Speeding
Speeding means driving a motor vehicle on a road faster than the speed limit that applies to that road or to your type of vehicle. Most cases are dealt with by a fixed penalty or a speed awareness course, but higher speeds and disputed cases go to the magistrates' court.
Law checked as at 25 September 2026. Legal information only, not legal advice, and not a prediction of any sentence.
At a glance
| Also known as | Exceeding the speed limit, Speeding ticket, Speed camera offence |
|---|---|
| The law | Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, section 89 |
| Where it is tried | summary only. Speeding is dealt with by fixed penalty or in the magistrates' court, often through the single justice procedure. |
| Maximum penalty | A fine of up to £1,000 (level 3), or up to £2,500 (level 4) on a motorway, plus 3 to 6 penalty points or a discretionary ban. The usual fixed penalty is £100 and 3 points. |
| Sentencing guideline | Speeding (Revised 2017) |
Maximum penalties are the most a court can impose for the worst cases. Most sentences are far lower, and the actual sentence depends on the facts, any guilty plea and the court's assessment.
What the prosecution must prove
- The defendant drove a motor vehicle on a road.
- A speed limit applied, whether set by signs, by street lighting (a restricted road) or by the national limits for that type of road and vehicle.
- The vehicle exceeded that limit, usually proved by an approved speed detection device such as a camera or laser gun.
- A person cannot be convicted on the opinion evidence of a single witness alone (s.89(2)).
- Where required, the driver was warned at the time or a notice of intended prosecution was sent within 14 days.
Defences and common issues
- The speed detection device was not an approved type, was faulty, or was not used correctly.
- Required speed limit signs were missing, obscured or not lawfully placed.
- No notice of intended prosecution was served within 14 days where one was required.
- Emergency service exemption for vehicles used for fire, ambulance or police purposes where keeping to the limit would hinder that use.
- Special reasons, such as a genuine medical emergency, may allow the court not to add points or impose a ban even if guilty.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I get caught speeding by a camera?
Within 14 days the registered keeper is usually sent a notice of intended prosecution and a section 172 notice asking who was driving, which must be returned within 28 days. After that, the driver is normally offered a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points, a speed awareness course, or is told the case is going to court. Higher speeds are more likely to go to court. You can plead not guilty and have the case decided by magistrates.
Do I have to tell the police who was driving?
Yes. Under section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 the registered keeper, and anyone else asked, has a legal duty to give information identifying the driver when police request it for certain offences, including speeding. Failing to do so without a good reason is a separate offence carrying 6 penalty points and a fine, which is more than a standard speeding ticket. This is one of the few situations where you must answer a police question, although you can take legal advice first.
Can I do a speed awareness course instead of getting points?
You may be offered one, but it is at the police's discretion and you cannot demand it. GOV.UK says a course may be offered if the police decide it is appropriate and you have not been on one in the past 3 years. Offers usually depend on how far over the limit you were. If you complete the course, you pay a fee instead of the fine and no points go on your licence. If you do not complete it, the case can proceed as a fixed penalty or prosecution.
How much is a speeding fine if I go to court?
In court, the fine depends on how far over the limit you were and your weekly income. The Sentencing Council guideline uses fine bands A to C, with band C starting at 150% of weekly income, and higher speeds can lead to 6 points or a ban of 7 to 56 days. The overall maximum is £1,000, or £2,500 on a motorway. You may also have to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.
Can I lose my licence for speeding?
Yes, in two ways. A court can ban you directly for a serious speeding offence, often for 7 to 56 days at very high speeds. You can also be banned under the totting-up rules if you reach 12 or more penalty points within 3 years, which normally means a ban of at least 6 months. If you passed your driving test within the last 2 years, reaching 6 points will lead to your licence being revoked and you will have to retake your test.
Work out your penalty points, totting-up and ban risk.
Penalty points calculator →Official sources
Primary sources and official guidance on this topic, for anyone who wants to read the underlying rules directly.
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