In this article, Associate Solicitor, Georgina Power from our Motorist Team shares ten practical tips for dealing with speeding allegations. Clear, sensible, and informed, these tips will help you navigate the process with confidence.
- Get legal advice early
Contact a solicitor as soon as you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution or Fixed Penalty Notice. Early guidance can help you understand your options, meet key deadlines, and avoid mistakes that could lead to unnecessary penalty points or disqualification. - Know the penalties
Speeding penalties vary depending on the seriousness of the offence and where it occurred. A Fixed Penalty Notice usually involves a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. If the matter goes to court, fines can reach up to £1,000 on standard roads or £2,500 on motorways, with 3–6 penalty points or a possible driving ban. - Check for course eligibility
In some cases, you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points. This is usually only available if your speed falls within set limits and you have not attended a course in the previous three years. Courses are offered at police discretion and are not guaranteed. - Challenge when appropriate
A speeding allegation may be challenged in certain circumstances, such as where you were not the driver, the vehicle was stolen, or road signage was missing or non-compliant. Minor errors on the Notice of Intended Prosecution letter will not normally amount to a valid defence. - Keep records
Dashcam footage, GPS data, or photographs of road signage may be useful in limited situations, particularly where there are questions about location or signage. However, this type of evidence does not usually override police speed-detection equipment and should be assessed with legal advice. - Respond promptly
You must respond to a Section 172 notice within 28 days to identify the driver. Failing to do so is a separate offence and can result in 6 penalty points, a fine, and court proceedings – even if you intend to challenge the original allegation. - Weigh court risks
Taking a case to court can sometimes lead to higher fines or increased penalties if you lose. However, if you have a strong defence or believe the charge is incorrect, it may still be worthwhile to explore this option with proper legal guidance. - Argue exceptional hardship
If receiving a driving ban would have a serious impact on others -such as family members, dependents, or your employer – you may be able to argue exceptional hardship which could help you avoid disqualification. - Understand serious charges
In extreme cases, very high speeds combined with the manner of driving may lead to a charge of Dangerous Driving rather than simple speeding. This offence carries significantly harsher penalties, including lengthy disqualification and potential imprisonment. - Don’t ignore it
Even if the offence seems minor, it is important to deal with it properly. You should respond to notices, accept a fixed penalty, attend a course, or seek legal advice. Ignoring correspondence can quickly escalate the situation and lead to far more serious consequences.
Contact our Motorist team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers.
