DR80 Conviction and Car Insurance: What It Means and How It Affects Cover

A DR80 conviction means driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drugs. It can lead to a driving ban, a fine, prison and a criminal record.

A DR80 can also make car or van insurance harder to arrange and may increase the cost. However, cover can still be possible after your ban has ended, you have completed any DVLA requirements, and your driving licence has been properly restored.

At Got You Covered, we specialise in convicted driver insurance for drivers whose history may make standard cover harder to find.

What does a DR80 conviction mean?

The official DR80 code is for driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs.

The offence is about being unfit to drive because of drugs. This can include illegal drugs, prescription medicines or over-the-counter medicines if they impair your ability to drive safely.

The drug-driving law makes it illegal to drive if legal or illegal drugs make you unfit. A prescription does not make it lawful to drive while a medicine is affecting your ability to drive safely.

Our insurance glossary also explains terms linked to convictions, bans and penalty points.

Is DR80 the same as DG10?

No. DR80 relates to being unfit to drive through drugs. DG10 relates to driving or attempting to drive with a specified drug above the legal limit.

DR80 focuses on impairment. DG10 focuses on the level of a specified drug in the body.

What are the penalties for a DR80 conviction?

The DVLA lists DR80 as carrying 3 to 11 penalty points. For the section 4(1) offence, the Sentencing Council states that the court must endorse the licence and disqualify the driver for at least 12 months.

A DR80 can also lead to an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. The sentence depends on the facts of the case, and a longer minimum ban can apply after a relevant previous offence.

How long does a DR80 stay on your driving record?

A DR80 endorsement stays on the driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction.

That is not the same as the insurance disclosure period.

If you have been disqualified for drug driving, you must apply for a new driving licence before you can drive again. Any insurance discussed here is for after the ban has ended and once you are legally entitled to drive again.

Can you get car insurance after a DR80 conviction?

Yes, in many cases you may still be able to get car insurance after a DR80 conviction.

Fewer insurers may be willing to offer cover, especially while the conviction is recent or unspent. The price, excess and policy terms may also be different.

At Got You Covered, we arrange convicted driver insurance for people with a range of motoring convictions. We may also be able to arrange van insurance, depending on the vehicle, its use and the full underwriting details.

Any quote is subject to insurer acceptance and policy terms.

How can a DR80 affect the cost of insurance?

A DR80 may increase the cost of insurance. The government notes that car insurance costs can increase after a drug-driving conviction.

There is no fixed increase for every driver. Insurers may consider how recent the DR80 is, the ban, other convictions or claims, your age, the vehicle, mileage, use, postcode and no-claims bonus.

Our page on what affects your car insurance premium covers these wider factors. You can also read our glossary definition of a no-claims bonus.

Do you have to declare a DR80 to your insurer?

You should answer every question an insurer or broker asks fully and accurately.

The 11-year DVLA record period does not mean you must automatically declare a DR80 to insurers for 11 years.

Under current rehabilitation rules, a driving endorsement normally becomes spent after five years from conviction for an adult, or two years and six months if the person was under 18. A driving disqualification becomes spent when the ban has ended. If more than one sentence or order applies, the spent date can depend on the longest relevant rehabilitation period.

MoneyHelper states that spent convictions do not need to be declared when applying for insurance. If the conviction is unspent, disclose it when the insurer asks.

When buying, renewing or changing consumer insurance, you must take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation.

Our glossary also explains driving convictions and convicted driver insurance.

What should you prepare before applying for DR80 insurance?

Before applying, check your DVLA driving record and have these details ready:

• your DR80 conviction date
• the offence date, if requested
• the dates and length of your driving ban
• confirmation that your licence has been restored
• other convictions, points, claims or accidents
• your no-claims bonus
• vehicle details, mileage and use.

Do not guess if you are unsure. Our page on why accurate details matter when getting a car insurance quote explains why errors can affect price, policy terms or a later claim.

Getting DR80 insurance with Got You Covered

A DR80 conviction can make insurance more complicated, but it does not always prevent you from getting cover once you are legally allowed to drive again.

At Got You Covered, we work with drivers who have previous motoring convictions, claims or a low no-claims bonus. We can take the details of your DR80, vehicle and wider driving history and look for options from insurers that may consider your circumstances.

Cover, price, excesses and policy terms depend on the insurer and the full information provided. We cannot guarantee acceptance or a particular price.

To discuss your circumstances, contact Got You Covered.

DR80 insurance FAQs

How long does a DR80 stay on your licence?

A DR80 stays on your DVLA driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction.

Can I get insured after a DR80 driving ban?

In many cases, yes. Your ban must have ended, and your licence must have been properly restored before you drive again.

Do I have to tell an insurer about a DR80 for 11 years?

Not necessarily. The 11-year DVLA record period is different from the period in which the conviction is unspent. Answer the insurer’s questions accurately and disclose an unspent conviction when asked.

Can prescription medication lead to a DR80?

It can. Legal medicines can be relevant if they make you unfit to drive.

Is DR80 the same as being over the drug-driving limit?

No. DR80 is for driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drugs. DG10 is the separate code for driving or attempting to drive with a specified drug above the legal limit.