Being caught speeding, whether by a speed camera or a police officer, have long term consequences. Guidance suggests that local police forces should show lenience, but even 1 mph over the limit can result in a speed ticket, fine and penalty points. If you are alleged to have been driving above the speed limit and believe you are innocent, or are worried about how a conviction could affect your driving licence, it can be a stressful situation. Seeking legal advice can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
In these cases, you have the right to a legal defence. The speeding offences solicitors at Switalskis represent people who are facing speeding points or fines to make sure sentences are justified. We believe that all of your circumstances should be considered before the court decides.
Get in touch with our team today for advice on fighting a speeding fine, or to learn more about your legal options. Call Switalskis on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us via our website.
At Switalskis, we know that receiving a speeding ticket can be more than just inconvenient, especially if it's happened before. Our motoring solicitors understand that the consequences of a conviction can be serious and affect all aspects of your life. We also know how complicated it can be to stand up for yourself in these cases and defend your actions. Thanks to our experience in all kinds of driving offence cases, we can make things simple for you by breaking down the complicated legal terms and processes. We'll make sure you understand exactly what's happening, what the outcomes of your decisions might be, and what legal options are available to you.
If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a 3-year period, they risk a “totting-up” ban of at least 6 months. As such, if you're facing penalty points on your licence that could result in a driving ban, there can be a significant impact including practical considerations of facing transportation restrictions. Any speeding offences will add points to your licence and if you rely on driving, it is vital to defend your licence.
The Switalskis team offers a combination of emotional support and practical legal advice to help you through this process. We'll talk about your circumstances in detail, and build a strong defence and give you the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
The penalties for speeding offences depend on the severity of the offence, the circumstances, and whether the case is dealt with through a fixed penalty notice (FPN) or in court. For minor speeding offences, an FPN is often issued, which includes a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points on your driving licence. This is the standard penalty for drivers who accept responsibility and do not contest the offence.
For more serious speeding offences or if the FPN is not accepted, the case may proceed to court. Penalties are typically harsher and depend on the severity of the offence, and you will also face stricter punishment if you contest the offence in court but are found guilty anyway. Fines in these cases may be calculated as a percentage of your weekly income, up to a maximum of £2,500 if the offence occurs on a motorway, or £1,000 on other roads.
These fines are categorised into bands:
As well as these fines, up to six penalty points may be added to your licence. The court may also consider imposing a temporary disqualification, which could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the offence. Extreme speeding offences may result in a longer or indefinite ban, and the court will consider aggravating factors in determining the sentence. Harsher penalties may be imposed if:
Drivers who passed their test within the last two years face stricter consequences. If they accumulate six points or more, their driving licence will be revoked. In these cases, the driver must reapply for a provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical driving tests again to secure a new driving licence.
For minor offences, motorists may be offered the option to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points or a fine. The course must be paid for by the driver, and typically costs between £80 and £120, but means that no points will be added to your licence. It is only available to drivers who have not attended a similar course in the last three years, and is offered at the discretion of the prosecuting authority.
A NIP informs the registered keeper of a vehicle that they may be prosecuted for a specific offence, such as speeding, careless driving, or failing to observe traffic signals. It may be given on the spot, whether verbally or on paper, if you're stopped by the police on suspicion of an offence. Alternatively, you may receive a NIP later in the post. This must be issued and received by the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the alleged offence to be valid. A NIP will be sent to the vehicle's registered keeper even if they were not driving at the time - in the latter cases, the keeper must provide details of the person who was driving at the time.
As such, the purpose of the NIP is to learn who was responsible for the vehicle at the time of the alleged speeding offence and notify them within the legally required timeframe that they are going to be prosecuted. Once the driver has been identified, they will receive either a fixed penalty notice or a court summons, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.
With an FPN, you will receive a fine and penalty points on your licence. You also have the option to go to court if you believe that you are innocent of the speeding offence. Speak to a solicitor about your options if you have been caught speeding (or accused of speeding), or if you're concerned about losing your licence as a result.
The first time you are caught speeding, you may be offered the option to go on a speed awareness course rather than accepting a fine and penalty points on your licence. However, this is offered at the discretion of local authorities, and there is no guarantee you will be given this option. It will also depend on your recorded speed at the time of the offence and by how much you exceeded the speed limit. The option to attend a speed awareness course will not be available if you have attended a similar course within the last three years.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
If you need a legal defence to help you avoid speeding fines and points on your licence, it’s vital to work with a solicitor who understands the legal factors that can affect your sentence. We are familiar with the defence strategies that work and the impact a driving ban could have on your life.
Ultimately, defending speeding offences in court requires a combination of legal expertise, and experience, and this is what sets Switalskis apart. Our service is based on:
The legal landscape is complex, especially when it comes to fighting a speeding ticket or points on your licence. We pride ourselves on taking the complicated legal language and confusion of a court summons into terms that are easy to understand. We offer straightforward, practical advice that makes sense for you.
Being caught speeding comes with reputational harm, and fighting a conviction in court can be a stressful and emotional experience. We will listen to you and ensure you get the best defence possible.
Our team of crime solicitors is highly skilled in providing a defence. You need expertise by your side during a court hearing and with us, you'll gain a partner who will stand by your side throughout the process.
We'll always work towards the best possible outcome for you, whatever the offence.
to learn more about how speeding tickets, penalty points, and speeding fines work, get in touch with the experienced speed camera defence solicitors at Switalskis. If you need to build a defence against allegations that you exceeded the speed limit, contact us today. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or contact us through our website.
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