Speeding is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including fines, points on your license, and even a driving ban. If you’ve been caught speeding by a camera, you’re probably wondering how many points you’ll get. In this article, we’ll explore the UK’s speeding laws, the different types of speeding cameras, and the penalties you can expect to face.
Understanding the UK’s Speeding Laws
The UK’s speeding laws are governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. These laws set out the speed limits for different types of roads and the penalties for exceeding those limits. The speed limits in the UK are as follows:
- Motorways: 70mph
- Dual carriageways: 70mph
- Single carriageways: 60mph
- Urban areas: 30mph or 40mph
- School zones: 20mph
If you’re caught speeding, you’ll be given a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 notice, which requires you to provide the identity of the driver. You’ll then be given a choice: accept a fixed penalty notice or take the case to court.
Fixed Penalty Notices
A fixed penalty notice is a fine and penalty points for a minor speeding offense. The fine is currently £100, and the penalty points range from 3 to 6 points, depending on the severity of the offense. If you accept a fixed penalty notice, you won’t have to go to court, but you’ll still have to pay the fine and accept the penalty points.
Penalty Points for Speeding
The number of penalty points you’ll get for speeding depends on the severity of the offense. The UK’s speeding laws use a system of bands to determine the penalty points. The bands are as follows:
- Band A: 3 points and a fine of £100 (exceeding the speed limit by up to 10mph)
- Band B: 4 points and a fine of £200 (exceeding the speed limit by 11-20mph)
- Band C: 6 points and a fine of £300 (exceeding the speed limit by 21mph or more)
Types of Speeding Cameras
There are several types of speeding cameras used in the UK, including:
Gatso Cameras
Gatso cameras are the most common type of speeding camera in the UK. They use a radar gun to measure the speed of vehicles and take a photograph of the vehicle’s license plate. Gatso cameras are usually mounted on the side of the road or on a bridge.
Truvelo Cameras
Truvelo cameras use a laser gun to measure the speed of vehicles. They are usually mounted on the side of the road or on a mobile unit.
SpeedCurb Cameras
SpeedCurb cameras use a radar gun to measure the speed of vehicles. They are usually mounted on the side of the road or on a bridge.
Mobile Speed Cameras
Mobile speed cameras are mounted on vehicles and can be moved to different locations. They use a radar gun or laser gun to measure the speed of vehicles.
How Speeding Cameras Work
Speeding cameras use a variety of technologies to measure the speed of vehicles. The most common technologies used are radar and laser.
Radar Guns
Radar guns use radio waves to measure the speed of vehicles. They emit a beam of radio waves, which bounce off the vehicle and return to the radar gun. The radar gun then calculates the speed of the vehicle based on the time it took for the radio waves to return.
Laser Guns
Laser guns use a laser beam to measure the speed of vehicles. They emit a beam of laser light, which is reflected off the vehicle and returns to the laser gun. The laser gun then calculates the speed of the vehicle based on the time it took for the laser light to return.
Challenging a Speeding Fine
If you’ve been given a speeding fine, you may be able to challenge it. There are several grounds for challenging a speeding fine, including:
Inaccurate Speed Reading
If you believe that the speed reading was inaccurate, you may be able to challenge the fine. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as a calibration certificate for the speed camera.
Incorrect Identification
If you believe that the vehicle or driver was incorrectly identified, you may be able to challenge the fine. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as a photograph of the vehicle or a witness statement.
Exceptional Hardship
If you believe that accepting the fine would cause you exceptional hardship, you may be able to challenge it. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as a letter from your employer or a doctor’s note.
