Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in the UK, and while it might seem like a minor offence, the consequences can be significant. Whether you're caught by a speed camera or pulled over by the police, it's important to understand the penalties, potential repercussions, and what steps you can take afterward. In this article, we'll explore the full scope of what happens if you get caught speeding, from fines and points on your license to potential legal action.

Table of Contents

Types of Speeding Offences in the UK

Before delving into the consequences, it's essential to know the various types of speeding offences in the UK:

  • Minor Speeding Offences: These are instances where you're caught driving slightly over the speed limit, typically by a speed camera or during a roadside speed check.

  • Serious Speeding Offences: Driving significantly over the speed limit can result in more severe consequences, especially in areas with strict speed restrictions, such as near schools or in built-up zones.

  • Excessive Speeding: Driving at speeds far beyond the legal limit can lead to charges of dangerous driving, which carry much harsher penalties, including potential imprisonment.

How You Might Get Caught Speeding

There are two main ways to get caught speeding in the UK:

  1. Speed Cameras: The most common method for catching speeding drivers. These fixed or mobile cameras are placed in high-risk areas to monitor traffic speeds. If you pass a speed camera and are over the limit, the camera will take a photo of your vehicle's registration plate, and you will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) through the post.

  2. Police Officers: Officers can pull you over if they suspect you're speeding. They may use hand-held radar guns to monitor speeds or follow you in a patrol vehicle. If you're pulled over for speeding, the police can issue a fixed penalty notice on the spot or refer you to court, depending on the severity of the offence.

What Happens After You Get Caught ?

If you're caught speeding, you will typically face one or more of the following actions:

  1. Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP):
    If you're caught by a speed camera, you’ll receive an NIP and a Section 172 notice. You must respond to this notice within 28 days, identifying who was driving the vehicle at the time. Ignoring this notice can result in further legal consequences, including a higher fine or court summons.

  2. Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN):
    In most cases, you’ll receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which typically involves a £100 fine and three penalty points on your driving license. You can either accept the FPN or contest it in court. This mainly depends how fast you were clocked in a given speed zone. 

  3. Court Summons:
    If your speeding is considered excessive, you could be summoned to court. This generally happens if you're caught driving at high speeds (e.g., in a 30mph speed zone, you were driving at 40mph or more). The penalties can be far more severe in court, ranging from larger fines to driving bans.

  4. Speed Awareness Course:
    For minor speeding offences, you might be offered the option to attend a Speed Awareness Course instead of receiving points on your license. These courses are designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding. Keep in mind, this option is not always available, and you can only take the course once every three years.

Potential Penalties for Speeding

The penalties for speeding vary depending on how fast you were going and the circumstances of your offence:

  • Fines:
    Fines are the most common penalty for speeding. For minor offences, you’ll typically face a £100 fine. However, if your case goes to court, the fines can increase based on your income, and you could be fined up to £1,000 on a normal road or £2,500 on a motorway.

  • Penalty Points:
    If you're caught speeding, you’ll usually receive between three to six points on your license. Accumulating 12 points within three years can lead to a driving ban, typically lasting six months or more.

  • Driving Bans:
    For more severe speeding offences, such as driving significantly over the speed limit, the court can issue a driving ban. This ban could last from seven days to several months, depending on how fast you were driving and your previous driving record.

  • Insurance Premiums:
    Speeding offences typically result in higher car insurance premiums. Insurers view speeding as a higher risk, so being caught speeding could cause a significant increase in your insurance costs for several years.

Special Cases: Serious Speeding Offences

For more serious speeding offences, particularly if you're caught driving 50% over the speed limit, the penalties can be much more severe. You could be charged with dangerous driving, which is a serious criminal offence. This carries penalties such as:

  • Heavier fines (often based on your weekly income)

  • Longer driving bans (ranging from 6 to 12 months)

  • Community service or imprisonment (in cases where there is danger to others)

Defenses Against Speeding Charges

While it may seem like a speeding charge is impossible to contest, there are several defenses that could help reduce or dismiss your penalty:

  1. Calibration Issues with Speed Cameras:
    If the speed camera that caught you wasn’t properly calibrated or maintained, this could form the basis for a defense.

  2. Signage Issues:
    In some cases, unclear or missing speed limit signs can be used as a defense. If you were not made aware of the speed limit due to poor signage, you may have grounds for an appeal.

  3. Emergency Situations:
    If you were speeding due to an emergency, such as a medical situation, you might be able to use this as a defense. However, this would need to be properly documented and justified in court.

  4. Police Procedure Failures:
    If the police officers did not follow proper procedure when issuing the speeding notice, this could also serve as a defense.

