Getting caught speeding can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Whether it was a momentary lapse of attention, missing a speed limit sign, or a serious misunderstanding, you need to know what to do next to deal with it quickly and correctly.
This guide from #1 Motoring Solicitors takes you through the next steps after getting a speeding ticket, explains the penalties and shows how expert legal help can get you the best result.
Respond Within 28 Days
The first and most important thing to do after getting a ticket by post after being caught speeding by a speed camera or other detection devices, or from a police officer is to respond within the time limit, usually within 28 days. Ignoring the ticket or delaying your response can result in being prosecuted, and could lead to more severe penalties, including a court hearing.
With the ticket, you’ll get a Section 172 form. This form will be sent via recorded delivery to the last known address of the registered keeper of the vehicle on file with the DVLA database. You need to complete this and provide the required information. Here’s what you need to know:
Complete the Notice of Intended Prosecution Form
The fastest way to resolve a speeding ticket is to plead guilty by completing the Section 172 form. The Section 172 form, also called a notice of intended prosecution, asks you to identify the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence. If you were driving, you must admit this by completing the notice of intended prosecution correctly and returning it quickly. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and can lead to harsher penalties.
If You Weren’t Driving
If someone else was driving the vehicle, for example, if the vehicle has a new owner, was being driven by a friend or family member, or is a company vehicle, you must still complete and return the Section 172 form within the deadline. You can use this time to:
- Identify the driver. This may involve talking to other users of the vehicle. If you are a company owner whose work car was involved in the incident, you are likely considered the registered keeper. Keep track of which person drives your company vehicles and when. Because the notice of intended prosecution is sent to the last known keeper, it’s important to ensure the vehicle information, your address, and your mobile phone number are kept up to date with the DVLA so they can identify the driver.
- Get legal guidance. Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities before signing the form.
- Ask the police for more information if you’re not sure about the details of the alleged offence.
- Request photos. You can ask the police for photos that may help identify who was driving but note this is for identification purposes only and not for building a defence.
Act quickly and you’ll avoid complications. If you’re unsure what to do, get expert advice from a solicitor like those at #1 Motoring Solicitors.
What are the Penalties for Speeding?
Once you’ve determined the registered keeper, identified the driver, and responded to the ticket by the required date, you may get one of the following depending on the severity of the alleged offence and your driving history:
Penalty Options
Speed Awareness Course
If your speeding is within a lower speed limit threshold, you may be offered the opportunity to do a speed awareness course. This isn’t guaranteed, but it means you won’t get penalty points on your licence.
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
A fixed penalty notice deals with many minor speeding offences. You will receive:
- A standard fine of £100.
- 3 penalty points on your driving licence.
Court Summons
For more serious speeding (e.g. excessive speeding) you may get a summons to court in the first instance. At this stage, the penalties could be:
- Higher fines. The amount will depend on your income and the severity of the offence.
- More penalty points. Depending on the case, you could get more points on your licence.
- Driving ban. The court can disqualify you from driving, especially for repeat or serious offences.
Not responding to the fixed penalty notice or providing the required information can lead to more severe penalties, including a minimum £1,000 fine and 6 points on your driving licence. If you are a new driver who passed your driving test in the last two years, your licence will be revoked if you accrue 6 or more penalty points. Other speeding offences, like speeding while going through a red light, also come with higher penalties.
Getting a motoring lawyer at this stage can make all the difference. They can analyse the details of your case and request police records, explore your options, address any inconsistencies and represent you in court if needed.
How Can a Motoring Solicitor Help?
If you’re worried about the penalties for a speeding conviction, not sure whether to plead guilty or are concerned about losing your driving licence, a motoring solicitor can help. Here’s how:
Expert Legal Guidance
Motoring solicitors are experts in traffic law. They can examine your case, explain your rights and identify any evidence to support your defence.
Minimising Penalties
With experience in similar cases, solicitors can negotiate or explain mitigating factors to reduce fines, minimise points or avoid a ban altogether. At #1 Motoring Solicitors, we have decades of experience in persuading magistrates not to impose discretionary disqualifications and are committed to securing the most positive outcome for your case.
Court Representation
If you need to attend court, representation from an experienced solicitor can make all the difference. They’ll prepare your defence, challenge any inaccuracies in the evidence (if applicable) and present your case in the best possible way.
Peace of Mind
Dealing with legal proceedings can be stressful. Having a solicitor means you can relax knowing your case is in the hands of a professional who has your best interests at heart.
Why Choose #1 Motoring Solicitors?
When you choose #1 Motoring Solicitors, you have access to a wealth of experience. Our team knows motoring offences inside out and has a proven record of achieving good results for our clients. Don’t leave your driving future to chance – trust the experts to advise and guide you.
Top Tips
Knowing how to respond to a speeding notice can make all the difference. Here’s what to do:
- Respond within 28 days.
- Complete the Section 172 notice correctly.
- Review the penalties and what to do next.
- If you’re being prosecuted and want to dispute the charges, get professional legal advice before proceeding.
If you’re unsure about accepting a speeding notice or worried about the penalties, don’t hesitate to contact #1 Motoring Solicitors for advice. With decades of experience, we’ll look after your interests, minimise the impact on your licence and get the best result for your case.
