Being caught speeding is a heart-sinking moment. As soon as you see that flash in your rearview mirror it’s a nerve-wracking wait to find out what your punishment will be.
This article will walk you through what to expect if you get caught speeding, along with what fines you may face.
What happens when you’re caught speeding?
There are two ways you can be caught speeding, be that by a speed camera or by a police officer. The procedure for each is slightly different.
Once you’ve sent the section 172 back, you’ll either get a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a letter telling you to go to court. If you get a FPN, it will detail what fine you’ll be facing and you can either plead guilty or not guilty. If you decide to plead not guilty, you’ll have to go to court and your punishment may be more severe if you’re found guilty.
When you’re caught speeding by a camera
If you’re caught speeding by a camera, you’ll be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days along with a section 172 notice.
You have to fill in and return the section 172 notice within 28 days telling the police who was driving the car. Failing to do this may mean you have to go to court.
When you’re caught speeding by a police officer
If you’re caught speeding by a police officer, they may do one of three things. If it’s a minor offence, they may let you off with a verbal warning.
They could also give you a Fixed Penalty Notice, or send one to you by post. When you get the FPN, you can still plead guilty or not guilty, the same as when you get caught by a camera.
The police officer may order you to go to court if it’s a serious offence. You’ll be sent a letter telling you what to do if this is the case.
How much is a speeding fine?
Speeding ticket fines will vary depending on the severity of the offence, however, at a minimum, you will be charged £100 and get three points on your licence.
Speeding offences are grouped into three categories, band A, B and C, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving. Below is a breakdown of the categories for speeding fines.
| Speed Limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) | ||
| Band A | Band B | Band C | |
| 20 | 21-30 | 31-41 | 41 and above |
| 30 | 31-40 | 41-50 | 51 and above |
| 40 | 41-55 | 56-65 | 66 and above |
| 50 | 51-65 | 66-75 | 76 and above |
| 60 | 61-80 | 81-90 | 91 and above |
| 70 | 71-90 | 91-100 | 101 and above |
| Points/fine | Three points 25-75% of weekly income | 4-6 points or 7-28 days disqualified 75-125% of weekly income | Six points or 7-56 days disqualified 125-175% of weekly income |
Fines are capped however at £1000, or £2500 for motorway tickets.
Sometimes, you may be offered a speed awareness course in place of points on your licence. While this will take a day of your time and cost around £90, it’s worth it to avoid those points. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be given this option, and you won’t be offered the course if you’ve been convicted of speeding within the last three years.
There are also bands D, E and F for more serious offences. Factors that may push a speeding ticket into these categories may include driving a large goods vehicle, towing a trailer or caravan, driving near a school, carrying passengers or a heavy load among other things.
The fine for a band D offence currently stands at between 200-300% of your weekly income, band E is 300-500% of your weekly income and band F could land you a fine of 500-700% of your weekly income.
How long does it take to get a speeding ticket?
If you’re stopped by a police officer you will know there and then if you are being let off with a warning, or further action will be taken. If you are caught by a speed camera bout should receive any correspondence or NIP in the post within 14 days.
We sayshould, as this the ’14-day rule’ is not a hard and fast one: while the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1998 stipulates that offenders should receive a NIP or court summons “within fourteen days of the commission of the offence”, police only need to show that under normal circumstances it should reach you within this timeframe. Postal strikes or delays, a change of address or a hire-car company or employer having to forward the letter through to you will not see you excused the penalty.
How to pay a speeding fine
In England and Wales, you can pay your speeding fine online on the gov.uk website. You just need to follow the instructions and have your FPN to hand for some details.
In Scotland, you can also pay your fine online. If you’d prefer, you can also pay by phone or by post. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the Scottish Courts and Tribunals website.
Can I contest a speeding fine?
You can appeal a speeding ticket by filling out the relevant section on your Notice of Intended Prosecution. You need to carefully think about whether you have a solid case for disputing the ticket because if the police reject your appeal you’ll have to go to court. Be warned that if you are appearing in court to contest the speeding ticket and are unsuccessful, you may find yourself with a tougher penalty than the one you originally received.
