Though we all know speeding is illegal, virtually every driver will break the limit at some time or another. We’re not talking about the really flagrant cases here. Instead, it’s often the times we go one mile per hour too quickly that catch us out. This, then, begs an important question: is it ever okay to drive just over the speed limit?
We’ve created this guide in order to answer all your questions on the topic. What really happens if you drive just above the speed limit? Does the 10% rule really exist? And what consequences can you face if you break the law? Read on for all the answers you need.
Speed limits
Let’s start with the reality: even if you drive just 1 mph over the limit, you’re still breaking the law. Speed limits are there for a reason, so don’t ignore them! Furthermore, speed limits are just that—a limit, rather than a recommended speed. Indeed, rule 125 of the Highway Code has this to say on the matter:
“The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when:
- The road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
- Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, particularly children, and motorcyclists
- Weather conditions make it safer to do so
- Driving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users”
In some instances, though, a driver may be genuinely unaware that they are speeding. If you’ve got a sat nav that measures your speed, for example, you might have noticed that it occasionally contradicts the speed shown on your speedometer. This is because speedometers aren’t always the most reliable. What looks like 50 mph could actually turn out to be 48 mph or even 52 mph! This is where the ‘10% rule’ comes in…
The 10% rule
On paper, as soon as you go over the speed limit, you’re committing a driving offence. In reality, however, there can be some leeway. That’s because the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) urges police officers to use their discretion when dealing with drivers who break the speed limit. To be more specific, they recommend only handing out speeding tickets if a driver surpasses the speed limit by 10% plus 2.
The truth here, of course, is that it isn’t quite a ‘10% rule’, but instead a 10% recommendation. Police officers are under no obligation to ignore your offence, even if you were only just above the speed limit. That is why we advise drivers not to risk it. Though it’s true that you could get away with speeding, breaking the law is more hassle than it’s worth. Getting to your destination a few minutes earlier simply isn’t worth it.
| If you’re caught speeding, you could end up with a hefty fine, penalty points and even disqualification from driving altogether. So, if you want to stay on the right side of the law, we’d suggest following the speed limits properly. (Just imagine your old driving instructor sitting next to you while you drive!) |
What happens if I’m caught driving above the speed limit?
If you’ve been caught speeding, whether by a police officer or speed camera, you could end up with:
- A verbal warning
- An invitation to attend a speed awareness course
- A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
- A summons for court
When the police pull you over for speeding, they’ll ask you to produce your driving licence, proof of insurance and a valid MOT. If you can’t present them straightaway, you’ll need to take them to your local police station within 7 days.
Receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
Drivers caught speeding will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). It’s your responsibility to reply to this and inform the police of who was driving the car at the time of the offence. Unless you’re eligible for a speed awareness course (which we’ll discuss below), you’ll receive either a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a letter telling you to go to court.
When you receive a FPN, you have the option to plead guilty or not guilty. If you accept the FPN, you’ll have to pay a £100 fine and also accept 3 penalty points which will immediately be added to your driving licence.
If you opt instead to plead not guilty, you will have to go to court. Here, you can end up with a heftier fine and even more penalty points if the court determines that you are guilty of speeding. The exact figure will vary, however, by the speed limit and the amount by which you exceeded it. You can see the full breakdown in the table below…
| Speed limit | Band A: recorded speed | Band B: recorded speed | Band C: recorded speed |
| 20 mph | 21-30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41 mph+ |
| 30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41-50 mph | 51 mph+ |
| 40 mph | 41-55 mph | 56-65 mph | 66 mph+ |
| 50 mph | 51-65 mph | 66-75 mph | 76 mph+ |
| 60 mph | 61-80 mph | 81-90 mph | 91 mph+ |
| 70 mph | 71-90 mph | 91-100 mph | 101 mph+ |
| Fine | 25-75% of weekly income | 75-125% of weekly income | 125-175% of weekly income |
| Penalty Points | 3 points | 4 to 6 points | 6 points |
| Disqualification | N/A | 7 to 28 days | 7 to 56 days |
Factors that can affect the severity of your speeding sentence
The court can decide to increase the severity of your speeding sentence under certain circumstances, such as:
- Previous driving offences on record: if it’s not been long since you were last caught speeding, you can expect to face harsher penalties.
