What Is Speeding?

What Is Speeding?

Speeding is a common traffic offence often captured by roadside speed cameras and police-operated speed guns. While driving even 1 mph over the speed limit technically constitutes speeding, police typically exercise discretion and do not prosecute unless the speed exceeds the limit by 10%. If you are caught speeding, the police must issue a Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days of the offence.

Guidelines for Speeding Offences

Minor Speeding Offences

Minor speeding offences are usually handled through a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), resulting in a fine and 3 penalty points. In some cases, a speed awareness course may be offered as an alternative, which avoids penalty points.

Serious Speeding Offences

Serious speeding offences typically involve driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit. Penalties for these offences range from 3 to 6 points on your license or a short-term disqualification of up to one month. Fines are generally around one week’s salary, capped at £1,000, or £2,500 if the offence occurs on a motorway.

Very Serious Speeding Offences

Very serious speeding offences involve driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit. Penalties include 6 points on your license or a short-term disqualification of up to two months. Fines are also around one week’s salary, with the same caps of £1,000 for regular roads and £2,500 for motorways. In extreme cases, additional charges like dangerous driving can lead to a prison sentence.

Penalty Points and Driving Bans

Points from speeding offences stay on your license for 4 years from the date of the offence. Accumulating more than 12 points results in a driving ban, commonly known as a ‘totting up’ ban. For new drivers within 2 years of passing their driving test, accumulating 6 points results in a ban.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with Speeding

If you or a family member are accused of speeding, it is crucial to seek legal advice immediately. Our team of experienced solicitors can provide the best possible guidance and representation to ensure a favorable outcome for your case.

Additional external information

Government website – Penalty points

CPS – detailed info on driving offences

DVLA website