Conclusion
Speeding is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including fines, points on your license, and even a driving ban. If you’ve been caught speeding by a camera, it’s essential to understand the UK’s speeding laws and the penalties you can expect to face. By knowing how many points you’ll get for speeding, you can make an informed decision about whether to accept a fixed penalty notice or take the case to court. Remember, speeding can have serious consequences, so always drive safely and within the speed limit.
| Band | Speed Limit Exceeded By | Penalty Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to 10mph | 3 points | £100 |
| B | 11-20mph | 4 points | £200 |
| C | 21mph or more | 6 points | £300 |
Note: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered as legal advice. If you’ve been given a speeding fine, it’s essential to seek advice from a qualified solicitor or legal expert.
What is the penalty for speeding in the UK?
The penalty for speeding in the UK is typically a fine and the endorsement of penalty points on your driving licence. The number of points you receive will depend on the severity of the speeding offence. For minor speeding offences, you may receive 3 points, while more serious offences can result in 6 points or even a driving ban.
The fine for speeding can range from £100 to £1,000, depending on the circumstances of the offence. In some cases, you may also be required to attend a speed awareness course, which can help you to understand the risks of speeding and how to drive more safely.
How many points will I get for speeding on a motorway?
If you are caught speeding on a motorway, you can expect to receive 3-6 penalty points on your driving licence. The exact number of points will depend on the speed limit and how much you exceeded it. For example, if you were driving at 80mph in a 70mph zone, you may receive 3 points, while driving at 100mph or more could result in 6 points.
It’s worth noting that motorway speeding offences are often detected using cameras, which can provide accurate evidence of your speed. If you are caught speeding on a motorway, you will typically receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) through the post, which will outline the details of the offence and the proposed penalty.
Can I appeal against a speeding fine?
Yes, it is possible to appeal against a speeding fine, but you will need to have a valid reason for doing so. For example, if you believe that the speed camera was faulty or that you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence, you may be able to appeal against the fine.
To appeal against a speeding fine, you will typically need to write to the court or the police force that issued the fine, outlining your reasons for appealing. You may also need to provide evidence to support your appeal, such as witness statements or technical reports. If your appeal is successful, the fine and any penalty points may be cancelled.
How long do penalty points stay on my licence?
Penalty points for speeding typically stay on your driving licence for 3 years from the date of the offence. During this time, you will need to declare the points when applying for car insurance or when hiring a vehicle. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you may be at risk of a driving ban.
It’s worth noting that some insurance companies may take into account penalty points that are more than 3 years old, so it’s always best to check with your insurer to see how they will view your driving record. Additionally, if you are a new driver, you may be at risk of having your licence revoked if you accumulate 6 or more penalty points within the first 2 years of passing your test.
Can I take a speed awareness course instead of points?
In some cases, you may be offered the opportunity to take a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points. This is typically offered for minor speeding offences, such as driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone. The course is designed to educate you about the risks of speeding and how to drive more safely.
To be eligible for a speed awareness course, you will typically need to meet certain criteria, such as not having taken a similar course in the past 3 years. You will also need to accept the offer of a course within a certain timeframe, usually 14 days. If you complete the course successfully, you will not receive any penalty points and you will not need to pay a fine.
How many points will I get for speeding in a 20mph zone?
If you are caught speeding in a 20mph zone, you can expect to receive 3-6 penalty points on your driving licence. The exact number of points will depend on the speed at which you were driving and the circumstances of the offence. For example, if you were driving at 30mph in a 20mph zone, you may receive 3 points, while driving at 40mph or more could result in 6 points.
It’s worth noting that 20mph zones are often found in residential areas or near schools, where the risk of injury to pedestrians is higher. As such, speeding in these areas is taken very seriously, and you can expect to receive a more severe penalty if you are caught.
Will I lose my licence if I get 12 points?
If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you may be at risk of a driving ban. However, the decision to ban you from driving is ultimately up to the court, and they will take into account a range of factors, including the severity of the offences and your overall driving record.
If you are facing a driving ban, you may be able to argue that it would cause you exceptional hardship, such as losing your job or being unable to care for a family member. If the court accepts your argument, they may impose a shorter ban or allow you to continue driving under certain conditions.