- Adverse weather: drivers are taught to take extra care during poor weather conditions. If you’ve ignored this, there’s a good chance you’ll be punished further.
- Location of the offence: if you were caught speeding near a school, with a high volume of vulnerable road users, then you’ll almost definitely end up with a harsher penalty.
Other factors include the number of pedestrians in the area, if you were towing a caravan or trailer, if you had passengers or if you still refuse to acknowledge your offence.
Not every factor will make your sentence harsher, though. In fact, there are a few cases in which the court might opt to reduce your speeding sentence:
- If you had a genuine emergency that forced you to drive over the speed limit
- A clean driving record
- If you show clear remorse and good character
| Drivers who passed their practical test within the last 2 years are deemed new drivers. If you fall into this category, then your driving licence will be revoked if you end up with 6 or more penalty points. |
Speed awareness courses
In certain cases, drivers who are caught speeding will be invited to a speed awareness course. If you take one, you won’t receive 3 penalty points—you’ll simply have to pay between £80 and £100 for the course fee. There are a few stipulations, however:
- You have to admit to being the driver of the vehicle
- You can’t have attended a speed awareness course within the 3 years prior to your current speeding offence
Additionally, your speed needs to fall under certain limits laid out by the police. The table below highlights the minimum and maximum speeds allowed by the police when inviting drivers onto these courses. Bear in mind, however, that these limits will vary depending on your location.
| Speed limit | Minimum limit | Maximum limit |
| 20 mph | 24 mph | 31 mph |
| 30 mph | 35 mph | 42 mph |
| 40 mph | 46 mph | 53 mph |
| 50 mph | 57 mph | 64 mph |
| 60 mph | 68 mph | 75 mph |
| 70 mph | 79 mph | 86 mph |
If you do turn out to be eligible for a speed awareness course, you’ll receive an offer letter from the police. It’s then up to you to decide whether or not to accept the offer, or turn it down and take the fine and penalty points. You’ll be able to book your speed awareness course online. The letter will give you all the information you need to sort it all out. Don’t put it off too long, though, as you’ve only got up to 12 weeks after the date of your speeding offence.
If you’d like to learn more about this, head on over to our comprehensive guide to speed awareness courses.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to receive a speeding ticket?
Typically, you’ll receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days of being caught speeding. It can vary, however, depending on whether you were caught by a speed camera or an individual police officer.
2. How much will my speeding fine be?
The minimum fine you can receive for speeding is £100. If you end up in court, however, this can be much higher. There are three band categories that highlight how much you exceeded the speed limit by. If you fall into Band A, you’ll have to pay between 25 and 75% of your weekly income. Band B offenders, meanwhile, will pay 75 to 125% of their weekly income. Finally, offenders in Band C will need to pay 125 to 175%.
3. Do I have to go to court if I’m caught speeding?
It depends. If you receive an NIP and accept the fine and points, then you won’t have to. If, however, you decided to plead not guilty, or you’re found to have been speeding by an excessive amount, you’ll have to head to court.
4. Will my insurance premiums be affected if I’m caught speeding?
This will depend on your circumstances. If you get a fine and penalty points, then your premiums are likely to increase. This is because insurers see drivers with a criminal record as being riskier to insure. If, on the other hand, you get an invitation to take a speed awareness course, then you won’t have to accept any penalty points. Your premiums will, therefore, remain the same.
5. I wasn’t offered a speed awareness course even though I meet the requirements. Why is this?
Each police force has its own rules regarding which drivers receive invitations to speed awareness courses. In fact, forces are under no obligation to offer the courses at all! You can’t assume, therefore, that you’ll get a place on the course. You can only be sure once you’ve received an invitation.
6. Do I have to tell my insurer if I take a speed awareness course?
Nope! Taking a speed awareness course means that you don’t have to take the penalty points usually handed to drivers caught speeding. As such, your insurer doesn’t need to know.
7. What happens if I don’t show up to my speed awareness course?
Firstly, the course providers will immediately let the police know that you didn’t show up to the course. The police will then decide on the next course of action. You will either be offered another date, or end up with a Fixed Penalty Notice and penalty points. If you can’t attend your speed awareness course due to illness, then get in touch with the course provider ASAP to avoid any confusion.