Acceptable grounds for dispute include:
- Unclear, obscured or missing road signs (you’ll need photographic evidence of this)
- If you weren’t the one driving the car (you’ll need to tell the police who was driving)
- If you’re sure you weren’t speeding, however, you’ll have to go to court and prove this
- You can ask for the calibration certificate of the camera which caught you in court
Unacceptable grounds for dispute include:
- You didn’t know what the speed limit was
- It was an emergency/you were in a rush
- It was late at night or the roads were quiet
What happens if I’m summoned to court?
Your case may end up in court if it’s deemed serious enough. Also, if you decide to appeal the ticket and the police reject it, you’ll have to go to court. A summons for speeding must be issued in the Magistrates Court within six months since the alleged offence?
Before you decide to potentially take your case to court, you need to have solid grounds for dispute. Some examples include unclear road signs, if you weren’t the one driving, or if you can prove that you weren’t speeding. You will need solid evidence, however, such as photographs.
You are unlikely to need a Hollywood sized legal team to fight your case for you, but it is a good idea to take some legal advice before your court appearance.
Magistrates have heard every excuse for speeding, so most of them won’t work. Common examples include saying you weren’t aware of the speed limit, the roads were quiet or it was an emergency.
If you accept that you were speeding, some of these factors could be used as mitigating factors to reduce your penalty. You want to be apologetic, admit you made a mistake but also give the reasons why. Outline the consequences of getting points on your licence as well, such as if you’re at risk of losing your job.
What about speeding fines in the EU?
Drivers stopped by the police in the EU can still be issued with roadside fines in some countries, but by leaving the European Union, the UK ceased to be a member of the Cross Border Enforcement directive. This facilitated the sharing of details of speeding drivers within EU countries, so while speeding should never be encouraged, this does make it harder for EU countries to track down UK drivers caught by speed cameras.
How to avoid a speeding fine
The obvious, and most simple answer, is to stick to the speed limit. Aside from that, cruise control can help keep you on the right side of the law, while route guidance software can also highlight speed cameras and speed limits. The same goes for intelligent speed assistance, which is a modern safety feature in your car that scans speed limit signs and uses GPS data to display the speed limit on your dashboard or infotainment screen.
Speeding penalties FAQs
How long does a speeding fine take to arrive?
If you’re caught speeding by a camera, it will take up to 14 days for your Notice of Intended Prosecution to arrive in the post. You then have 28 days to fill out the Section 172 Notice and, once this is sent back, you’ll get your Fixed Penalty Notice within 14 days.
If you’re caught by a police officer, they can issue you with a Fixed Penalty Notice on the spot, or have it posted to your house. If they post it, it can take up to 14 days to arrive.
Can I pay my speeding fine in instalments?
Speeding fines are due in full straight away. However, in some circumstances, the court may offer an instalment order. Don’t assume this will happen though.
Will a speeding fine affect my insurance?
If you have points on your licence as a result of a speeding fine, you will have to declare this to your insurance company. This may increase your premiums depending on your insurance provider’s policy.
How long do speeding points stay on your licence?
Points from a speeding offence will stay on your licence for four years, however, they are only active for three years. When your points are active, they’ll add up if you get more at a later date. Once they’re no longer active, they won’t count towards your total number of points, however a judge may take them into account if you commit another driving offence.
Can I get disqualified from driving for speeding?
Depending on the severity of the speeding offence, you may be disqualified from driving for up to 56 days. Also, if you build up more than 12 points on your licence you will lose it.
When will I get offered a speed awareness course?
You will be offered a speed awareness course on your Fixed Penalty Notice, if the police decide to allow this. If you go to court, you may be offered a speed awareness course if you successfully plead to mitigating circumstances.
Who gets the money from speeding fines?
Money collected from speeding fines goes to a Consolidated Fund, which is seen as the Government’s current account. This means it goes on general government expenditure.
