Have you heard the quote, “Better to be late than Mr. Late”? It implies that it is better to be late than never arrive. Speeding is not as fun as it sounds. On the contrary, it can turn into a not-so-fun experience real quick.

Make sure you behave responsibly on the road. For the most part, a speeding ticket is the least of your worries if you are driving over the speed limit. Let’s take a look at some of the consequences of over-speeding.

1. Factors Affecting Speeding Fines

Speeding fines are like any other law. Therefore, they vary from region to region. The cost of a speeding ticket depends on various factors. Although the cost of over-speeding is similar across different regions of the UK, the process of payment is slightly different.

For example:

1.1 How to Pay a Speeding Fine In England and Wales?

You can pay the fines online by visiting the Penalty Notice Portal.

1.2 How to Pay a Speeding Fine In Scotland?

For a speeding offense in Scotland, you can pay by phone, by post, by visiting the court, or online. To learn more, visit the Scottish Courts and Tribunals website.

1.3 How to Pay a Speeding Fine In Northern Ireland?

To pay a speeding fine in Northern Ireland, you must visit Laganside Court Complex. You can find the contact details and address here.

2. How Are Speeding Fines Calculated

Calculating speeding fines is a somewhat complex procedure. It takes into account factors like location, severity, and previous convictions. The government of the United Kingdom has provided brackets that categorize the speed limit extensively.

If the traffic authorities catch you speeding over the speed limit mph, you are liable to be prosecuted for over-speeding.

3. Types Of Speeding Fines

Yes, there are different types of fines. These depend on the nature of the violation and the jurisdiction. Let us take a look at the types of speeding fines. The penalties for the same are discussed later in the article.

4. Speeding Fines

You are subject to speeding penalties depending on the circumstances you are caught speeding under. It will be different if you are caught speeding by speed cameras than if stopped by the police.

Let’s take a look at the different speeding penalties.

4.1 Speeding Fine If Caught By A Speed Camera

If a speeding camera catches you over-speeding, you will receive the following:

1. A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
2. A Section 172 Notice

4.1.1 Fixed Penalty

A Fixed Penalty is the penalty you will receive if you plead guilty to over-speeding.

4.1.2 Penalty Points

Moreover, you also get three penalty points on your license. The speeding points stay on your driver’s license for four years.

4.1.3 Driving Licence

In case of conviction for a speeding offense, your driver’s license can be suspended. For this reason, you can also get a driving ban.

4.1.4 Pleading Not Guilty

You may also plead not guilty. If you are found guilty after pleading not guilty, you can be fined more than you were previously. You can also receive more speeding points on your license.

5. Impact On Insurance and Driving Licence

In addition to the fine and penalty points, over-speeding also severely impacts your insurance.

5.1 Insurance

To begin with, fewer insurance distribution companies are willing to insure you. Moreover, insurance costs significantly increase as you collect more penalty points on your license.

This is done because more penalty points on your license suggest a higher chance of mitigating circumstances. Thus, you are more likely to make a claim that can cost the insurer a fortune.

The data provided by ThisIsMoney tells us how many points on your license increase the cost of insurance by how much.

1. To begin with, up to three points will cost you a 5.1% increase.
2. Further, four to six penalty points will cost you a 25.8% increase.
3. Moreover, seven to nine points will cost you a 45% increase.
4. .Meanwhile, ten to eleven points will cost you an 81.9% increase.
5. Finally, having over twelve penalty points will cost you an 89.3% increase.

5.2 Driving Licence

Accumulating penalty points on your driving license is a cause for concern, especially driving bans. As mentioned earlier, your driver’s license can be suspended in case of a conviction of driving above the legal limit.

6. Strategies To Avoid Speeding Fine

Avoiding speeding tickets is easier than tying your shoelaces. Here are a few strategies you can use to avoid a police officer giving you a spot fine:

6.1 Leave For Your Destination Earlier

Yes, it is as simple as that. Leaving with plenty of margin for traffic delays is an easy way to prevent the need for speed.

Try to leave 15 minutes before your usual time if you expect traffic or other obstacles in your road journey. It will prevent you from getting caught speeding by a police officer or getting caught by speed cameras.

6.2 Know The Limit

Taking a speed awareness course is a good idea as it can help you avoid a speeding fine. A speed awareness course can be the step stopping you from needing to go to court. Plus, you will save three points on our license.

Familiarise yourself with the speed limits in different regions. If visiting a different country, it is advisable to research the limits on the roads. This will ensure that your recorded speed of mph is not illegal.

6.3 Stay Vigilante To Avoid A Speeding Fine

If you cannot declare speed awareness, looking out for speed signs while on the road is ideal. Speed awareness will help you avoid the speeding fine, including the three penalty points.

7. Final Words

Enjoy the journey and drive safely to ensure you arrive at your destination, even if it is late. Wishing you a safe and happy driving experience. Remember, speed thrills but kills as well!

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Apeksha Soni