Speeding
Speeding is one of the most frequent driving violations.
It’s easy to unintentionally exceed the speed limit on motorways or when you’re rushing to get to work or drop the kids off at school. Typically, being caught speeding results in a Fixed Penalty Notice and points on your driving licence. However, accumulating 12 or more points within three years can lead to losing your licence. If you are significantly over the speed limit or cause injury or death, you will need to appear in Court. In such cases, contacting our Motoring Solicitors immediately is crucial. We have deep expertise in police enforcement technologies, from GATSO cameras to in-car VASCAR systems, ensuring the best possible representation if you contest a speeding charge.
Our diverse, multi-lingual law firm serves Nuneaton, Tamworth, Hinckley, Bedworth, Leicester, Leamington, Derby, and the Midlands. Utilizing top-tier technology, we deliver efficient and effective motoring law advice. Our extensive experience in road traffic and criminal law allows us to collaborate with some of the UK’s top Barristers and King’s Counsel. Clients benefit from our access to leading expert witnesses who can support a not guilty plea or mitigate a sentence in Court.
Common Questions About Speeding
What happens if I am caught speeding?
If caught by a fixed speed camera or an in-car VASCAR system, you’ll receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution by mail. You must respond within 28 days identifying the driver at the time. Depending on circumstances, you may be offered a speed awareness course or receive a Fixed Penalty Notice with three to six penalty points and a minimum £100 fine. Never provide false information about the driver – this can lead to charges of perverting the course of justice, often resulting in a prison sentence.
How many penalty points will I receive for speeding?
The following table outlines common speeding offences and their associated penalty points:
| Offence | Penalty Points | Time On Record |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3 – 6 | 4 years |
| Exceeding speed limit for vehicle type (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) | 3 – 6 | 4 years |
| Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3 – 6 | 4 years |
| Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit | 3 – 6 | 4 years |
| Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3 – 6 | 4 years |
Can I challenge a speeding allegation?
You cannot challenge a speeding ticket simply by claiming ignorance of the speed. However, defenses may include:
- You were not the driver
- The speed limit sign was missing
- The speed limit sign was incorrect or not visible
- Your car was stolen
Our Road Traffic Offences Solicitors can argue for special reasons to avoid penalty points, particularly if they would lead to exceeding 12 points and a driving ban. Special reasons don’t constitute a legal defense but can provide a reasonable explanation for the offence, such as speeding to get a pregnant partner to a hospital urgently.
If special reasons are not applicable and you risk disqualification, our Solicitors can argue that losing your licence would cause ‘exceptional hardship’ by significantly impacting your livelihood or family well-being.
Why Choose Us
From our Nottingham offices, our solicitors specialize in defending clients who face motoring charges, whether at the police station or in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. We are also equipped to assist with appeals against driving disqualifications and applications for the early reinstatement of your driving license.
No matter the nature of the charges, you have the right to a robust criminal defense. We approach each case with a focus on defending you against the prosecution’s claims, without judgment. By choosing our firm, you enhance your chances of a favorable outcome, whether that means an acquittal or a reduced sentence. It’s crucial to get in touch with us promptly if you are stopped by the police for speeding or receive a Notice of Intention to Prosecute.
Smalleys Solicitors provides exceptional Speeding and Motoring Offences services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nottingham, Arnold, Hucknall, Derby and Mansfield, but across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & the East Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Speeding and Motoring Offences, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0115) 955 6555, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.