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FAQs
What is the best defense for a speeding ticket? ›
- Necessity. If you had to speed to avoid a serious accident, you may be able to argue that you had no choice but to speed. ...
- No posted speed limit. ...
- Not speeding. ...
- Radar gun inaccuracy. ...
- Speedometer calibration. ...
- GPS. ...
- Not the person driving.
First Georgia Speeding Offense
This schedule is as follows: 1-4 miles over, $0; 5-10 miles over, $25; 10-14 miles over, $100; 15-18 miles over, $125; 19-23 miles over, $150; and 24-33 miles over, $500.
| State | How long a speeding ticket stays on your record |
|---|---|
| Washington | 5 years |
| West Virginia | 5 years, but points removed after 2 years |
| Wisconsin | 5 years |
| Wyoming | 1 year |
Camera tickets are processed like parking tickets and will not appear on your state driving record.
What speed is reckless driving in Washington State? ›The answer is that any speed beyond Washington's maximum speed limits could serve as prima facie evidence of reckless driving, which in Washington is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Do you have to go to court for a speeding ticket? ›Should I go to court for a speeding ticket? If you speed by a large enough amount, you'll have to go to court. If you don't appear in court, you'll almost certainly be found guilty of the offence. If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP), you can respond guilty and accept your fine and points.
What's the fastest speed limit in USA? ›The highest speed limit in the country is 85 mph (137 km/h), which is posted on a single stretch of tollway in exurban areas outside Austin, Texas. The lowest maximum speed limit in the country is 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) in American Samoa.
How do you beat the ticket? ›- Hire an Attorney. ...
- Appear in Court to Request a Trial. ...
- Request a Trial by Written Declaration. ...
- Plead Guilty by Paying the Citation. ...
- Plead Guilty by Paying the Citation in Installments. ...
- Plead Guilty by Requesting Community Service.
If you can prove your conduct was a “mistake of fact,” you can get out of your traffic ticket. “Mistake of fact” refers to an error made due to circumstances beyond one's control. A traffic ticket will be dismissed if it is deemed a “mistake of fact,” or simply a reasonable, honest error.
Can you go to jail for speeding? ›Minor Traffic Violations Do Not Result in Jail Time
If you have received enough convictions (and not tickets), you can lose your right to drive. However, the average speeding ticket is not enough to send you to jail.
How much is a 60 in a 35 speeding ticket in GA? ›
Fines for Speeding in Georgia
for 19 to 23 mph above the speed limit, a $145 fine; for 24 to 30 mph above the speed limit, a $285 fine; for 31 to 40 mph above the speed limit, a $425 fine; for 41 mph or more above the speed limit, a fine of $495 to $1,355.
If you are convicted of speeding or some other driving-related offense, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) could add points to your driving record.
Do camera speeding tickets go on your record in Georgia? ›Luckily for Georgia drivers, the tickets generated by these cameras are not considered moving violations, don't add points to your license, and don't affect your insurance rates. However, they still carry a fine of up to $70 that is issued to the registered owner of the car.
How long do you have to tell insurance about speeding points? ›Insurance providers usually ask that drivers declare any motoring convictions they've received within the past five years.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Washington state? ›While the state of Washington does not have a point system like some states, it does keep track of all moving violations, including speeding. If you are ticketed for numerous moving violations within 12 months, the Washington Department of Licensing will suspend your driver's license.
How many tickets can you get before you lose your license in Washington? ›Usually, you can get up to six violations within a 12-month period before your license will be suspended. If you get seven traffic violations with 24 months, your license can be suspended as well.
How does a speed camera know which car is speeding? ›Average speed cameras use Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) technology, rather than images to measure your speed. A camera will log a number plate with a time and date stamp and compare the time and date stamp with another camera further along the road.
What happens if you don't pay a speed camera ticket in Iowa? ›For any traffic or traffic related offense, if you have not paid the court debt 30 days after it was assessed by a court order, your driver's license will be suspended by the Department of Transportation.