What You Should Do Next

If you’ve been caught speeding, here’s what you should do:

  1. Respond to the Notice:
    Make sure you respond to any NIP or FPN within the 28-day window. Failing to do so can lead to additional penalties.

  2. Consider Your Options:
    If you’re offered a speed awareness course, it may be in your best interest to accept it. This way, you avoid penalty points on your license.

  3. Get Legal Advice:
    For serious speeding offences, or if you wish to contest your speeding ticket, it’s essential to seek legal advice from a solicitor who specializes in traffic law.


How Moeen & Co. Solicitors Can Help

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we understand that a speeding offence can have significant consequences for your driving record, insurance, and even your livelihood. Our team of expert solicitors can help you navigate the legal process and explore potential defenses.

We offer:

  • Expert legal advice to help you understand your rights

  • Representation in court if you wish to challenge your speeding ticket

  • Guidance on mitigating penalties and protecting your driving record

If you've been caught speeding and need legal assistance, contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors today for a consultation. Don’t let a speeding ticket ruin your driving record or affect your future. We’re here to help!

There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:

We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre. 


About the author

Moeen Khan

(Solicitor Advocate, Bar at Law, Criminal Duty Solicitor, Accredited Police Station Advisor)

Moeen Khan is a highly skilled solicitor with a wealth of experience in immigration, criminal, and commercial lease matters. With a strong academic background and practical expertise, he has successfully handled complex cases across these areas of law. Mr. Khan's extensive knowledge allows him to provide strategic and tailored legal advice to both individual and business clients. His dedication to achieving favorable outcomes and delivering professional service has earned him a respected position within the legal community. Moeen Khan's commitment to excellence and his client-focused approach make him a trusted legal advisor.


FAQs on Speeding

1. Do I get points for speeding?

Yes, most speeding offences result in three to six points on your driving license.

2. Can I lose my license for speeding?

Yes, for severe speeding offences or if you accumulate 12 points in three years, you could face a driving ban.

3. How much is the fine for speeding?

The typical fine is £100 for minor offences, but it can go up to £1,000 (or £2,500 on motorways) for more serious violations.

4. What is a speed awareness course?

This is an educational course offered to drivers as an alternative to receiving points for minor speeding offences.

5. How long do points stay on my license?

Points for speeding stay on your license for four years.

6. Will I get points for doing 36 in a 30?

Yes, if you are caught speeding at 36 mph in a 30 mph zone, you will typically receive three penalty points on your driving license and a £100 fine. However, the exact outcome can vary based on the circumstances and the discretion of law enforcement or the court. You can be offered a course and fixed penalty points depending on your previous history. 

7. Can I check if I have been caught by a speed camera?

Yes, you can check if you have been caught by a speed camera, but the process is not straightforward. The police usually send out a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days of the offence. If you haven’t received one, you might not have been caught, but it’s always best to wait for official communication from the authorities.

8. What happens if I get a speeding ticket in my first year driving?

If you receive a speeding ticket in your first year of driving, the penalties are the same as for any other driver. Subject to your speed you will likely receive a fixed penalty notice, which includes a £100 fine and three points on your license. If you accumulate six points within the first two years of passing your driving test, your license will be revoked.

9. How quickly do speeding tickets arrive?

Speeding tickets typically is issued in the form of a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days of the offence. If you don’t receive a NIP within this timeframe, you should not be penalized for that specific speeding offence.

10. What happens if I don't receive a NIP after 14 days?

If a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) is not issued within 14 days, you cannot be prosecuted for that speeding offence. However, keep in mind that this rule applies only to speeding offences recorded by speed cameras. If you were pulled over by the police, you might still receive a ticket directly.

11. How to avoid points on a speeding ticket?

To avoid points on a speeding ticket, you may consider the following options:

  • Attend a Speed Awareness Course: For minor speeding offences, you might be offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving points.

  • Challenge the Ticket: If you believe there is a valid reason to contest the ticket (such as issues with signage or calibration of speed cameras), you can challenge it in court.

  • Mitigating Circumstances: If there were special circumstances that led to your speeding (e.g., a medical emergency), these might be presented as special reasons.

12. Do police check insurance when caught speeding?

Yes, when pulled over for speeding, police officers often check your insurance status as part of the traffic stop. They may also check for other compliance aspects, such as your driving license and vehicle tax. If you are found to be uninsured, this can result in additional penalties, including fines and points on your license.


If you have any further questions or need assistance with a speeding ticket, don’t hesitate to reach out to Moeen & Co. Solicitors for expert legal guidance!

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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