Speeding offences

If you have found yourself in receipt of a fixed penalty notice or a summons to court for a speeding offence it is important that you know your rights and are able to understand the evidence against you.

Contact our experienced speeding offence solicitors at the earliest opportunity to ensure you have someone by your side guiding you through the process and acting in your interests to ensure the best outcome possible.

Speeding will most commonly lead to penalty points on your licence and in some cases can result in a driving ban. You do not have to accept that you have been speeding and there are ways to potentially successfully defend against such allegations.

How our speeding offence solicitors can help you

If you have been caught the speed limit, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the possible consequences. Our dedicated motoring solicitors understand the gravity of facing speeding charges. Beyond the financial implications of fines, the prospect of a ban can disrupt your livelihood, jeopardising your employment and stability.

We always suggest seeking specialist advice immediately, especially in cases where previous offences have been committed. With a wealth of experience in effectively managing cases involving speeding tickets and fines, our legal team aims to mitigate penalties or even pursue the dismissal of charges altogether.

Types of speeding offence penalties

When caught speeding, the consequences can be severe. The minimum penalty includes a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within 3 years, you risk disqualification from driving.

Caught by a speed camera

Upon being caught by a speed camera, you’ll receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 notice within 14 days. It’s crucial to return the Section 172 notice within 28 days, indicating who was driving the car. Failure to comply may result in court proceedings.

After returning the Section 172 notice, you’ll receive either a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a court summons.

Stopped by the Police

If stopped by the police, they may issue a verbal warning, an FPN, or order you to attend court.

Dealing with a Fixed Penalty Notice

With an FPN, you can choose to plead guilty or not guilty. Pleading guilty entails paying a £100 fine and receiving 3 points on your licence, unless you’re eligible for a speed awareness course.

New Drivers

For new drivers within 2 years of passing their test, accumulating 6 or more penalty points will result in licence revocation.

Receiving a charge

If you have received a notice of charge your first port of call should be to obtain some expert legal advice. It is extremely important that you discuss any defences that may be in your favour whether you find yourself mistakenly identified or subject to unreliable police evidence.

Should you have been caught driving over the speed limit with no defence it is still important to seek experienced advice to put forward strong mitigation on your behalf. If no alternatives are available and you are found guilty of a minor speeding offence you may receive 3 points on your licence. But in more serious speeding cases you can receive an instant driving disqualification and a significant fine. Points on your driving record can add up quickly and should you receive 12 points on your licence within a 3 year period you would be a ‘totter’ and potentially receive a driving disqualification.

Speeding Offences FAQs

What constitutes a speeding offence?

From a legal standpoint you will be committing an offence of speeding even if you exceed the relevant speed limit for an area by just 1mph. If you are caught by a police speed camera it is at the officer’s discretion to penalise you if you are over the limit in any way. Similarly, if you are pulled over by a police officer for speeding, they will also have discretion as to how to deal with the matter. Officers can give verbal warnings but will reserve the right to charge if the speed limit has been exceeded in any capacity. In some circumstances a speed awareness course may be available as an alternative to points on your licence.

What qualifies as speeding?

Speeding refers to driving above the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the prevailing road conditions.

What are the consequences of speeding?

Consequences of speeding may include fines, penalty points on your driving licence, increased insurance premiums, and in severe cases, licence revocation.

How are speeding fines determined?

Speeding fines typically vary depending on the severity of the offence, often based on how much over the speed limit you were driving.

Can I contest a speeding ticket?

Yes, you can contest a speeding ticket. You may challenge it based on factors such as inaccurate speed measurement or errors in issuing the ticket or other evidential issues.

Will contesting a speeding ticket affect my insurance premiums?

Contesting a speeding ticket itself should not directly affect insurance premiums, but if the ticket results in points on your licence, it could lead to higher premiums.

What are speed awareness courses, and can I take one instead of receiving points on my licence?

Speed awareness courses are educational programs offered as an alternative to receiving penalty points for minor speeding offences.

Do speed cameras always accurately measure speed?

Speed cameras are generally accurate, but like any technology, they may have occasional inaccuracies. You can challenge the accuracy of speed camera readings if you believe them to be incorrect.

Do I need a solicitor to contest a speeding ticket?

While you can contest a speeding ticket without a lawyer, legal representation can often improve your chances of success, especially if you believe you have strong grounds for contesting the ticket.

Can I be arrested for speeding?

Not for speeding alone but if other more serious offences are said to be involved there is a possibility if they are arrestable offences themselves.

Get in touch

Speak to one of our expert motoring law solicitors now – call 01245 343971 or email drivingenq@gepp.co.uk.

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