UK speeding fines explained
In a bid to curb the numbers of serious accidents on Britain’s roads, the UK government increased fines for the worst speeding offences in 2017. Offences are divided into three categories based on their severity, with penalties increasing at each level.
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Speeding fine bands
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Band A speeding fine
The highest proportion of speeding offences fall into the Band A category, which usually leads to a Fixed Penalty Notice (speeding ticket). A Band A speeding fine would be appropriate if you were caught speeding between 31-40 mph in a 30-mph zone.
Providing you accept responsibility for speeding, you will be required to pay a minimum £100 fine and receive three points on your licence. In some cases, however, you may be offered the option to attend a speed awareness course rather than face prosecution.
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Band B speeding fine
If you are caught speeding between 41-50 mph in a 30-mph zone, you would likely receive a Band B speeding fine. In this case, you would receive a fine equivalent to 100% of your weekly income, as well as 4 penalty points on your licence. You could also be disqualified from driving for up to 28 days.
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Band C speeding fine
Band C is the highest band in terms of the severity of the speeding offence, and the resulting punishment. For example, if you were caught driving 51 mph or above in a 30-mph zone, you would likely face a fine equivalent to 150% of your weekly income, and six penalty points. In severe cases, you could also be disqualified from driving for 56 days. This would also mean that you would have to apply for a new licence before driving again.
How much are speeding fines in the UK?
The minimum fee for a speeding fine in the UK is £100. You can also have three penalty points added to your licence, and if you receive 12 penalty points or more within a three-year period, you could be disqualified from driving. For new drivers, bear in mind that could have your licence revoked if you receive more than six penalty points within two years.
The average speeding fine for those caught by speed cameras and traffic officers in 2015 was £188. However, now that fines have risen across all bands, it’s likely that the average fine handed out will be greater.
How are speeding fines calculated?
The two tables below show how different levels of speeding (relative to the speed limit of the road you’re driving on) relate to the speeding fine bands set out by the government, and how much you can expect to pay in each band of infraction.
| Recorded speed (mph) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Limit (mph) | Band C | Band B | Band A |
| 20 | 41 and above | 31 - 41 | 21 - 30 |
| 30 | 51 and above | 41 - 50 | 31 - 40 |
| 40 | 66 and above | 56 - 65 | 41 - 55 |
| 50 | 76 and above | 66 - 75 | 51 - 65 |
| 60 | 91 and above | 81 - 90 | 61- 80 |
| 70 | 101 and above | 91 - 100 | 71 - 90 |
| Points/disqualification | Disqualify 7 to 56 days or 6 points | Disqualify 7 to 28 days or 4 to 6 points | 3 points |
| Speeding fine band | Starting point | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Band A | 50% of weekly income | 75 – 125% of weekly income |
| Fine Band B | 100% of weekly income | 41 - 50 |
| Fine Band C | 150% of weekly income | 125 – 175% of weekly income |
There are also several variables that determine the severity of a speeding fine. These include:
- The driving conditions
- The population density of the area in which you were speeding (e.g. higher fines are expected in school areas)
- The timing of an offence in relation to previous convictions committed (if applicable
The same adjustments can also be made for Band B and Band C. Factors like those above can push the speeding offence into bands D, E, and F, where penalties increase to between 200-700% of your weekly income, although maximum fines of £1000 and £2500 do apply.
What happens if you get caught by a speed camera?
If you get caught by a speed camera, you will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 notice. If you accept these, you must reply to the police within 28 days. Your reply should include the Section 172 notice, and information detailing who was driving the car. Once the police receive your response, you will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a court summons.
Ignoring the notice will likely result in an immediate court summons. You can, however, challenge your speeding offence either by writing a letter to the police detailing your reasons why you believe you should not be fined. Alternatively, you could contest your case in court.
What if I plead not guilty to a speeding offence?
If you wish to appeal a speeding ticket and enter a not guilty plea, you will have to go to court. If you are found guilty in court, the initial speeding fine you received can be increased up to a maximum of £2500. Licence penalty points may also increase, depending on the circumstances.
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