How long does a speed camera need? ›If you're caught by a speed camera:
They, or in the case of a company vehicle, the company secretary, must return the notice within 28 days telling the police who was driving the vehicle.
Speeding is rarely ever considered a felony. The only time where a driver may face felony charges due to speeding is if the act of speeding resulted in the death or severe injury of another person.
Can you go 5 miles over the speed limit in Washington state? ›
However, because Washington is a “per se” speed limit state, if you are traveling even one mph above the posted speed limit, you are in violation and can be cited with a speeding ticket.
How many mph can you go over the speed limit? ›What is the 'rule'? The 'rule' itself is quite straightforward: if the speed limit is (for example) 30mph, the rule states that you won't get a speeding ticket unless you are going 10% plus 2 mph faster than the limit.
How long do points stay on your license? ›Penalty points stay on your licence record for three years. The three years will not include any period where your licence is out of date or where you are disqualified from driving because of another offence.
How long does a speeding fine take to come? ›How long does a speeding fine take to arrive? If you're caught speeding by a camera, it will take up to 14 days for your Notice of Intended Prosecution to arrive in the post.
What state has no speed limit? ›Only one state, Montana, is left unspoiled with no daytime speed limit. At night, speeds are restricted to 65 mph on interstate highways and 55 mph on two-lanes.
What state has the fastest drivers? ›The highest posted speed limit in the country is 85 mph (137 km/h) and can be found only on Texas State Highway 130, a toll road that bypasses the Austin metropolitan area for long-distance traffic.
How do you win ticket to ride every time? ›- Choose tickets you think you can finish. ...
- Avoid telegraphing where your routes are going because others can block you easily.
- Claim the critical routes first. ...
- Block other players if you can. ...
- Once your route is complete, consider to start on a new one.
To contest your citation, you must appear for arraignment or schedule a future court trial date. Bail must be posted to schedule a future court trial date. At the arraignment, if you plead "Not Guilty," your case will be continued or scheduled for a court trial date.
How can I reduce my traffic fines? ›If you wish to challenge the fine before summons is issued, you need to send a letter or fax to the issuing traffic department that includes the fine and the reasons why you feel you shouldn't pay the fine. The prosecutor will then decide if he/she wants to prosecute the matter further.
Can I appeal a speeding ticket? ›
Some police forces will accept informal appeals for speeding tickets. If they don't the next step of the process is for drivers to reply to a speeding ticket with a not guilty plea which will result in you being summoned to a court hearing. Drivers are advised to take legal advice before embarking on a court appeal.
Do guys get more tickets than girls? ›Tickets by gender
According to an infographic by esurance , which polled more than 850 in the United States, men are 13 percent more likely to receive a traffic ticket than women.
As a general rule anything higher than 10mph over the speed limit is likely to receive a summons and driving at speeds in excess of 50% of the speed limit will likely result in disqualification.
Does a speeding ticket give you a criminal record? ›A speeding fine is not automatically classed as a criminal conviction. However, the offence may appear on your criminal record depending on how it is dealt with.
How long do penalty points last? ›Penalty points remain on your licence record for 3 years.
Is 25 over a Super Speeder in GA? ›Georgia's 'Super Speeder Law' defines a Super Speeder as a driver convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or at 85 mph and above on any road or highway in the State of Georgia.
Is 23 over a Super Speeder in GA? ›In Georgia, a super speeder has been convicted of speeding at 75 mph or above on a two-lane road or at least 85 mph on a highway or road.
How many points is a speeder in GA? ›| Offense Code | Conviction | Points |
|---|---|---|
| §40-6-181 | Speeding: | |
| 15 to 18 mph over the speed limit | 2 Points | |
| 19 to 23 mph over the speed limit | 3 Points | |
| 24 to 33 mph over the speed limit | 4 Points | |
If you receive a traffic ticket, you must either pay the fine or contest it in court.
What is super speeder in Georgia? ›Super Speeders are drivers ticketed for traveling 75 mph or faster on a 2-lane road or 85 mph or faster on other roads or highways. Any Georgia residents or out-of-state drivers convicted of the speeding offense will receive a notification in the mail.
