McLaren Group executive chairman Ron Dennis has been banned from driving on the road in Britain for six months.
Dennis this week pleaded guilty at Woking Magistrates Court to failing to stop for a red light in Bagshot last September. The three points he received for the offense subsequently pushed his total up to 12, which resulted in him being given an automatic six-month ban.
According to the website www.getsurrey.com, Dennis defended himself in the hearing by claiming that he should be spared a driving ban because of the inconvenience it would cause to his work and family life, and that he had driven through the light to avoid collision with a friend's car which was following close behind.
"It was the decision I took for which I realize I'm here to take the penalty, but as I have said I really need my license," Dennis said in court. "I have no hardship but I would have a massive amount of trouble not being able to look after my daughter at the weekends."
A McLaren spokesman said: "Our executive chairman's driving license has been suspended for six months following four minor traffic infringements that resulted in 12 penalty points being accrued."
Dennis was fined £350 [$560] for the offense and ordered to pay court costs.