8. How long will penalty points stay on my driving licence?
It all depends on the driving offence. Points will stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years. You can be disqualified from driving if you receive 12 or more within 3 years. If you’re a new driver, and you get 6 or more within two years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked.
Steve
31st July 2020I am a bit disgruntled to learn I am having to take a speed awareness course,having just been caught going over the speed limit of 30 mph to 36 mph.
The cost of this course is £176.00.The fine is £100 and 3 points
Given I have been driving for the last 50 years with not so much as a parking ticket I feel very much aggrieved.
I am also told because of the recent problems this country is having and the need for social distancing that all classroom are closed and that I should go back to the police force to see if this prosecution can be dropped.
Really!
Bethany Hall
3rd August 2020Hi Steve,
While it can be frustrating to have to take a course, it does at least mean you don’t have points on your licence. It also serves as a reminder that one small slip up can lead to hefty consequences. I have heard that these courses are being offered online due to social distancing, so you might want to check that out.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Alan
1st August 2020These fixed penalty rules seem ludicrous. Two sets of rules it seems.
Those who get points have to inform the insurance company and be penalised with higher insurance rates as well the fixed penalty.
Those offered speed awareness training do not.
Both have committed same offence, therefore should be dealt with in the same way!
Bethany Hall
3rd August 2020Hi Alan,
I can see why this might be frustrating! I would argue, however, that many drivers who are offered courses are first time offenders or those who haven’t committed a speeding offence within the last few years. As such, they should be given the chance to improve their driving and realise the error of their ways. Those that don’t get the option, on the other hand, are usually drivers who have taken the course before, have committed more than one speeding offence within the last few years or have simply exceeded the discretionary limit. Obviously, there are exceptions.
If you’re struggling with higher insurance premiums, I’d recommend having a look at our insurance articles. We discuss plenty of ways in which you can reduce your premiums and enjoy cheaper insurance!
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Jaquelyn Niel
6th August 2020Hi, I am 70 year old female, I am a good driver, I have been driving for 45 years with no offences. I have mobility issues and am on pension credit. It is alleged that I went over the speed limit of 30 mph to 36 mph. I do recall an incident on the way to take my son’s medication to him as he is vulnerable & has mental health problems & asthma. I had a very aggressive driver behind me tailgating and I could not pull left to let him pass. So I tried to quickly get to a place to pull left so he could pass me. I have had men with road rage abusing me in very threatening ways and because I am not strong & healthy I wouldn’t stand a chance against them. This problem has worsened since lockdown & there are some maniacs high speeding on the roads. I cannot afford the £100 fine nor the driving course at £170. I have heard that the courses are not running because of Covid. As I see it my only option is to go to court and state my case and ask to pay a small amount per week, which is causing me quite a worry. Would this be advisable?
Bethany Hall
7th August 2020Hi Jaquelyn,
Most courses are actually available online now, due to the pandemic. So, if you were to take one, you’d just need a tablet/laptop/desktop/smartphone with a microphone and camera. Given your circumstances, however, you could plead your case. You can fill out a plea and mitigation form to explain why you were driving above the limit and your current financial situation.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
James Scott
12th August 2020Hi bethany it is now 5/6weeks since I think Iam not sure I was speeding on a 70non motorway by camera van if I am to be prosecuted can I still or will I still hear anything about it or mabye I wasnt speeding this is why I havent heard anything thankyou ….jim
Bethany Hall
13th August 2020Hi James,
There’s no real way of knowing. The delay could be down to the post or the police struggling to deal with their heavy workload at the moment. Or, it could be that you were mistaken about being caught speeding. In any case, you’ll simply have to wait until you hear something.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
James Scott
13th August 2020Re your last comment so is it not the case re the 14day period will still be valid from the day after the offfence has,been commited,I dont know bethany,thankyou …..jim
Bethany Hall
13th August 2020Hi Jim,
The Notice of Intended Prosecution must be sent to you within 14 days of the offence, otherwise the offence can’t proceed at court. However, if you’ve recently changed address, but the police have posted it to your last known address, it will be seen as valid. Given how much time has passed since your offence, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be prosecuted.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Im
15th August 2020Hi again bethany thankyou again for your reply and hopefully reasurance, the car is registerd at our present address and log book as well so its like no speeding has been committed thankyou for yor help
Jim.
