More than 500,000 male drivers have admitted to passing their penalty points on to another person, a new report by Direct Line reveals.

Around 3% (564,000) of male drivers have passed on points to avoid them being added to their own licence.

A further 180,000 men have tried point swapping but failed.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line, said: “Motorists are increasingly risking perverting the course of justice in order to maintain a clean licence, as well as to avoid a driving ban.

"However, trying to escape convictions by swapping points with another person is illegal and can lead to prosecution for both parties. The way to avoid a driving ban in the first place is simple – drive responsibly.”

The most prolific points swappers are in the North East, with 5% owning up to swapping penalty points with their partner, friends or family members.

No women admitted to getting someone to take their points for them, Direct Line said.

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