Speeding Fines
in the UK:
Complete Guide

Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)

For lower-level speeding offences, you will typically receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). This is the most common outcome for drivers caught marginally exceeding the speed limit.

• Fine: £100
• Penalty points: 3 points added to your licence
• Court: Not required — you can pay online or by post

The FPN applies when you are caught speeding within Band A of the sentencing guidelines (see below). You have 28 days to pay from the date of the notice.

Speeding Fine Bands

UK courts use three sentencing bands to determine the fine amount based on how far over the speed limit you were travelling.

Band A — Minor Speeding

Typically 1–10 mph over the limit. Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 and 3 penalty points. Eligible for a speed awareness course in many cases.

Band B — Moderate Speeding

Typically 11–20 mph over the limit on lower-speed roads, or proportionally similar on higher-speed roads. Fine is 1–1.5× your weekly income (minimum £100). 4–6 penalty points or a driving disqualification of 7–28 days.

Band C — Serious Speeding

Typically 21+ mph over the limit in a 20 or 30 mph zone, or 41+ mph over on a 70 mph road. Fine is 1.5× your weekly income. 6 penalty points or disqualification of 7–56 days.

Speed Awareness Course

For Band A offences, you may be offered the option to attend a Speed Awareness Course instead of receiving penalty points. This is at the discretion of the police force that issued the notice.

• The course typically costs around £80–£100.
• No penalty points are added to your licence.
• You cannot attend if you have been on a speed awareness course in the past 3 years.
• Completing the course does not result in a conviction.

How Speeding Fines Are Issued

There are two main ways speed enforcement is carried out on UK roads:

• Fixed speed cameras: Gatso, Truvelo, SpeedCurb, and other static cameras. You receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) by post within 14 days.
• Mobile speed cameras: Operated from marked or unmarked police vehicles at varying locations. Notice also issued by post.
• Average speed cameras: SPECS and similar systems measure your average speed over a set distance. Difficult to beat by braking.
• Police officers: Can stop you and issue a fixed penalty on the spot.

Totting Up and Disqualification

If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within 3 years, you will face a totting-up disqualification — usually for at least 6 months. A court hearing is required, where you can argue "exceptional hardship" to reduce or avoid disqualification.

• Points stay on your licence for 3–11 years depending on the offence.
• Even a single very serious speeding offence can result in an immediate ban.
• Insurance premiums typically increase significantly after a speeding conviction.