Nick
16th August 2020Hi got caught speeding on a camera speed limit was 30mph I was doing 35 mph so if you plus 10% on 30mph I was really doing 33 mph so that’s only 2mph over the speed limit i think £100 fine and 3 points is a bit steep for 2mph over it’s just a money making scheme.
Bethany Hall
17th August 2020Hi Nick,
Unfortunately, driving at any speed over the limit is illegal – whether it’s 1mph or 10mph. That being said, if you haven’t taken a course in the last 3 years, you could be eligible for one, especially seeing as your speed falls within the discretionary limits. This would mean that you would only have to pay the course fee (without taking the penalty points). Of course, it’s entirely up to the discretion of your local police on whether or not to offer you a course.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Sharon
19th August 2020Hi Bethany
My daughter is a new driver, passed her test 6 months ago, unfortunately she was caught speeding in Wales. Can new drivers attend a speed awareness course if she is offered one.
Many thanks
Sharon
Bethany Hall
20th August 2020Hi Sharon,
Yes, new drivers are eligible for these courses. So, if your daughter’s speed was within the discretionary limits, she might potentially be invited onto a course.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
patricia kerr
10th September 2020I was caught speeding at 52mph in a 30mph Zone. The sign for 60mph had just changed (by .2 of a mile) so I was slowing down but had not had time to reduce to 30 in .2 of a mile. Are the police still within their right to prosecute me? And if so – what are you supposed to do when coming out of a 60mph to a 30mph – break hard??
Thank you
Bethany Hall
14th September 2020Hi Patricia,
Technically speaking, yes, the police are within their right to prosecute you. Obviously, you’ll have to wait and see if you receive a NIP within the next couple of weeks to find out whether they’re taking action or not. With regards to coming out of a 60mph to a 30mph, if you know that you have to slow down soon, you can start to move down gears earlier. Just because it says 60mph, doesn’t mean you have to reach that maximum speed – you could start moving down to 50 well before you reach the sign, for example. The best way to avoid speeding is by planning your next steps in advance.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
David McGUINNESS
29th September 2020will i be given a speeding fine for 45mph or 48mph in a 40mph zone i don’t know what speed i was doing real when i saw the police van on the bend of the A580 at irlam of the heights .
Bethany Hall
30th September 2020Hi David,
I’m afraid there’s no way of knowing for sure. If you haven’t attended a course within the last few years, you might be offered a place. Alternatively, you may just end up with penalty points and a fine. Of course, you won’t know until you receive confirmation in the post. You’ll simply have to wait and see.
Bethany
Thabo
1st October 2020Hi Bethany
So if you drove on 50mhp zone and I was driving 55mhp is that still can lead to offence? Or what is then minimum???
Bethany Hall
2nd October 2020Hi Thabo,
If you’re caught driving above the speed limit, even if it’s just 1mph, you could be prosecuted. It doesn’t matter if it’s only by a small amount, it’s still illegal and still classes as speeding. As mentioned in the article, the Police can decide to give you a fine and points if they catch you speeding. That’s why we advise drivers to stick to the limits.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
David McGUINNESS
2nd October 2020Hi Bethany it’s David thank you for your answer but can you also give me some advice i’am on a medical driving licence for mild dementia will this affect my 12 month medical review . And i was on a speed awareness about dec 2017.
Bethany Hall
5th October 2020Hi David,
If you’ve already been on a course within the last 3 years, then you won’t be offered one. This means that you’ll likely end up with a fine and penalty points. From what I’ve read, medical driving licences can be withdrawn if the DVLA’s enquiries have confirmed that, as a result of your medical condition, you are not fit to drive. Seeing as it sounds more like a lapse in judgement/not realising what the current speed limit was, there’s a chance that it will not affect your review – but I can’t say for sure.
I’d recommend getting in touch with the DVLA directly to ask, as they’re bound to have more information. You can find relevant contact information here.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Imran
9th October 2020Hello,
If you get caught speeding in a 30mph area doing 35 and the police van that took the picture is just in front of where the speed changes to 40 am i still in the wrong if doing 35 with the 40 sigh meters away ?
