Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, section 35A

Extension of disqualification where custodial sentence also imposed

Part II Sentence

(1)This section applies where a person is convicted in England and Wales of an offence for which the court—

(a)imposes a custodial sentence, and

(b)orders the person to be disqualified under section 34 or 35.

(2)The order under section 34 or 35 must provide for the person to be disqualified for the appropriate extension period, in addition to the discretionary disqualification period.

(3)The discretionary disqualification period is the period for which, in the absence of this section, the court would have disqualified the person under section 34 or 35.

(4)The appropriate extension period is—

(a)where an order under [F216 section 321(2) of the Sentencing Code (life sentence: minimum term order)F216] is made in relation to the custodial sentence, a period equal to the part of the sentence specified in that order;

(b)in the case of a detention and training order [F217 within the meaning given by section 233 of that CodeF217] (offenders under 18: detention and training orders), a period equal to half the term of that order;

F218 (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F218 (d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e)where [F219 section 266 or 279 of that CodeF219] (extended sentence for certain violent [F220 , sexual or terrorismF220] offences: persons 18 or over) applies in relation to the custodial sentence, [F221 but the sentence is not within section 247A(2A) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (sentences for terrorist offenders in respect of which no early release possible),F221] a period equal to [F222 two-thirds ofF222] the term imposed pursuant to [F223 section 266(a) or 279(a) of that CodeF223] F224 ...;

(f)where [F225 section 254 of that CodeF225] (extended sentence for certain violent [F226 , sexual or terrorismF226] offences: persons under 18) applies in relation to the custodial sentence, [F227 but the sentence is not within section 247A(2A) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003,F227] a period equal to [F228 two-thirds ofF228] the term imposed pursuant to [F229 section 254(a) of that CodeF229] F224 ...;

[F230 (fza)in a case that would fall within paragraph (e) or (f) but for the fact that the custodial sentence falls within section 247A(2A) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, a period equal to the term imposed under section 266(a) or 279(a) or (as the case may be) section 254(a) of the Sentencing Code;F230]

[F231 (fa)in the case of a sentence under [F232 section [F233 252A,F233] 265 or 278 of that CodeF232] (special custodial sentence for certain offenders of particular concern), a period equal to [F234 two-thirdsF234] of the term imposed pursuant to [F235 section [F236 252A(4)(a),F236] 265(2)(a) or 278(2)(a) of that CodeF235] ;F231]

[F237 (fb)in the case of a sentence under section 268A or 282A of that Code (serious terrorism sentences), a period equal to the term imposed by the court pursuant to section 268C(2) or 282C(2) of that Code;

(fc)in the case of a sentence in respect of which section 244ZA of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 applies to the offender [F238 , a period equal to two-thirds of the sentence;F238] [F238 —

(i)where the sentence falls within subsection (4) or (5) of that section, a period equal to one-half of the sentence;

(ii)where the sentence falls within subsection (6) of that section, a period equal to two-thirds of the sentence;F238]

(fd)in any other case where section 247A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 applies to the offender in respect of the custodial sentence, a period equal to two-thirds of the sentence;F237]

[F239 (fe)in the case of any other sentence under section 250 of the Sentencing Code, a period equal to one-half of the sentence;F239]

F240 (g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(h)in any other case, a period equal to [F241 halfF241] [F241 one-third ofF241] the custodial sentence imposed F242....

(5)If a period determined under subsection (4) includes a fraction of a day, that period is to be rounded up to the nearest number of whole days.

F243 (6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7)This section does not apply where—

(a)the custodial sentence was a suspended sentence, [F244 orF244]

[F245 (b)the court has made a whole life order under section 321(3) of the Sentencing Code in relation to the custodial sentence.F245]

(8) Subsection (9) applies where an amending order provides that the proportion of a prisoner's sentence referred to in section [F246 243A(3)(a), F246] 244(3)(a) [F247 or (aa) or section 244ZA(8)(a) or (aa) F247] F248 ... of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (release of prisoners in certain circumstances) is to be read as a reference to another proportion (“the new proportion”).

