How to Get Out of a Speeding Ticket in the UK
TS10 convictions, are on the increase, mostly driven by the increase in the number of cameras mounted on traffic lights. As you are likely aware, these are handed out for not obeying a traffic signal,
Last updated: August 2023 | Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
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Last time, we discussed the Speeding Offence and its effects on insurance. Today, we examine the options for how to get out of speeding tickets in the UK.
In the UK, speed triggers and speed limit signs are present everywhere. Prosecution is always a possibility if you are caught speeding. These might include a speeding fine, penalty points on your licence, or a driving ban.
At times, the motorist isn't even aware of the alleged offence. Hence, receiving a speeding ticket in the mail or from a police officer might be upsetting. The impact of a notice of intending prosecution may be greater.
Any speeding fine can be challenged in court. But these cases have a low success rate and high legal fees. Hence, the best course to settle a larger fine for an alleged speeding offence in the UK is to pay it off at the earliest.
In the following paragraphs, we talk about how to avoid UK speeding fines. Discover everything getting out of a speeding ticket UK and common legal defences under the Crown Prosecution Service.
Is it necessary to Pay?
Do you have to pay the speeding fines if caught speeding? With a legitimate reason and substantial proof, you can avoid a speed fine. There are exceptions to speeding fines and resulting penalty points on your licence. Sound legal advice from a UK speeding fine solicitor or a specialist lawyer is crucial.
When will a speeding offence lead to a driving ban?
It is possible that you could end up facing a driving ban, the circumstances for this to happen include:
How much will I be fined?
Use the Multiquotetime speeding fine calculator to get an idea of how much you will or would be fined for breaking the speed limits
Speeding ticket mechanism
With speed awareness and the latest technology, it is easier to get caught for driving over speed limits. If the recorded speed is over 10% plus 2 mph over the speed limit, you can get a ticket. There are two possibilities for further action.
Speed Camera Fine
A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 notice will be issued through mail within 14 days of the occurrence.
There is a deadline of 28 days to return the Section 172 notice. This response should indicate the information regarding the driver's details of the vehicle at the time of the offence. Once the Section 172 notice is returned, a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a summons from magistrates court is issued.
Getting Stopped by the Police Officer
Most patrol cars are equipped with mobile speed cameras. If you are caught speeding, a police officer can pull you over. Depending on the severity of the speeding offence, the officer is authorised to issue you
You may choose to plead guilty or not guilty. To contest a speeding ticket, you can go to court with a not-guilty petition.
How to get away with a speeding ticket?
Once a speeding ticket is issued, you have two options to avoid penalty points on your licence.
Now let’s explore some instances of not-guilty pleas for a speeding ticket.
The 14-Day Exception
The Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) or Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) should be issued and delivered within the first 14 days after the event. The ticket is invalidated if the said notice is issued later than 14 days. However, it remains effective if issued on time but delivered after 14 days.
In case you were driving a rented or company car, the notice holds good if delivered within the stipulated time to the owner. The same rule applies to a change in vehicle ownership.
Driving Within Allowed Maximum Speed
In case a driver is certain s/he was driving within the speed limit, the speeding ticket can be appealed in a court of law. However, any such not-guilty plea should be backed by solid proof, such as pictures or videos.
The courts are lenient towards drivers caught speeding to respond to an emergency, such as driving to a hospital. But evidence is necessary in such cases.
A Registered Keeper Operating The Vehicle
In case of driving offence by a registered keeper (e.g. stolen vehicles, rented autos, and company cars), the owner of the vehicle is exempted from the speeding tickets and liability thereof. There can be criminal charges if incorrect details about the driving licence, driver’s identity, false admission of guilt, or ownership of the vehicle are concealed. Therefore, these details must be returned along with the NIP.
Is it worthwhile to dispute a speeding ticket?
Yes, it is worth contesting speeding fines if you think you are wrongly implicated. Being pulled over overwhelms many people. They fail to hear what the officer who issues them the ticket is trying to say.
Around half of the drivers are aware of their legal right to dispute a speeding ticket. But even they are unsure of the correct procedure.
The speeding UK law protects the rights of drivers. There are always chances of damaged road signage or incorrectly calibrated speed cameras. According to the law, a driver challenging a speeding ticket can ask for a calibration certificate or other relevant materials. With all the evidence present during a court hearing, one can get away with a minimum penalty or even none at all.
Should I Challenge My Speeding Ticket in Court?
A judge hearing your case may decide to drop the charge. While you gain by avoiding fines and points on your licence and fines. Thus, to ensure your rights, seek legal counsel from a speeding fine solicitor. But if you are found guilty in court, you will have to pay the fine whether you challenge the ticket or enter a guilty plea.