Speeding fines are one of the most common penalties given to drivers in the UK, yet there’s still much confusion about how they work, how much they cost and can they be avoided or reduced. Driving over the speed limit may not seem like a bif deal, but it can have serious cosequences. For motorists, understanding the details of speeding offences is key, not just to avoid stress but to protect your driving licence and bank balance.
This article explains what you need to know about speeding fines from how they’re issued to how you can challenge or reduce them if you’re caught speeding and receive a speeding ticket. At #1 Motoring Solicitors we deal with these cases daily so you’re in safe hands.
What to Expect When You Get a Speeding Fine
Getting a speeding fine with a speeding ticket is stressful for any driver. Speeding offences are taken seriously, especially if you drive well above the legal speed limit or you’re at risk of losing your driving licence due to accumulated penalty points.
Speeding fines are issued when you’re caught speeding above the posted speed limit by a speed camera or a police officer. Depending on the severity of the offence you may get a fine, penalty points added to your licence or even a driving ban.
Understanding the process is the first step in managing the situation.
How Will You Be Notified of a Speeding Fine?
The process for issuing a speeding ticket fine in the UK follows a set protocol. If you’re caught speeding you will usually be notified in one of these ways:
- By a speed camera: Within 14 days of the offence the vehicle’s registered keeper will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 notice to identify the driver of the vehicle.
- If stopped by the police: An officer may give you a verbal warning, a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or tell you you’ll need to go to court.
Once you’ve identified the driver (if required) you’ll either get a Fixed Penalty Notice or a court summons depending on the severity of the offence.
What to Do If You Get a Speeding Fine?
If you get a speeding fine you need to act quickly. Ignoring notices or missing deadlines can lead to more severe penalties.
Here’s what you should do:
Acknowledge receipt of the notice:
Return the Section 172 notice within 28 days, confirming the driver’s identity. Failure to respond can result in additional charges, including failure to provide driver details.
Choose your option:
- Pay the fine and accept the penalty points.
- Take a speed awareness course (if offered and eligible).
- Challenge the fine if you think it was issued in error or there were mitigating factors.
Seeking legal advice from expert motoring solicitors can be invaluable if you’re not sure which route to take, especially if your licence is at risk.
How Much Do Speeding Fines Cost?
Speeding fines in the UK vary depending on how much over the limit you were driving. They are calculated as a percentage of your weekly income so fines can be significant.
The minimum penalty for speeding is:
- £100 minimum fine
- Three penalty points on your licence
For more serious offences the penalties increase. For example:
- Fines can go up to £1,000 (or £2,500 if you were speeding on a motorway).
- At higher speeds courts may impose driving disqualifications, more penalty points or larger fines in line with the offence’s severity.
You can find more information from the Sentencing Council.
Can Speeding Fines Be Reduced or Avoided?
There are situations where you can reduce or avoid the penalties associated with a speeding fine. Here’s how:
Take a Speed Awareness Course:
If eligible you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points. Eligibility often depends on whether you’ve taken a similar course in the past three years.
Challenge the Fine:
If you think the fine was issued incorrectly you can appeal. A challenge may be appropriate if:
- The speed camera was faulty or not calibrated correctly.
- The recorded speed wasn’t accurate.
- The notice wasn’t issued within the required timeframes.
Always consult with legal experts before disputing a speeding fine as the process can be complex.
Present Mitigating Circumstances:
At court you may argue there were mitigating circumstances for the speeding offence. These should be well prepared by a qualified solicitor to maximise your chances of a good outcome.
Avoid a Driving Ban:
If facing disqualification #1 Motoring Solicitors can present exceptional hardship arguments on your behalf. For example if a driving ban would impact your ability to work or care for dependents this could be grounds for leniency.
How Can #1 Motoring Solicitors Help?
At #1 Motoring Solicitors we defend motorists against speeding offences. With decades of experience and national coverage across England and Wales we offer bespoke legal solutions for our clients.
Here’s how we can help:
Review the Evidence:
We’ll examine the evidence against you to ensure all procedures were followed correctly. Any mistakes could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Challenge the Fine:
Our expert solicitors have successfully challenged fines due to procedural errors or defective equipment.
Avoid a Ban:
We’ve helped many clients avoid a ban even in high speed cases. Whe will also represent you in magistrates court if necessary.
If you’re worried about losing your licence or unsure what to do contact us for a consultation. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the support you need.
Protect Your Licence with Expert Advice
Speeding fines can have long term effects on your finances, driving record and even your ability to work. Understanding how speeding fines work and seeking advice can reduce the impact and in some cases avoid penalties altogether.
At #1 Motoring Solicitors we combine years of experience with a commitment to helping motorists get the best results. If you’ve received a speeding fine or have a court summons contact us today to speak to one of our motoring solicitors.
