15 Frequently Asked Questions About Speeding
1. What is the national speed limit?
The maximum speed limit of a single carriageway road is 60mph. On dual carriageway roads and motorways it is 70mph. The national speed limit road sign is a white circle with a diagonal black rectangle.
2. How many points do you get for speeding?
The number of penalty points depends on how fast you were driving over the speed limit.
Speed Limit (mph) Recorded Speed (mph)
20 21-30 31-40 41 and above
30 31-40 41-50 51 and above
40 41-55 56-65 66 and above
50 51-65 66-75 75 and above
60 61-80 81-90 91 and above
70 71-90 91-100 101 and above
Sentencing range Band A Fine Band B Fine Band C Fine
Points/Disqualification 3 points Disqualify 7-28 days Disqualify 7-56 days
OR 4-6 points OR 6 points
3. How much is speeding fine?
The speeding fine also depends on how many miles per hour you were driving over the speed limit. All fines are calculated on weekly income. What fine band you fall into is shown in the table above.
Starting Point Range
Fine Band A 50% of relevant weekly income 25-75% of relevant weekly income
Fine Band B 100% of relevant weekly income 67-125% of relevant weekly income
Fine Band C 150% of relevant weekly income 125-175% of relevant weekly income
4. How much is a speed awareness course, and can I do it online?
Speed awareness courses usually cost between £80 and £100 depending on provider and location. Currently many speed awareness courses are also being offered online due to the Coronavirus. Taking a speed awareness course can therefore be a more cost-effective option if offered than 3 penalty points and a fine.
A speed awareness course is not then noted on your licence.
5. How long is a speed awareness course?
A traditional, in person speed awareness course usually lasts about 4 hours with some time for a break. The online courses currently being offered usually last 2.5-3 hours.
6. I’ve already done a speed awareness course, can I do another one?
You can only do 1 speed awareness course every 3 years. If you are caught speeding again within the 3 year period, it is likely you will get a fixed penalty notice.
7. How do I know if I have points on my licence?
Check your licence on the government webpage at www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk
You will need your driving licence number, national insurance number and post code.
8. I’m a new driver, what happens if I get caught speeding?
If any new driver receives 6 or more penalty points within the first 2 years of passing their driving test, they will be disqualified from driving and their driving license will be revoked.
9. Do speed cameras flash?
Some speed cameras flash and some don’t.
The most common fixes speed cameras are Gatso and Truvelo sped cameras. Gatso speed cameras do flash and take a photo of your rear number plate. These have square cameras. Truvelo speed cameras don’t flash, these speed cameras have circular cameras.
Mobile speed cameras use lasers to check the speed of your car and do not flash.
10. Do you have to be notified that a speed camera is present by a sign?
You will regularly see signs on routes where fixed cameras are operational, however it is not a legal requirement. With mobile cameras, there is no requirement to have a camera warning sign.
11. Can I check to see if I have been caught speeding?
There is no way to check if you’ve been caught speeding or not.
12. How long does it take to get a speeding ticket?
Usually, you will receive two notices within 14 days of the date of speeding. The notices you will receive are
- A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
- Section 172 Notice (Requirement to provide driver details)
You must respond to the NIP or s.172 Notice.
Once the NIP is returned, you will be sent either a Fixed Penalty Notice which may give you the option of taking a speed awareness course to prevent penalty points being endorsed on your driving licence or you will be sent a letter telling you to go to court.
If you were not the person driving, you must return the Section 172 notice within 28 days, informing the police as to who was driving the car.
13. Is there an automatic ban on certain speeds above the limit?
There is no speed that requires an automatic ban. It all depends on the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the court hearing the case.
If you have been caught doing an excessive speed, get in touch with one of our lawyers who can help you get the best outcome before the Courts.
14. How long will the speeding offence appear on my driving licence?
Penalty points are valid for 3 years from the date of the offence. They are removed from your licence after 4 years.
15. What happens if I have a foreign driving licence?
You will still be prosecuted for the offence and the case may be referred to the Court. If you have a registered UK address you may be offered a speed awareness course and you will not receive any penalty points. If you are required to attend court, the Court can impose a fine and penalty points. These points are recorded by the DVLA against your name and details, acting as a record of your licence.
If you are stopped at the roadside and do not have a registered UK address, you may be required to pay a roadside deposit. For speeding, this is £100. If the offence is more serious and is to be prosecuted at court, the deposit will be £300. If you are not able to pay the deposit immediately, your vehicle may be seized.
SBC Motoring Lawyers have a wealth of experience in dealing with speeding cases in the Magistrates Courts. If you have been caught for speeding and have any questions why not contact one of our lawyers for a free consultation.
