registered at your local court.
I chose to ignore the options on the fixed penalty notice – what will happen now?
The fixed penalty process will cease to continue, and the matter will be dealt with by way of prosecution.
I disagree with the issue of the fixed penalty notice, can I appeal?
The Fixed Penalty Processing Centre is not in a position to consider any mitigation you may have to offer. The only way to appeal against the issue of an endorsable fixed penalty notice is to request a court hearing.
I surrendered my driving licence but it has not been returned to me?
The Fixed Penalty Office at Laganside Court, Belfast, is responsible for endorsing and returning your driving licence. You can telephone them on:
Payments: 028 9072 8265 / 8231.
For driving licence enquiries: 028 9072 8234 / 4571 / 4500.
For general enquiries: 028 9072 8318 / 4594 / 8235 / 8236.
How long do the penalty points stay on my driving licence?
Penalty points are valid for three years and can be removed from the driving licence after 4 years.
If you require any further help please phone us on 101 Non Emergency Number. The Fixed Penalty Processing Centre’s opening hours are 08:00 –17:30.