Speeding offences are a common occurrence on UK roads, with hundreds of thousands of drivers being fined every year.
The Government revealed that 221,927 people were found guilty of a speed limit offence in 2022 which was an increase of 98% since 2011.
Some people might be aware they've been caught if they've spotted a speed camera flash behind them on the road, but for others, they might not find out until they get a letter through the post.
If you've been caught speeding and this is your first time going through the process here's what you can expect to happen.
What happens after you’ve been caught by a speed camera?
According to the Government website, within 14 days of your car being caught speeding you’ll be sent a:
- Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
- Section 172 notice
You must return the Section 172 notice within 28 days, telling the police who was driving the car.
If you ignore this notice you may have to go to court, so ensure you fill it in and return it.
After you’ve sent the Section 172 notice back, you’ll be sent either a:
- Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
- letter telling you to go to court
If you plead guilty to the FPN then you'll have to pay a £100 fine and have three points added to your licence.
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However, this could be avoided if you are given the option to attend a speed awareness course.
This could happen if the police decide it’s appropriate for your offence or you have not been on a speed awareness course in the past three years.
If you decide to plead not guilty to the FPN then you'll have to go to court to settle the case.
You can be fined more and get more penalty points if the court decides you’re guilty of speeding in this scenario.
Recommended reading:
- Can you slow down before a speed camera? Motoring experts explain how it works
- Warning to drivers as many caught speeding 100 metres after speed cameras
- How do average speed cameras work? Motoring experts AA and RAC explain
The Government website adds: "The amount you’re fined depends on what the speed limit was and how much over it you were driving. It’s usually a percentage of your weekly income, up to a maximum of £1,000 (£2,500 if you were driving on a motorway).
"You could also be disqualified from driving or have your licence suspended."
If you are within two years of having passed your driving test your driving licence will be revoked if you build up six or more penalty points.
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