AAATHE This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The  Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.  Parliament sets the maximum penalties for road traffic offences. The  seriousness of the offence is reflected in the maximum penalty. It is for  the courts to decide what sentence to impose according to  circumstances.  The penalty table indicates some of the main offences, and the  associated penalties. There is a wide range of other more specific  offences which, for the sake of simplicity, are not shown here. The  penalty points and disqualification system is described below.  The penalty point system is intended to deter drivers and motorcyclists  from following unsafe motoring practices. Certain non-motoring  offences, e.g. failure to rectify vehicle defects, can also attract penalty  points.  highwaycodeuk.co.uk 172  2.2. Penalty points and  disqualification  1.Penalties and the Highway  Code  Penalties