What happens if I’m caught speeding?
We’ve all been there. That moment when you glance up and notice a speed camera and feel a little dread in the pit of your stomach. You glance down at your speedo and wonder if you held steady at 70 or whether it had crept up.
Although law in the UK is different than say in Australia where someone like Prime Lawyers Sydney can help defend a speeding offence before the fine is accepted and paid. Here in the UK it is a little simpler as our point structure system is a lot less complex. That’s not to say that you cannot contest a UK speeding fine though.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M CAUGHT SPEEDING?
Most people when caught speeding will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). This includes a minimum fine of £100 and three points on your licence. Of course, if you get to a stage when you get 12 or more points on your licence within a 3 year period, you will be disqualified for six months (minimum). However, if you are driving 50% above the speeding limit, then you can expect an instant driving ban.
If you’re a new driver though, that threshold is lower as disqualification can occur if you gain 6 penalty points in a 2-year period.
HOW DO I RESPOND?
Once you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) which will arrive by post within 14 days of the offence, you need to respond. Even if you do not agree with the offence, you must fill out the section 172 notice and it must be done within 28 days of receiving it.
It is once the NIP has been sent back that your Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued. It is at this stage that you can choose to accept the ticket or not. If you do not accept it, then you have the right to dispute it in court.
IS IT WORTH DISPUTING?
There is no doubt that speeding is illegal. And if caught doing so, ever driver knows that they can expect a fine. That being said, there are a number of reasons you can dispute it.
It could be that you were not driving at the time. It could be that it was a company car not in your possession. Perhaps there were incorrect or missing speed signs. Whatever the reason, you of course have the right to dispute it. However, you need to bear in mind that this is a lengthy process, one that could include attending a trial if you plead not guilty so you need to be sure that the fight is worth it.
This is a collaborative post. Thank you for supporting the posts which make this blog possible.
Leave a Reply