Bethany Hall
12th October 2020Hi Imran,
If you’re currently driving in a 30mph, but you’re travelling at 35mph, it’s classed as speeding – even if you take into account that the 40mph sign is metres away. It’s all down to the discretion of the police, however. So there’s no way of knowing what will happen until you potentially receive a NIP letter in the post. Your best bet going forward would be to stick to the limits as carefully as you can.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
ade
12th October 2020Hi,
I just signed up for the Online Speed Awareness Course having been caught breaking the speed limit on the B1427, I was trapped doing 36mph and the letter I received states the limit is 30mph, however there are no signs stating the limit is 30mph! Surely all B roads are not 30mph limits!
Andy Boardman
12th October 2020Hi Ade,
I’ve had a quick look into this and it appears as though the road in question is just to the south of Scarborough. As this is a built-up area, it’s therefore quite likely that a 30 mph speed limit is in force on this road.
A good rule of thumb here is to check if the road has any street lights. If you see no speed limit signs, but the road has street lights, then you can assume that the speed limit will be 30 mph.
Hope this helps!
Andy
Daphne Cox
14th October 2020Hi Bethany’ I have just received an Intention to Prosecute notice, I was in a 60mph limit country road in Wickham Bishops (do not know the area) got zapped by a Traffic Officer hiding behind a 30mph sign as I was about to enter a residential area I slowed down quickly as best I could, I had a black 4×4 tailgating me (which I believe also got zapped) this prevented me from reducing the speed to 30mph immediately because he would have caused an accident. I am a 73 year old pensioner on pension credit and cannot afford the fine, would it be wise to object or bite the bullet
Bethany Hall
14th October 2020Hi Daphne,
Given the circumstances, you could certainly plead your case. You can fill out a plea and mitigation form to explain why you were driving above the limit, the issue of the tailgating car and your current financial situation. The process may take a while, however, and it might not lead to the outcome you want. As you can’t currently afford the fine, it’s certainly worth giving it a try.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
David McGUINNESS
14th October 2020Hi i just been driving down a main road and the car in front had touch his brakes so i did and than i saw a police man stood on the corn of the road with a radar gun and a motor bike could he have clock me doing more than the speed limit and does he need to stop me because he had nothing to write my reg on or does the gun put your details on like reg a that. Thank you David
Bethany Hall
15th October 2020Hi David,
If you were driving over the speed limit, then yes, the policeman could very well have clocked you. Regarding your reg number, he might have noted it down without you realising, or there could have potentially been a mobile speed camera nearby. The only way you’ll know for sure, however, is if you receive a NIP.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Robert
16th October 2020Hi Bethany ive been caught speeding in a hgv on M4 . 70mph limit ? didn’t notice temporary speed restrictions to 50mph. Smart amp caught me doing 55.5 mph ( my lorry limit) …. according to your article im not in bracket for speed awareness course ?
Its my first offence ever ( 15 years driving)
Is there anything I can do to avoid points?
I am guilty of it but I think not having option its a bit harsh.
Rob
Bethany Hall
16th October 2020Hi Robert,
The speed limit brackets mentioned in the article are estimates, so there is a very small possibility that you might still be offered a course. If you don’t get an offer letter, however, you’ll have to take the fine and points. There’s no way to avoid it, unfortunately. The only thing you can do is try to be more mindful of your surroundings and any potential changes to current speed limits in the future.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
john
22nd October 2020Hi.
im pretty sure i was caught speeding today by a mobile speed van.roughly 75mph on motorway..(i know speeding up to overtake is a big mistake). anyway my question is i was in my works van however it does not belong to the company its on hire from a 3rd party this meaning its going to take a long time for the ticket to get to me. am i right in thinking as its a rental van the hire company will be issued with nip 1st then they will send it back stating my works hired the van then my works will recive the nip and then return it with named driver and then i should recive it thus meaning i could be waiting possibly up to 3 months. or would i possibly be safe with the 10% +2mph leway providing the police force who clocked me use that kind of discretion.
Bethany Hall
23rd October 2020Hi John,
It depends. The rental company might fill in the form to say that they weren’t driving, give over your details and then return it – meaning, it will eventually be re-issued to you. Or, they could potentially name you as the named driver, pay the fee and then bill your work for the expense. In either case, you’d end up with both the fine and the penalty points.
