DR70 Conviction Code Explained
A DR70 conviction means you failed to co-operate with a preliminary test, such as a roadside breath test. It carries 4 penalty points and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. In some cases, the court may also decide to disqualify you from driving.
Car insurance with a DR70 conviction is still possible. But it can be harder to find, and some insurers may refuse to quote. At Got You Covered, we help drivers with drink-driving and conviction-related cases find suitable cover, even when standard insurers cannot help.
What does a DR70 conviction mean?
The official GOV.UK endorsement codes page lists DR70 as “failing to co-operate with a preliminary test”.
In many cases, this means refusing or failing to provide a roadside breath sample when asked by the police. A preliminary test can also include an impairment test or a roadside drug test.
The police can ask you to take a breath test if they suspect you have been drinking, if you have committed a traffic offence, or if you have been involved in a road accident. GOV.UK explains that if you refuse to take a breath test or fail to provide a sample without a reasonable excuse, you can be arrested.
A reasonable excuse may include a genuine physical or mental condition that prevents you from providing a sample.
Is DR70 the same as DR10 or DR30?
No. These conviction codes are linked to alcohol, but they are not the same.
DR70 is for failing to co-operate with a preliminary test. This is often the roadside screening stage.
DR10 is for driving or attempting to drive while over the alcohol limit. You can read more in our guide to DR10 driving conviction insurance.
DR30 is for driving or attempting to drive and then failing to provide a specimen for analysis. This is usually later in the process. We also explain this in our blog on car insurance after a DR30 conviction.
DR70 penalties and how long it stays on your licence
A DR70 conviction carries 4 penalty points. It usually stays on your driving record for 4 years. This is either from the date of the offence or from the date of conviction if a disqualification is imposed.
The Sentencing Council guidance for failing to co-operate with a preliminary roadside test shows a level 3 fine. This means the fine can be up to £1,000. A driving ban is also possible in some cases.
The 4 points can also matter if you already have points on your licence. If you build up 12 or more points within 3 years, you may face a totting-up ban. If you are a new driver, your licence can be revoked if you reach 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your first test.
If your issue relates to points building up, our TT99 insurance page may also help.
Can you get car insurance with a DR70 conviction?
Yes, in many cases, you can still get car insurance with a DR70 conviction. The challenge is that your choice of insurers may be smaller.
Some mainstream insurers may refuse to quote. Others may offer cover at a much higher price. This is because insurers may view a DR70 as a higher-risk factor, especially when it is linked to alcohol.
That does not mean you are out of options. Got You Covered works with specialist insurance providers who understand that one conviction does not tell the full story. Our Drink Driver Insurance and Convicted Driver Insurance services are designed for drivers who may struggle to find cover through standard routes.
Why DR70 insurance can cost more
A DR70 conviction can affect your premium, but it is not the only thing insurers look at.
They may also consider:
- Your age
- Your postcode
- The car you drive
- Your annual mileage
- Where the car is kept overnight
- Your claims history
- Your no-claims bonus
- Any disqualification
- Any other convictions or penalty points
GOV.UK states that a drink-driving conviction can considerably increase car insurance costs. While a DR70 is not the same as a DR10, it may still be treated seriously by insurers, especially if alcohol was involved.
This is why two drivers with the same conviction code can receive very different quotes.
Do you need to declare a DR70 conviction?
You should answer insurance questions honestly and carefully. If an insurer asks about motoring convictions, penalty points, bans, or endorsements, you must give accurate information.
MoneyHelper explains that if you do not disclose a conviction when asked, your insurance could be invalid.
A DR70 may stay on your driving record for 4 years, but disclosure questions often ask about the last 5 years. The wording matters. Always answer the exact question asked.
You can check your current record using the DVLA service to view or share your driving licence information.
What to prepare before applying for DR70 insurance
Before you apply for insurance, it helps to have the right details ready. This can make the quote process easier and reduce the risk of mistakes.
Try to prepare:
- Your DR70 conviction code
- The date of the offence or conviction
- The number of penalty points
- Details of any driving ban
- Your driving licence information
- Your vehicle details
- Your annual mileage
- Where the car is kept overnight
- Your claims history
- Proof of no-claims bonus, if you have it
If there will be named drivers on the policy, check their details too. Insurers regularly ask about all drivers, not only the main driver.
How to improve your chances of getting cover
The best place to start is with accurate information. Do not guess dates, codes, or points if you can check them first.
You may also improve your chances by choosing a sensible vehicle, keeping mileage realistic, parking securely where possible, and building your no-claims bonus over time. Our guide to no-claims discount explains how this can affect your insurance.
If your wider case involved a drink-drive ban of 12 months or more, the court may offer a drink-drive rehabilitation course. Completing the course can reduce the ban if done in time. It does not guarantee cheaper insurance, but it may help you get back on the road sooner.
Getting insured with Got You Covered
At Got You Covered, we help drivers who may find it harder to get standard car insurance. This includes drivers with drink-driving convictions, DR70 endorsements, previous claims, a low no-claims bonus, or a recent ban.
We know that people make mistakes. We also know how important a car can be for work, family, and daily life. Our role is to help you explain your circumstances clearly and look for cover that fits your needs.
You can start with our Drink Driver Insurance page or get in touch through our contact page.
DR70 FAQ
What is a DR70 conviction?
A DR70 conviction is for failing to co-operate with a preliminary test, such as a roadside breath test.
How many points is a DR70?
A DR70 carries 4 penalty points.
How long does DR70 stay on your licence?
A DR70 usually stays on your driving record for 4 years. This may be from the offence date or the conviction date if a ban is imposed.
Can Got You Covered help with DR70 insurance?
Yes. We help drivers with DR70 and other conviction codes find specialist car insurance where standard insurers may not be able to help.
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