Numbers on the back of your driving licence can see you fined £1000 – here’s what they really mean
The numbers on the back of your driving licence that you've probably never read revealed
ON the back of your driving licence there are a whole load of important numbers and ignoring them could land you a hefty £1,000 fine.
Make sure you understand what they mean as not only could it mean a fine, points could be added to our licence.
Listed under section 12 of the driving licence are "information codes" that relate to rules and regulations about what and how you can drive.
The most common is "01", which relates to eyesight.
Every driver, whatever size or class of vehicle, with a 01 restriction on the rear of their licence must always wear glasses or contact lenses if they have informed the DVLA they require them for driving.
If you're stopped and police find you're not wearing glasses or contacts, you could be slapped with a £100 on-the-spot fine.
But roadside punishment is actually quite rare, according to lawyers, and you're more likely to find yourself in court.
This can carry a fine worth 50 per cent of your weekly salary - capped at £1,000 - and three to six penalty points.
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You must also report any changes in your eyesight to the DVLA so the code can be updated - this includes if you have laser eye surgery to correct your vision.
Failure to keep your driving licence updated is a separate offence and can land you with a £1,000 fine - just like not updating your address or marital status.
Laura Newton, motoring law expert at Rothera Sharp, said: "Failing to update something can be an offence but that's just a financial penalty.
"If you are not driving in accordance with the categories it's like not having L-plates on your car as a learner. That is when it becomes an endorsable offence."
Top 10 most common driving licence codes and what they mean
01 - eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses
02 - hearing/communication aid
40 - modified steering
101 - not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit)
105 - vehicle not more than 5.5 metres long
106 - restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions
107 - not more than 8,250 kilograms
111 - limited to 16 passenger seats
115 - organ donor
122 - valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course
125 - tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
For a full list visit the DVLA website
Other restrictions listed on licences include hearing aids, length and weight of vehicle restrictions, modified steering, brake and clutch systems for those with disabilities and automatic only licences.
There are also limitations on the number of people you can transport and whether you can hire the vehicle out for profit.
Two codes that appear on many licences but don't carry a punishment are 115 and 122.
The first relates to the fact you're listed as an organ donor with the DVLA.
This means in the event of a fatal car accident paramedics know that you can potentially help save lives.
The 122 code means if you choose to take a basic moped training course, your licence is valid - so long as your licence was issued before June 29, 2014.
Other sections on the back of the licence - numbered 9-11 - show the class of vehicle you're allowed to drive and the dates from and when they're each valid for.