Speeding Fines & Penalties 2019

What is the maximum fine for a speeding offence?

Minor speeding offences are normally be dealt with by way of a Fixed Penalty, resulting in a £100 fine. If the Police refer a case to Court, the maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 for motorway offences).

I read in the press that fines are now unlimited, is that not correct?

Speeding fines remain capped at £1,000 for non-motorway offences and £2,500 for motorway allegations. Whilst the method of calculating the fine has changed, the maximum figure imposed has not. Unlimited fines can be ordered for other motoring offences, but speeding fines remain capped at present.

What about penalty points?

For a Fixed Penalty, your driving licence will be imposed with 3 penalty points. If a case is referred to Court, the penalty is at the discretion of the Magistrates and ranges from 3 to 6 points or an driving ban, subject to the severity of the allegation, circumstances of the offence and mitigation, to include the driver's past record.

At what speed will the Police offer a Fixed Penalty?

The option to offer a Fixed Penalty is at the discretion of thei Police; they have no obligation to put a conditional offer to you, but as a general guide, a Fixed Penalty may be offered in the following circumstances:

When will a speeding offence lead to a driving ban?

There are two circumstances which could result in a driving ban:

• For repeat offenders, a 6 month totting up ban will be imposed if 12 points are reached for offences committed within 3 years; or
• High-speed offences will carry an instant ban, depending on the exact circumstances and the speed alleged.

What speed triggers an instant ban?

In general, the higher the speed, the greater the risk of an instant ban. Although a Court has complete discretion, please refer to the Court Sentencing Guidelines, which are normally adopted as appropriate for the minimum speed at which an instant ban may be imposed:

Court Sentencing Guidelines

What is the likely penalty in my particular case?

Our free online Penalty Calculator will give an indication of the likely outcome:

Penalty Calculator

Can I request a speed awareness course instead of a fine/penalty points?

Although you can attempt to persuade the Police to offer a speed awareness course, the decision is entirely at their discretion and there is no obligation to offer a course at any stage. You can only attend 1 course every 3 years and they are normally offered for speeds that would otherwise be resolved by a Fixed Penalty.

If I cannot avoid a speeding fine, what can I expect?

Fixed Penalty

If you are not offered a speed awareness course, for minor errors, the probability is a conditional offer will be proposed. Not only does it avoid the need for a Court attendance, but as there is no Court process at all, there are no other costs. The penalty remains at 3 points and £100, regardless of your circumstances or those of the offence. It does not distinguish between one off offenders or repeat offenders, nor does it allow the driver to offer mitigation. To conclude on this basis, you must comply with the terms imposed to include accepting the offer within 28 days and dealing with same as instructed.

Court Process / Single Justice Procedure

If the Police deem the offence too serious for a Fixed Penalty, Court proceedings will be commenced via one of the following methods:

• Single Justice Procedure Notice;
• Court Summons;
• Postal Requisition;
• Citation (Scotland);

The Police have to start the process (i.e. lodge their papers at Court) within 6 months of the incident. Most Police forces issue a Single Justice Procedure Notice, which allows 21 days for mitigation or a request for a personal hearing to be lodged with the Court.

If I attend Court will I face any other penalties?

Yes. Please refer to the Court Sentencing Guidelines page for further information:

What is the timeline for a speeding offence?

• Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)

  Deadline: 14 days

  If you were not stopped and warned by the Police at the time of the offence, a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) must be served on the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the incident.

• Respond to NIP

  Deadline: 28 days

  You have 28 days to identify the driver (by doing so, you do not admit the allegation).

• Police Process

  Subject to the speed, the Police will either:

  • Offer a Speed Awareness Course *

  The Police can impose a time limit for your attendance, which is normally 90 days of the offer being issued.

  • Offer a Fixed Penalty Notice *

  You must comply with the terms imposed to include accepting the offer within 28 days.

  • Refer the case to Court

  The Police have 6 months from the date of the alleged offence to start the process.

  * Once the Police have identified the driver, if they intend to offer a Speed Awareness Course or a Fixed Penalty, you will receive confirmation within 28 days.

• Court Process

  Issue Proceedings

  If the case is referred to Court, you will receive one of the following documents:

  • Single Justice Procedure Notice

  You have 21 days to reply from the date of posting.

  • Summons / Postal Requsition / Citation

  The paperwork will specify the exact date by which action has to be taken.

  Court Procedure

  The Court will either:

  • Impose a penalty;
  • Issue a Notice of Proposed Disqualification;
  • Allocate a hearing date;

How long will the offence appear on my driving licence?

Penalty points remain valid for 3 years from the date of the offence and are removed from your licence after 4 years.

What if I hold a foreign driving licence?

You will still be prosecuted and the case will be referred to Court. The Court has the option to impose a fine and penalty points to a "shadow/ghost" licence which will be set up by the DVLA, or for serious offences, a ban can be imposed. In extreme cases, the Court can prevent you from driving until you have obtained a UK licence.