If you are caught speeding, the minimum penalty you could receive is a speed awareness course. However, did you know that not every speeding offence will allow for the option to attend an awareness course?

A speed awareness course will only be offered if:

  • You admit to being the driver of the vehicle within 42 days of the date of the offence;
  • You haven’t attended a speed awareness course within the last 3 years; and
  • The speed you were travelling at the time of the offence falls within the acceptable speed range.

If you do not qualify for a speed awareness course, then the minimum penalty you could receive is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence.

What happens if I am caught?

If you’re caught by a speed camera, you will most likely be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution and a Section 172 Notice within 14 days of the offence. The Section 172 Notice must then be returned within 28 days to inform the Police of who was driving the vehicle at the time of the offence. You will then be sent a Fixed Penalty Notice. If you ignore this Notice, you may have to go to court.

If you are stopped by the Police, you may be given a verbal warning, Fixed Penalty Notice or an order to go to court. If you require advice on how to complete this form please contact us.

Fixed Penalty Notice

You can choose to plead “guilty” or “not guilty” to a Fixed Penalty Notice.

If you plead guilty, you will have to pay a £100 fine, and 3 penalty points will be added to your licence. However, you may be given the option to attend a speed awareness course, as above. This will also depend on whether you have other points on your licence already.

If you plead not guilty, you will usually have to visit court to enter this plea. This, however, comes with the risk of receiving a higher fine or more penalty points if the court finds you guilty following a trial.

If you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years, commonly known as ‘totting’ up, you could be disqualified from driving.

If you are a new driver and have had your licence for less than 2 years, it could be revoked if you build up 6 or more penalty points.

How Can We Help You?

Here at Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP we understand the importance of being able to drive, whether it is for work or family commitments. We are specialists in Exceptional Hardship, which is where the courts will hear specially prepared cases examining any exceptional reason not to disqualify you from driving. We have a strong track record of successful outcomes in these matters and deal with all types of motoring and driving offences. Further, we offer fixed fee consultations and our specialist solicitors can provide you with representation at court.

If you have any questions relating to this article, require legal advice or representation please do not hesitate to contact us today on 01702 338338 / 01277 500123 / 020 8049 588 or use our emergency out of hours number 01702 342525. 

This article does not necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not designed to provide legal or other advice. If you require specialist advice on this topic, please contact us to discuss how we may assist you.