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5 Ridiculous Excuses For Drink Driving
Itโs summer, and that means lots of BBQs, beach parties and festivals. It also means that thousands of people will risk driving home when theyโve hadโฆ
DR80 is the DVLA endorsement code for driving, or attempting to drive, while unfit through drugs. This covers both illegal drugs and certain prescription medicines above specified limits. It carries an obligatory driving ban of at least 12 months and stays on your licence for 11 years.
DR80 or DG10? DR80 is for driving while impaired by drugs, which has to be proved by how you were driving. DG10 is for driving with a drug level above the specified limit, proved by a blood test, and it is the code most drug driving cases carry. If your licence shows DG10, read our DG10 page instead.
โA prescription alone isnโt automatically a defence, you may still need to show you werenโt impaired.โ
The right cover depends on:

Is DR80 the right code, or something else?
Is DR80 the right code, or something else?
DR80 is one of four drug driving codes. DG10 and DG40 are for a measured drug level above the specified limit, while DR80 and DR90 are for impairment, so make sure youโve got the right one.
DR80 is one of four drug driving codes. DG10 and DG40 are for a measured drug level above the specified limit, while DR80 and DR90 are for impairment, so make sure youโve got the right one.

DG10
The common modern charge: driving with a drug level above the specified limit, based on a measured level rather than impairment.

DG40
In charge of a vehicle (not driving) with a drug level above the specified limit.

DR90
In charge of a vehicle (not driving) while unfit through drugs.

DR10 or DR20
If alcohol was involved rather than drugs.

IN10
If you were also convicted of driving uninsured.

TT99
If your points totalled 12 or more, resulting in totting-up.

Banned Driver
If your conviction resulted in disqualification.

Not Sure Which Applies?
Check your exact code and points on your DVLA driving record.
What could go wrong and what covers it?
What could go wrong and what covers it?
The situations drivers with a DR80 conviction worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasnโt declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.
The situations drivers with a DR80 conviction worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasnโt declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.


This type of cover may be suitable at any stage after a DR80 conviction.
This cover may be suitable for:
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with a DR80 conviction, and the cover that responds in each case.
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with a DR80 conviction, and the cover that responds in each case.
Non-disclosure
You donโt tell a new insurer about your DR80.
What typically happens
Policy can be voided entirely
Prescription medication disputes
Youโre prescribed medication that led to a positive test.
What you should do
Being prescribed isnโt automatically a defence
Renewal after conviction
Your policy is due for renewal after your DR80.
What typically happens
Premium increases, specialist insurer may be needed
Accident while unfit
You cause an accident while unfit through drugs.
What typically happens
Third party paid, cost reclaimed from you
DR80 insurance is priced on the length of your disqualification, how long ago it ended, any other convictions on your licence, your age and the car you want to insure.
How long ago it happened
More recent convictions are generally viewed as higher risk than older ones.
Your driving history overall
A clean record before the conviction may help your case.
Length of your ban
The length of your ban and when it ends are taken into account.
Level of cover chosen
Third party, third party fire & theft or comprehensive cover all affect price differently.
Whether youโve had other convictions
Multiple convictions can make cover harder and more expensive to arrange.
How you use your vehicle
Personal or work-related driving can be assessed differently.
DR80 compared to related codes
DR80 compared to related codes
A quick reference, always confirm your exact code and points with the DVLA.
A quick reference, always confirm your exact code and points with the DVLA.
| Code | Offence | Typical penalty | Duration on licence |
|---|---|---|---|
DR80 | Driving while unfit through drugs | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DG10 | Driving with a drug level above the specified limit | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DR90 | In charge while unfit through drugs | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DG40 | In charge with a drug level above the specified limit | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DR10 | Drink driving above the limit | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DR40 | In charge while over the alcohol limit | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured | 6 to 8 points | 4 years |
TT99 | Totting up, 12+ points in 3 years | 6 month ban minimum | 4 years |

How the quote process works
How the quote process works
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Tell us about your DR80
When you were convicted of driving while unfit through drugs, and your ban length.
Tell us about you and your vehicle
Your age, driving history, and the vehicle you want to insure.
We find insurers who accept DR80
Drug driving convictions narrow the market sharply. We approach the specialists who still quote.
Insured when your ban ends
We arrange cover to start the day youโre legally back on the road.
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
DR80 insights & guides
DR80 insights & guides
Practical advice on DR80 convictions, disclosure and getting back on the road.
Practical advice on DR80 convictions, disclosure and getting back on the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about DR80 insurance and disclosure.
Find quick answers to common questions about DR80 insurance and disclosure.
DR80 is the DVLA endorsement code for driving, or attempting to drive, while unfit through drugs. It carries an obligatory ban of at least 12 months and stays on your licence for 11 years.