(9)The Secretary of State may by order—

[F249 (za)if the amending order makes provision in respect of section 244ZA(8)(a) or (aa) of that Act, provide that the proportion specified in subsection (4)(fc)(i) or (ii) of this section is to be read, in the case of a custodial sentence to which the amending order applies, as a reference to the new proportion;

(zb)if the amending order makes provision in respect of section 243A(3)(a) or 244(3)(a) of that Act, provide that the proportion specified in subsection (4)(fe) of this section is to be read, in the case of a custodial sentence to which the amending order applies, as a reference to the new proportion;F249]

(a)if the amending order makes provision in respect of section [[F250,F251 243A(3)(a) orF251] 244(3)(a)F250] [F250 244(3)(aa)F250] of that Act, provide that the proportion specified in subsection (4)(h) of this section is to be read, in the case of a custodial sentence to which the amending order applies, as a reference to the new proportion;

F252 (b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10)An order under subsection (9) is to be made by statutory instrument and a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order must be laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(11)In this section—

  • “amending order” means an order under section 267 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (alteration by order of relevant proportion of sentence) ;

  • “custodial sentence” has the meaning given by [F253 section 222 of the Sentencing Code F253] ;

  • “suspended sentence” has the meaning given by [F254 section 286 of the Sentencing Code F254] .

Definitions used in section 35A 2

disqualified

“disqualified” means disqualified for holding or obtaining a licence and “disqualification” is to be construed accordingly,

Defined in s.98(1) · see it in the full Act
disqualification

“disqualified” means disqualified for holding or obtaining a licence and “disqualification” is to be construed accordingly,

Defined in s.98(1) · see it in the full Act

Cases considering section 35A 66

Fiona Hodge & Ors v R

[2026] EWCA Crim 1181 · 16 September 2026

Applies the consequence that Carter’s extension period attached to the five-year disqualification was quashed after the sentence was reduced below the relevant threshold and suspended. (see paras [46], [69], [74])

R v Tyrone Jugessur

[2026] EWCA Crim 1010 · 8 July 2026

Applies the extension mechanism for a person sentenced to custody, requiring the disqualification to be extended so that custody does not neutralise it. The court treated the dangerous-driving extension as obligatory. (see paras [22]-[24], [39]) Applies section 35A(4) to calculate an obligatory extension equal to half the custodial sentence for dangerous driving. On an 18-month sentence, the extension was nine months. (see paras [39]-[40]) Applies section 35A(4)(h) as the statutory basis for the dangerous-driving extension period. The court calculated nine months, being half of the 18-month custodial sentence. (see paras [24], [39]-[40])

R v Mark Roberts

[2026] EWCA Crim 751 · 5 June 2026

The court applied the rule that the extension period does not count towards the five-year minimum and held that suspension of the custodial sentence meant no extension was available (see paras [3]; [33]).

46 more judgments, and what each says about section 35A, are in the case-law panel in the full Act.

