Speeding Tickets & Fines
Have You Been Caught Speeding?
If you’ve been caught speeding, or received a Notice of Intending Prosecution (NIP), then you’re at risk of getting at least three penalty points. In some cases, you might also be facing a driving disqualification or ban, either under the totting up rules or because of the speed.
If you’ve been charged with a speeding offence like an SP30, we can provide you with legal advice. We’re experts in all types of motoring offences, including speeding, and can help you avoid any unnecessary points, fines, or even disqualification. In some cases, our advice may help you avoid prosecution entirely.
Call us on 0161 834 9494 to discuss your case.
“Our client, Anthony Landes, is a senior commercial solicitor. Without getting specialist legal advice he had pleaded guilty to speeding on the M6 in Cheshire. Although the police eventually admitted that the speed camera had not been properly type approved, they claimed that it was still accurate and Mr. Landes then came to Richard Silver for help.
As a result of Richard Silver’s intervention, and against strong prosecution opposition, a district judge granted an application to set aside the conviction and remove the points that had been imposed. Not only did the CPS then have to drop the case altogether, but also Mr. Landes’s legal costs were paid by the court in full.”
See more testimonials and case studies.
Defence Against A Speeding Conviction
With the increasing number of speed cameras and speed detection devices, even the most cautious motorist can be at risk of penalty points and possible disqualification. Whilst these devices are usually reliable, there are a number of circumstances in which you might be able to avoid prosecution or conviction for speeding.
Our expert solicitors will carefully check all the evidence against you, ensuring all procedures have been followed, and identifying any possible defences. If you have a defence, we’ll find it.
It may be that the speed limit you have been accused of breaking may not actually be in force, or the correct signage may not have been displayed. There are also instances where the speed detection devices used by police haven’t been correctly operated or calibrated. We can challenge the reliability of the evidence, because sometimes the police make mistakes.
Even if you were speeding, we may be able to put forward a “special reasons” argument to avoid penalty points. This can apply if, for example, you were driving in an emergency.
We have secured the acquittal of many drivers, avoiding penalty points and in some cases disqualification.
What Does A Speeding Ticket and Offence Mean?
The number of penalty points for speeding depends mainly on how fast you were going. As well as a fine, you’ll receive at least three points and in some cases you could be banned from driving. The tables below shows the possible penalty points and speeding offences, along with the sentencing guidelines a court must consider when dealing with a speeding conviction. (The current guidelines came into force on 24th April 2017).
Click To View: Speeding Penalty Points Codes & Sentencing Guidelines| Code | Offence | Points |
| SP10 | Exceeding good vehicle speed limits. | 3-6 |
| SP20 | Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles.) | 3-6 |
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road. | 3-6 |
| SP40 | Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit. | 3-6 |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway. | 3-6 |
| Speed limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) | ||
| 20 | 41 and above | 31 – 40 | 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 |
| Sentencing range | Band C fine | Band B fine | Band A fine |
| Points/disqualification | Disqualify 7 – 56 days OR 6 points | Disqualify 7 – 28 days OR 4 – 6 points | 3 points |
Most forces will offer you a Fixed Penalty of three points and £100, provided your speed was below the following limits.
You won’t be able to take up a Fixed Penalty if you already have 9 or more points.
Avoiding Prosecution For A Speeding Offence
If your speed was no greater than 10% plus 2 above the limit, the police will almost certainly take no further action and so you will avoid prosecution altogether.
If your speed was 10% plus 2 above the limit, but no greater than 10% plus 9mph, they will usually offer a Speed Awareness Course, provided you have not done the same course within the last three years. This will not result in speeding points, although there is a fee. Most, but not all, police forces will allow you to take the course locally if you wish. The course is now also offered for 20mph zones.
In any event, if you need legal advice we can help.
Contact Richard Silver For Expert Advice
We have secured the acquittal of many drivers where the prosecution were unable to show that speed detection equipment was operated properly, or that a particular speed limit was in force or correctly signed.
We will analyse all the evidence against you, and can advise you on any potential defences you may have. We can also help you to decide whether to accept a Fixed Penalty, or whether you should challenge it in court.
With our help, you may avoid penalty points or even disqualification.
Contact us now on 0161 834 9494
For more information about our Fixed Fee Pricing for Motoring Cases please click here.