There’s no way of knowing what outcome it will be, so you’ll simply have to wait and see.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Ali Mohammad
29th October 2020Hi Bethany,
I just recieved a NIP in the post stating that I was caught by average speed camera doing 46mph on 40mph Road. I go through that road everyday and I would be silly enough to be speeding where I know the camera’s will clock me. I have a driving job and it all depends on the license I hold. I went online and saw the image isn’t even clear for me to see that I’m speeding. All I can see is im breaking and I know im breaking because I was going to take the exit. There is no need of me to be speeding there. Can I appeal against this?
Bethany Hall
2nd November 2020Hi Ali,
Yes, you can appeal this if you so wish. I’d like to emphasise, however, that if you do and you’re unsuccessful, you run the risk of ending up with a heavier fine and additional points.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Sanj
1st November 2020Hello,
Just wanted some advice. I was on the M25 and the variable speed limit was 60mph. I was doing 62mph and the camera flashed. I wasn’t sure if this was me as another vehicle was coming up aside me. What are the speed thresholds for the HADECS cameras? Do you think I could receive a NIP?
Many Thanks
Sanj
Bethany Hall
2nd November 2020Hi Sanj,
If you were driving at 62mph in a 60mph limit, you could very well end up with an NIP. Even going 1mph over the limit is speeding. It’s entirely up to the discretion of your local police force, however, so you’ll have to wait and see.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
raj
6th November 2020Good Evening Bethany
I have been driving for 40 years. I am a good considerate driver. I received a Intention to Prosecute notice. Reason: Allegedly I was 0.9 sec please note under 1 second into red light. On 50mph road.
When did the camera take the picture of the car? what angle was the camera at?
where the lights amber when I started to cross the traffic lights. I believe it is safer to carry on if the lights turn amber and you feel it would be dangerous to stop as per the rules and regulation.
The tone of the letter is intimidating and threatening. Not a letter appreciated by any standards by law abiding citizens. This letter would change attitude of any honest, hard working citizen towards the police force. SHAME when in this day and age police needs citizens on their side. Be human and not abuse the powers and authority given to you by the citizens
How long does it take lights to turn from amber to red???
Bethany Hall
11th November 2020Hi Raj,
Unfortunately, speed cameras don’t tend to take into account the actual situation on the road. All they register, is that you went through the traffic lights when you should’ve waited. This doesn’t reflect situations when you feel like it’s safer to cross than to stop suddenly, e.g., if a car is right behind you. (Nine times out of ten, however, it’s probably safer to stop at the lights than to continue.)
If you feel like you’re not in the wrong here, you could choose to appeal the NIP. Bear in mind, however, that you could end up with a heftier fine and more points if they find that you are guilty.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
sasha
24th November 2020Hello,
I was caught speeding 46 mph in a 30 mph zone by the police on the speed gun and was pulled over. I was on a dual carriageway which I believed was 40 mph however they said it was a 30 zone due the the distance of the street lamps and it being residential even though people are not allowed to cross this road. They said I will receive a letter in the post. What are my options here? I don’t really want points on my license or go to court. Could I be eligible for a speed awareness course?
Bethany Hall
25th November 2020Hi Sasha,
There are only two outcomes here. One, you receive an offer letter for a course. In this scenario, you’d only have to pay for the course fee and would avoid getting points on your licence. Two, you end up with penalty points and a fine. It’s highly unlikely that you’d be asked to go to court (unless you decided to appeal). Obviously, there’s no way of knowing for sure until you receive the letter.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Niru
3rd December 2020Hi
I was sent a NIP for speeding 73mph on a 50mph. It’s so silly I know, I was rushing. Will I be taken to court?
Thanks
Bethany Hall
4th December 2020Hi Niru,
I’m afraid you’ll have to wait and see. There’s no real way of knowing. Given how fast you were going, there is a possibility of you being taken to court. You might also end up with a simple fine and penalty points on your licence. Going forward, to avoid this situation again, I’d recommend sticking to the speed limit when driving.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
John
8th December 2020I have just received a notice of intended prosecution for doing 36 mph in a 30mph limit. I saw the mobile camera and felt certain I was doing below this.