Amendments and notes

43 notes from legislation.gov.uk

Amendments

  1. F215Ss. 35A, 35B inserted (13.4.2015) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 16 para. 2(2) (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 29); S.I. 2015/819, art. 2(b)
  2. F216Words in s. 35A(4)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  3. F217Words in s. 35A(4)(b) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  4. F218S. 35A(4)(c)(d) omitted (3.12.2012) by virtue of 2012 c. 10, Sch. 10 para. 5; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(h)
  5. F219Words in s. 35A(4)(e) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(c)(i) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  6. F220Words in s. 35A(4)(e) substituted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(3), Sch. 4 para. 6(a) (with s. 25(3)(4))
  7. F221Words in s. 35A(4)(e) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(a), 208(4)(q)
  8. F222Words in s. 35A(4)(e) substituted (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 21 para. 4(2)(b); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(s)
  9. F223Words in s. 35A(4)(e) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(c)(ii) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  10. F224Words in s. 35A(4)(e)(f) omitted (13.4.2015) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 30(1)(a), 95(1); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 25; S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 25
  11. F225Words in s. 35A(4)(f) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(d)(i) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  12. F226Words in s. 35A(4)(f) substituted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(3), Sch. 4 para. 6(b) (with s. 25(3)(4))
  13. F227Words in s. 35A(4)(f) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(b), 208(4)(q)
  14. F228Words in s. 35A(4)(f) substituted (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 21 para. 4(3)(b); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(s)
  15. F229Words in s. 35A(4)(f) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(d)(ii) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  16. F230S. 35A(4)(fza) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(c), 208(4)(q)
  17. F231S. 35A(4)(fa) inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 1 para. 11(3); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 72
  18. F232Words in s. 35A(4)(fa) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(e)(i) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  19. F233Word in s. 35A(4)(fa) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(d)(i), 208(4)(q)
  20. F234Word in s. 35A(4)(fa) substituted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(d)(ii), 208(4)(q)
  21. F235Words in s. 35A(4)(fa) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(e)(ii) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  22. F236Word in s. 35A(4)(fa) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(d)(iii), 208(4)(q)
  23. F237S. 35A(4)(fb)-(fd) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 140(1)(e), 208(4)(q)
  24. F238Words in s. 35A(4)(fc) substituted (22.1.2026 for enabling the exercise of power to make regulations) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), ss. 24(1)(a)(i), 49(3)(c) (with s. 24(7))
  25. F239S. 35A(4)(fe) inserted (22.1.2026 for enabling the exercise of power to make regulations) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), ss. 24(1)(a)(ii), 49(3)(c) (with s. 24(7))
  26. F240S. 35A(4)(g) omitted (1.12.2020) by virtue of Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(2)(f) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  27. F241Words in s. 35A(4)(h) substituted (22.1.2026 for enabling the exercise of power to make regulations) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), ss. 24(1)(a)(iii), 49(3)(c) (with s. 24(7))
  28. F242Words in s. 35A(4)(h) omitted (13.4.2015) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 30(1)(b), 95(1); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 25
  29. F243S. 35A(6) omitted (13.4.2015) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 30(1)(c), 95(1); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 25
  30. F244Word in s. 35A(7)(a) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(3)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  31. F245S. 35A(7)(b) substituted for s. 35A(7)(b)(c) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(3)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  32. F246Word in s. 35A(8) inserted (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 1(a); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l)
  33. F247Words in s. 35A(8) inserted (22.1.2026 for enabling the exercise of power to make regulations) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), ss. 24(1)(b), 49(3)(c) (with s. 24(7))
  34. F248Words in s. 35A(8) omitted (3.12.2012) by virtue of 2012 c. 10, Sch. 21 para. 4(4); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(s)
  35. F249S. 35A(9)(za)(zb) inserted (22.1.2026 for enabling the exercise of power to make regulations) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), ss. 24(1)(c)(i), 49(3)(c) (with s. 24(7))
  36. F250Word in s. 35A(9)(a) substituted (22.1.2026 for enabling the exercise of power to make regulations) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), ss. 24(1)(c)(ii), 49(3)(c) (with s. 24(7))
  37. F251Words in s. 35A(9)(a) inserted (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 1(b); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l)
  38. F252S. 35A(9)(b) omitted (3.12.2012) by virtue of 2012 c. 10, Sch. 21 para. 4(5); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(s)
  39. F253Words in s. 35A(11) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(4)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
  40. F254Words in s. 35A(11) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 102(4)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Modifications

  1. C53S. 35A excluded by 2003 c. 32, s. 54(3A)(a) (as inserted (1.8.2017 as notified in the London Gazette dated 1.8.2017 (Issue 62012, p. 14601)) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 7 para. 2(4) (with Sch. 7 para. 27); S.I. 2017/189, art. 3)
  2. C54S. 35A modified in part (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), ss. 1, 5(2)(3); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2
  3. C55S. 35A(4)(h): power to modify conferred (13.4.2015) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 22 para. 34(2) (with s. 180); S.I. 2015/819, art. 2(c)