Speeding fines and penalties - have you been caught out recently?

Whether it is hitting 90mph on the motorway or 31mph in a residential area, going over any speed limit is an offence and as such could result in a penalty.

The consequences of speeding vary depending on whether the incident is classed as minor or serious. Either way, the process of facing a speeding charge can be stressful.

Read on to find out what you need to know about being caught speeding…

How can you be caught speeding?

The most common way to be caught speeding is by a speed camera which is usually mounted by the side of the road and will flash if it catches you going by at a speed excessive to the limit. 

Average speed cameras are another way in which drivers are caught out. These cameras work out how fast you are travelling by capturing your vehicle registration between two cameras. If above the speed limit you can expect to receive a speeding charge.

Another way you could be caught is by a police officer. On normal roads the officer will need to have evidence of your speeding such as through a speed gun, however, when it comes to the motorway the officer’s word that they saw you driving at high speed is enough.

What should you expect if you have been caught?

If you have seen the tell-tale flash which indicates your speeding has been caught on camera you can expect to receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution through the post. If the car is registered to you, but you were not driving at the time of the offence, you will have the opportunity to let the police know who was driving within this documentation. 

If you were driving and accept that you were indeed speeding, you will need to return the form sent with the Notice of Intended Prosecution.

Depending on circumstances, you will then receive either a fixed penalty notice, the offer to attend a speed awareness course or a court summons. 

If you disagree with the charge

You have the right to refute the claim that you were speeding. In such cases you should not accept the offer of a fixed penalty notice or attendance on a speed awareness course at which point you will be sent a postal requisition – a summons to attend court to defend your case. 

What penalty can you expect?

If your speeding is classed as a minor offence, you can expect to receive a fine of £100 and three points on your licence. Often, points can be avoided if you attend a speed awareness course. 

Depending on circumstances, you may be facing a more significant penalty such as a large fine, increased licence points or even disqualification from driving. 

What does a speed awareness course involve?

Speed awareness courses are offered to drivers who are facing their first speeding offence and those that haven’t attended a course in the last three years. 

During the course you can expect to learn more about the impact speeding can have and have a refresher on the highway code.

If you are facing driving charges

If you are facing motoring charges you may be concerned about the penalty you could be facing. Losing your licence for example could have a significant impact on your ability to work or maintain your way life. Our experienced team of motoring offence solicitors are on hand to advise and guide you through the process and, if the case does go to court, help the court to see the impact driving disqualification could have.

If you’d like to find out more about the legal services offered by Smith Partnership, don’t hesitate to contact us via info@smithpartnership.co.uk. Alternatively, speak to a member of our team directly on 0330 123 1229.