In this “Quick Guide” we will take you through the law, the penalties and the defence for the offence of Speeding in England & Wales.
Offences of exceeding the speed limit (speeding) are contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and fall into four classes, namely:
- Exceeding the limit on a road restricted to 20, 30, 40 or 50mph;
- Exceeding the temporary limits of 70, 60 and 50mph on roads other than motorways;
- Exceeding on any road the limit applicable to the class of vehicle; and
- Exceeding the limits of speed applicable to motorways only.
What are the penalties for Speeding?
How a speeding offence is dealt with will depend upon the following factors:
- How long you have held a driving licence for
- The number of active penalty points you have on your licence
- The speed limit of the road / motorway
- The speed the Prosecution state you were driving at
Depending upon the above four bullet points a person can receive:
- A speed awareness course
- A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of 3 points and a fine
- Up to 6 penalty points
- A driving ban of up to 56 days
- A driving ban of at least 6 months if the number of points on the driving licence reaches or exceeds 12
Sentencing Guidelines for Speeding
Speed Limit (MPH)
Recorded Speed (MPH)
Recorded Speed (MPH)
Recorded Speed (MPH)
When will I require legal representation?
A motorist will benefit from Legal Representation at Court if:
- They are at risk of becoming a ‘Totter’ (reaching 12 points), as the Court will impose a Penalty Points Driving Ban of at least 6 months. This can potentially be avoided by putting forward and Exceptional Hardship Application
- They are at risk of becoming a ‘Totter’ (reaching 12 points), as the Court will impose a Penalty Points Driving Ban of at least 6 months. This can potentially be avoided by putting forward and Exceptional Hardship Application
Things our solicitors look out for in Speeding Cases
- Mistakes with the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
- Whether the Prosecution can prove that our client was driving
- Whether the Prosecution can prove what the speed limit was
- What evidence the Prosecution have to establish the speed limit
- Procedural errors
- Whether there is a risk of the driving licence being revoked by the DVLA
- Whether there is a risk of the Court imposing a ‘Totting-Up Driving Ban’ (6 Month Driving Ban)
Do you require a solicitor for a speeding offence?
If you have just read our quick guide to speeding you should have an idea by now whether you require legal representation for your speeding offence. If you feel you do require legal advice and representation please not hesitate to contact us by calling 0345 222 9955 or by filling out our contact form.
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