How much does 2 points affect insurance in Georgia? ›
Two points will increase a driver's insurance costs by about 20 percent to 100 percent depending on the state, insurance company and violation.
How do I get a speeding ticket dismissed in Georgia? ›Your options when fighting a speeding ticket
Georgia state law allows you to request a Zero Points violation once every five years. This order, provided by a judge, takes away any points that would go on your driving record, although the ticket will still be on your record.
Your best bet for beating a speeding ticket is to talk to the prosecutor, and ask him to reduce your speed to 14 mph over the posted speed limit i.e. 69 in a 55 mph zone. This keeps the charge from appearing on your driving history and affecting your insurance rates.
How do speeding tickets work in Georgia? ›The Georgia speeding ticket points system ranges from two to six points as follows: 15 to 18 miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit 2 points. 19 to 23 mph over the speed limit 3 points. 24 to 33 mph over the speed limit 4 points.
How do I clean my driving record in Washington State? ›- Check Your Record with the Washington State Department of Licensing. ...
- Take Care of All Outstanding “Fix-It” Tickets and Citations Immediately. ...
- To Improve Your Driving Record in Washington, Enroll in a Driver Safety Course. ...
- Make Driving Safely Your Top Priority.
Washington does not have a statewide traffic school or defensive driving program for traffic violators, but Washington courts may allow traffic school courses for traffic violators on an individual basis.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Washington State? ›While the state of Washington does not have a point system like some states, it does keep track of all moving violations, including speeding. If you are ticketed for numerous moving violations within 12 months, the Washington Department of Licensing will suspend your driver's license.
How many tickets before you lose your license Washington? ›Usually, you can get up to six violations within a 12-month period before your license will be suspended. If you get seven traffic violations with 24 months, your license can be suspended as well.
Do all accidents show up on your driving record Washington State? ›Non-commercial auto accidents remain on your license for five years. Whereas commercial vehicle accidents remain for ten years. However, if the accident involves an alcohol-related conviction, it will remain on your record for life.
Can you retake your drivers license picture in Washington state? ›If you want a new photo, you'll need to make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office. You should receive your renewed card in two to four weeks.
Can you get a speeding ticket without being pulled over in Washington? ›
Yes, a police officer has the ability to send a ticket to the registered owner of a vehicle that they detected speeding. However, it is much more likely that they will pull you over if they intend to give you a ticket.
How long is traffic school in Washington state? ›Washington's traffic school courses are three and a half hours long.
How long do you have to pay a traffic ticket in Washington state? ›You must respond to the infraction within the following timeframes: If ticket was issued to you in-person by an officer of the law: Within 30 days from the date it was issued to you. If ticket was mailed to you: Within 33 days from the date it was mailed.
How fast over the speed limit is reckless driving in Washington state? ›The answer is that any speed beyond Washington's maximum speed limits could serve as prima facie evidence of reckless driving, which in Washington is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
How many points before I lose my license? ›Totting up is when you gain 12 or more penalty points on your driving licence within a 3-year period. This means you you've had more than 1 driving endorsement in that time. If you get more than 12 points on your licence, you may be banned from driving by a court for a minimum of 6 months.
How do I check my points on my license in Washington? ›You will not be able to check how many points are on your license in Washington, however, because Washington does not use driver's license points. Even though Washington does not use license points, drivers with serious violations on their driving record will still face consequences.
What happens if you don't respond to a speeding ticket? ›If you do not respond to the letter/notice within 28 days your case will be referred to court because you failed to provide the information you were asked for. It's an offence to fail to provide driver details. A conviction will mean six penalty points will be added to your licence and you could be fined.
How many tickets can you get in a year Washington State? ›Washington doesn't use a point system, but the state does record each moving violation on your driving record. If you accumulate 6 moving violations within 12 months, the state will suspend your license for 60 days. Each subsequent violation carries additional harsher penalties.