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Have you recently been fined for speeding? You’re not alone; the number of speeding penalties handed to drivers in the UK rises yearly. It’s hardly surprising that digital speed cameras are growing more sophisticated, and fluctuating speed restrictions on highways catch many people off guard. Most speeding cameras and variable speed restriction zones are designated with signs to inform drivers. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about what to do if a speeding ticket (or, more official, a ‘Notice of Intended Prosecution’) appears on your doorstep. We address all of the basics of how long does it take to get a speeding ticket, from how much the punishment will be to whether it is worthwhile to appeal it.
What if I Am Caught Speeding?
- There are three probable results if you are caught speeding:
- You get a speeding ticket, also known as a Fixed Penalty Notice, and a fine and points on your licence.
- If your speed was excessive and hazardous, you might be called and convicted immediately in court. You will get a fine, points on your licence, and perhaps a driving restriction if you are found guilty.
What Exactly Is a Notice of Intended Prosecution?
Following a speeding offence, the police will send a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) to the car’s registered keeper. It describes the crime and gives directions on what to do next. If you were pulled over by the police for speeding and given a verbal warning of prosecution, or if your speeding was a factor in a road traffic collision, you will not be eligible for a NIP.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Speeding Ticket?
Anything exceeding the legal speed limit is subject to a speeding charge under the law. The police, on the other hand, usually provide a buffer of 10% + 2 mph over the speed limit, but It is entirely at their discretion. To an extreme degree, breaking the speed limit may result in court summons and prosecution.
What Is the Cost of a Speeding Ticket?
The sentence mechanism for drivers punished for speeding was revised in April 2017. However, the legislation remained the same. The minimum punishment for speeding continues to be a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Penalties at the level impose automatically, and you may give the option to attend a speed awareness course. The fee will be comparable to the fine, but you will avoid having points added to your licence.
The most excellent speeding charge that judges may impose is £2,500 for speeding on the motorway. Still, since penalties must consider personal means, you’d have to be driving extremely fast and be very affluent to get such a penalty. Of course, magistrates courts utilise their discretion on any in-between offences and speeding levy fines, licence points, and driving bans appropriately. If you are a repeat offender and accumulate 12 points or more in three years, you will most likely disqualify from driving for some time.
Should I File an Appeal for My Speeding Ticket?
Contesting a speeding citation is a high-risk endeavour. If a judge rules in favour of police or speed camera evidence, your minor infraction might develop into a major one! According to experts, fewer than 1% of UK speeding penalties appeal, and only around half of those appeals are successful. The majority of thriving appeals are based on the technicalities of how and where a ticket was issued.
Yet, Traffic enforcement camera fines may dismiss if the registered keeper of a vehicle answers to a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) by saying they couldn’t recall who was driving. It is a hazardous accusation in and of itself since if a magistrate’s court does not believe it, they may punish the vehicle’s owner up to £2,500 and impose a driving restriction for failing to identify the offender.
Common Legal Defences for Speeding Tickets in the United Kingdom
- The NIP contains inaccurate information concerning the alleged offence’s type, timing, and location.
- For several circumstances, the claimed speeder was not driving at the offence.
- The speed limit signs on the route were either missing or wrong.
- The speed monitoring equipment was either not calibrated.
Will a Speed Awareness Course Be Offered to Me?
- You may give speed awareness training to avoid a fine and points on your licence for minor infractions. However, it must provide — it cannot be requested.
- You are only qualified for a speed awareness training if you meet the following criteria:
- You are not convicted of any additional speeding offences in the recent three years.
- You were not exceeding the speed limit by more than 10% + 9 mph (for example, 42mph in a 30 limit).
Because private companies rather than the police provide speed awareness classes, you will pay for them. Its pricing varies depending on the supplier.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve gotten the dreaded ‘notice of planned prosecution for a speeding offence’ in the mail or been pulled over by the cops and issued a speeding ticket on the spot, being caught speeding can be a frightening and unpleasant experience. In most circumstances, there is no space for error. The camera or police vehicle will have gathered sufficient proof, and your best option will be to clasp hands, pay the fee, and go on. However, circumstances may have impaired your ability to drive within the speed limit, such as being dazzled by sunshine and unable to see your speed, or you may have broken the law due to unique personal concerns.
There is always the possibility to appeal the charge, but be warned that getting your fine reduced would be difficult. You’ll need a very excellent justification or face a much higher fine. So, you believe a speed camera caught you. If you have, you should expect to get your speeding penalty in the manner described in the preceding section. But how long does it take to get a speeding ticket, and what happens if you don’t pay? Read the above guide, and you’ll get it.