I will no doubt have to accept that I have broken the law. This is embarrassing as I do road safety training with the I AM. Should I accept the prosecution or appeal
Bethany Hall
8th December 2020Hi John,
You could certainly choose to appeal, but you have to remember that if the verdict doesn’t go your way, you could end up having to pay a bigger fine. Unless you know for a fact that you weren’t going over 30mph, which has obviously been contested by the mobile camera, you might simply be better off accepting the prosecution.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
robert
10th December 202030 MPH road with cameras, has been for years, I have not used the road since March 2020 {virus}. Turning out of a 30 MPH slowing down but to late to slow for the cameras are now changed to 20MPH, I got caught 24 HMP I recieved a notice of prosecution. The offence is complete, and I am going on a course in late December, ie £91 Little or no point in going to Court. Been driving since 17 now 73, no accidents, no convictions etc There appears no leaway. So where do the course money go? the Met Police or a private company?
Bethany Hall
11th December 2020Hi Robert,
As far as I’m aware, most of the course money goes towards paying the cost of the venue (obviously not relevant at the moment, due to courses being moved online), the person leading the course and the course materials. I can’t say for sure though, so you might want to do some further research if you’re still interested.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
ian doig
6th January 2021Have been banned from driving for 6 months, after “speeds” of 32,32,33 and 36. A fine also. Could not attend Magistrates court in Ipswich due to 7 separate mental illnesses ! Was never offered a video link. Feel extremely hard done by after 40 years of nothing. Am now housebound for 6 months.
Bethany Hall
11th January 2021Hi Ian,
I’m so sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best going forward.
Bethany
James
17th January 2021I may of been caught by a speed camera van travelling at 45mph in a 40mph zone.
My daughter was on my phone in the back seat, as my son who was home alone had tried calling, I asked her to ring him back as he is only 11 and wasn’t fully concentrating on the speed limit as I was worried something bad might of happened to my son. Would this be classed as mitigating circumstances, my phone has the time he called me and the time my daughter phoned him back which would coincide with the possible fpn of speeding. Thanks James
Isobel Robb
27th January 2021Hi James,
I’m afraid the scenario you describe is unlikely to be accepted as mitigating circumstances. While I appreciate that it was a stressful situation for you, if at any point you find yourself unable to fully concentrate on the road, you should pull over safely and deal with the distraction while the engine is turned off.
Hope this helps,
Isobel
Robert Atkinson
10th February 2021Hi Bethany.
Ive just received a notice of prosecution, request for I formation to identify driver.
Doing 36mph with 30mph speed limit.
First offence but we are not sure who was driving. Myself or my partner.
The letter is dated 8.2.21
However the offence was 7.10.20
Can we request a photo to see who was driving and with it being 3 months after the offence does the fine still stand?
Also you say I have 12 weeks from the offence to opt for a speed awareness course. But I only received the letter 3 months after
Bethany Hall
11th February 2021Hi Robert,
As you’re not sure who was driving at the time, you should respond to the NIP with details of both potential drivers – including names, addresses and dates of birth. You should then explain why you’re not sure who the driver was. Once the police have received your response, they’ll be able to figure out what the next course of action should be.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Adam
12th February 2021Hi,
I received my NIP today for a speeding offence that was committed on 8/2/21. The speed recorded was 42MPH in a 30MPH area. Also, the speed camera was opposite a school (the school’s name is mentioned on the NIP as part of the location). As far as I am aware, the police for my area provide the speed awareness course for speeds between 35MPH – 42MPH, therefore the speed I did falls within this range.
What is the likelihood of me being offered the speed awareness course? Would the fact that the speed camera is located near a school reduce the chance of being offered the course?
I also completed a driving course 3 months ago for a different offence that was not related to speeding (red light offence). Would this have any impact on the likelihood of a course offer?
Is it possible to be given a Summons notice rather than being offered the course/FPN?
Thanks.
Bethany Hall
24th February 2021Hi Adam,
It’s all down to the discretion of your local police force. As your speed falls within the typical discretionary limits, and you haven’t taken a course within the last three years, you might very well be given a course invite. There’s no way of knowing for sure, unfortunately. So you’ll have to wait and see.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Masarat Naz
18th February 2021I have received a NIP where pictures showing my number plate state speed limit as 24 and 26 whereas one picture from distance shows speed as 36 mph. Noting that picture from distance doesn’t show my number plate could this be argued to quash the NIP?
Bethany Hall
24th February 2021Hi Masarat,
If you don’t agree with the evidence that the police have put forward, and you’re definitely sure that you weren’t actually speeding, then you could try to contest the NIP.
