Do You Always Get Points for Speeding?
Speeding is usually caught by speed cameras, police officers or mobile enforcement units. Once caught you will be given a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) which will detail the offence and the penalties. For most speeding offences you will get a fixed penalty notice which is:
- A speeding ticket or fine (usually £100 but can vary depending on your weekly income)
- 3 points on your driving licence
But the outcome depends on your recorded speed mph and whether it’s a minor or serious offence.
Speed Awareness Course vs Penalty Points
In certain circumstances you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points. These national speed awareness courses are to educate drivers about road safety and speed limits so you don’t re-offend. To qualify:
- Your recorded speed must be within a certain range (usually up to 10% + 9 mph above the limit).
- You haven’t done a speed awareness course in the last 3 years.
You still pay for the course but you avoid penalty points and keep your licence clean.
What Determines the Penalty
The penalty for speeding depends on the seriousness of the offence and your driving record. Here are the common outcomes:
- Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN): A quick fix for most offences, fine and points.
- Verbal Warning: Issued at the discretion of the police for minor speeding.
- Court Summons: For serious cases, such as well above the limit or repeat offences, you may be summoned to magistrates court where the fine and points increase depending on the mitigating circumstances.
What happens for serious offences?
For serious speeding offences:
- More than 3 points on your licence.
- A driving ban or disqualification depending on the circumstances.
- A fine which is often a percentage of your weekly income.
If you’re a new driver you could lose your licence if you get 6 points within 2 years of passing your test.
How to avoid penalty points
Here’s how to avoid penalty points after being caught speeding:
- Take a Speed Awareness Course: Most forces offer this for minor offences.
- Challenge the Offence in Court: If you have grounds to dispute the charge, such as incorrect photographic evidence, you can contest the case.
- Work with Road Traffic Defence Experts: Firms like #1 Motoring Solicitors deal with motoring offences including speeding. They can advise on whether to plead guilty, avoid prosecution or reduce the penalty.
How many points will you get?
The points for speeding depend on the offence:
- 3 Points: For minor offences slightly above the limit.
- 4-6 Points: For moderate excess or aggravating circumstances.
- Driving Ban: For serious cases or repeat offences.
How do speeding points affect your driving record
Speeding points can have long term effects:
- Insurance Costs: Points increase your premiums as insurance companies consider you a higher risk.
- Totting-Up Ban: 12 or more points in 3 years will get you a driving ban.
How do speed awareness courses work
A speed awareness course is about 4 hours long and is designed to educate drivers about the risks of speeding and the importance of the posted speed limit. The course is interactive with videos, quizzes and discussions to help you understand how speeding affects stopping distances, collision severity and road safety. You pay for the course but you avoid penalty points on your licence so it’s a good option for most drivers.
What happens if you ignore a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)?
If you get a NIP and don’t respond you could get extra penalties. Ignoring the notice will get you charged with failing to provide driver details under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act which is 6 points and a fine. So make sure you respond quickly whether you plead guilty, take a speed awareness course or contest the offence.
What if you’re speeding in Northern Ireland or Scotland?
The process for speeding offences in Northern Ireland or Scotland is slightly different. While most of the principles are the same the laws and enforcement methods are different. For example, speed awareness courses aren’t widely available in these areas. Instead you’ll get a fixed penalty notice or be prosecuted. Make sure you know the local rules if you’re driving in these areas.
How insurance companies see speeding points
When you’re speeding it’s not just the fine or penalty points you need to worry about. Points on your licence can increase your car insurance premiums. Most insurance companies see drivers with speeding points as higher risk and therefore more expensive. Even a minor offence like being slightly above the limit could affect your premium at renewal. To reduce this impact drive carefully and stick to the speed limit.
Speeding Fine myths
Many drivers think minor offences will get a verbal warning or that they can talk their way out of a penalty by explaining mitigating circumstances to a police officer. While this may happen occasionally it’s not always the case. Most police forces strictly enforce the law especially when there’s evidence like photographic evidence from speed cameras. Knowing how speeding fines work and your rights can help you avoid surprises.
How to prepare for court if you go to trial
If your case goes to magistrates court being prepared can make all the difference. Gather evidence like calibration records for the speed camera or dashcam footage to support your case. You’ll also need to present any reasonable grounds for contesting the charge like incorrect signage or unavoidable emergencies. Working with a legal expert like #1 Motoring Solicitors can strengthen your defence and reduce penalties.
Why most police forces offer speed awareness courses
The introduction of awareness courses was to improve road safety by educating drivers not punishing them. Most police forces prefer this approach for minor offences as it reduces re-offending and better driving habits. However these courses aren’t available for drivers who are speeding excessively or committing multiple offences.
What is the minimum penalty for speeding?
The minimum penalty for most speeding offences is a £100 fine and three points on your licence. But for new drivers 3 points can have more severe consequences as 6 points within 2 years of passing your test will get your licence revoked. This is why it’s so important to drive responsibly especially in the early years of building your experience on the road.
How are speeding fines calculated?
The amount you’re fined often depends on your weekly income, the fine is usually a percentage of your earnings. For example a more serious offence might get a fine of up to 175% of your weekly income if the case goes to magistrates court. Additional fines can also be added if there are aggravating factors like changing lanes without warning or driving recklessly.
How speed cameras detect speeding vehicles
Modern speed cameras use advanced technology to capture the speed of a vehicle. From average speed cameras to fixed cameras in specific areas they play a big part in reducing speeding. For drivers knowing where these cameras are and how they work can help you comply with road signs and the speed limit and reduce the risk of fines or penalties.
Mitigating circumstances for speeding offences
If you decide to contest a speeding offence presenting valid mitigating circumstances is key. These could be emergencies like rushing someone to hospital or incorrect readings from faulty speed cameras. However claiming unacceptable grounds like being late for work or not seeing the speed limit is unlikely to work. Consult with experts like #1 Motoring Solicitors to see if you have a case.
What happens after a verbal warning?
In some cases especially for first time offenders or those driving slightly over the limit a police officer may give you a verbal warning instead of a fine or points. This doesn’t go on your driving record but repeated warnings or getting caught again can lead to harsher penalties. Being proactive like doing a voluntary speed awareness course can show you’re committed to safer driving.
Speeding and driving disqualification
For drivers caught well above the limit or driving recklessly a driving disqualification may be imposed. This is often for those who are guilty of speeds far above the threshold or repeat offenders. A disqualification can be weeks or even months and can have long term effects on your employment and daily life.
How to avoid prosecution for speeding offences
If you’ve been caught speeding you may wonder how to avoid prosecution. While contesting a speeding offence isn’t always successful there are times when you can avoid penalties like proving inaccuracies in the intended prosecution NIP or showing the road conditions didn’t match the alleged speed. Get expert advice from road traffic defence solicitors in these cases.
Need legal help for speeding offences
If you’re concerned about the penalties for speeding offences get expert advice from #1 Motoring Solicitors. They’ll give you bespoke advice on your options whether it’s negotiating penalties, challenging a section 172 notice or understanding how speeding fines work.
Conclusion: Do you always get points for speeding?
Not always. Many drivers can avoid penalty points by attending a speed awareness course or successfully contesting the charge in court. However, the best way to maintain a clean driving record is to observe road signs and respect speed limits, ensuring you avoid penalties altogether.
For expert advice on motoring offences, including speeding, contact #1 Motoring Solicitors to protect your rights and minimise penalties.