Bethany
HARDEEP SINGH DEOL
22nd February 2021Hi
Today i was doing 56 or 57 miles but on Tom Tom speed was dispaly 52 will I still get fine Nd points? Nd yeh it was police van on the side of the road
Bethany Hall
24th February 2021Hi Hardeep,
There’s no real way of knowing for sure. You’ll have to wait and see if you get a Notice of Intended Prosecution. To avoid this happening in the future, you should keep a closer eye on your speedometer as you drive.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Valdemar
8th March 2021Hi. I get notice of intended prosecution for exceed speed limit 60mph single carrigway. Record speed was 71mph. Speed limit 60pmh. Im learner driver and i drive wife car and she was with me in that car. I want to know if i can go for Speed Awarness Course? I dont want on me provisional licence get 3 penalty points.
Bethany Hall
9th March 2021Hi Valdemar,
Provisional licence holders can attend a speed awareness course, provided they are invited. There’s no way of knowing whether or not you’ll get an invitation, so unfortunately, you’ll have to wait and see.
Bethany
Ken
12th March 2021Hi I was doing 96mph on m25 got the notice of intended prosecution letter morning
Just wondering what is fine going to be
Can you please help me
Bethany Hall
16th March 2021Hi Ken,
You can get a rough idea of how much you might get fined by using this speeding fine calculator tool.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Luminita
29th March 2021Hi! My name is Luminita, I just got a notice speed was 30 and drive with 40 but what I can to do was my partner and he have a prolicence and he was driving with another driver in the car. To take the penalty on my name because on insurance he’s the second driver? I saw already that you can see him face on that picture.
Bethany Hall
30th March 2021Hi Luminita,
As it’s clear that you weren’t the one driving the vehicle at the time of the speeding offence, your partner will need to come forward and admit to being the driver. They might be offered a place on a speed awareness course, however, which means they might be able to avoid penalty points on their provisional licence.
Hope this helps!
Bethany
Deborah
31st March 2021Hi Bethany
I’ve been driving my husbands new car and realised upon noticing the speed van in the distance on the opposite side of the road, that I was doing just under 35 in a 30 zone .. I braked to 30 straight away and in plenty of time to pass the mobile speed van but I presume a letter will come in the post. I haven’t had speeding issues in my own cars for 30 years and I’m annoyed with myself for not realising the speed I was doing in His car. I’m hoping his speedo is slightly out..
Thankyou.
Bethany Hall
6th April 2021Hi Deborah,
How frustrating! Given that you have committed no previous speeding offences, and that the speed was within the usual discretionary limits, you might very well be offered a place on a speed awareness course. This would mean you’d be able to avoid receiving penalty points on your licence. As you’ve said, however, you’ll have to wait and see if you receive a letter.
Bethany
Peter
7th April 2021Why is it that speeding seems to be a “law breaking offence” that is allowed to be broken by “a little bit”. In reality this “little bit” is only a small amount below the next speed limit up. What is the point of speed limits if there is no attempt to enforce before it is a serious offence. I believe, as it is down to police to enforce it, that it is trivialised by police forces to decrease their workload. There is no account taken of the noise, pollution and misery endured by people in residential areas where motorists feel it is OK to speed and use “rat runs” to shorten their journeys by a few seconds. A lot f your correspondents seem to think they are “badly done by” for breaking he law. What about the pedestrians and resident listening to their noise and breathing their fumes?
May
20th April 2021Hello Bethany,
Thanks for the replies so far.
I was in the most left lane coming up to cars joining the dual carriage way, and a lorry was on my right going slower than myself. I went to the further lane to overtake and give drivers an opportunity to join from the slip road without having to brake suddenly. However I don’t recall speeding over the limit.
Is it possible the cameras were triggered by me overtaking the lorry rather than actually speeding (as I crossed two lanes)?
P.s. It was captured as 46mph in a 40mph zone and labelled as an average speed camera (which is even more confusing as I had only just joined so was the first camera I passed)
Thanks
Bethany Hall
28th April 2021Hi May,
It sounds like the speed cameras were likely triggered because you increased your speed when overtaking the lorry. It might not have seemed like you were travelling over the limit, but it’s very easy to do without realising.
Bethany