Driving above the speed limit is a common offence in the UK. Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also against the law. It is important to understand the penalties and prison sentences for speeding offences. These can depend on the excess speed, the location, and whether or not you are a repeat offender.
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
If you get caught exceeding the speed limit by a small amount, you’ll likely receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). An FPN typically involves:
If your speeding offence is more serious, you may be given a higher fine or even taken to court. The court has the authority to impose larger fines and, in severe cases, hand down a prison sentence.
Factors Influencing Speeding Penalties
The severity of your punishment for a speeding offence depends on several factors:
Endorsements and Penalty Points
The punishment for speeding can manifest through endorsements and penalty points on your driving licence, which can also result in disqualification.
Band A Speeding Fine
One of the categories of speeding fines in the UK is Band A. Here’s what you might expect in terms of penalties:
Band B Speeding Fine
Band B is a step up from Band A. If you fall into this category, penalties may look as follows:
Band C Speeding Fine
Category C is for the most severe speeding offences. Penalties for Band C could involve:
Disqualification
In addition to fines and points, disqualification from driving is also a possible outcome of exceeding the speed limit, particularly for repeat offenders and for speeds considerably over the limit.
Prison Sentences
In extreme cases, a speeding offence could result in a prison sentence, particularly if the speeding results in death or serious injury.
Remember, respecting speed limits is not only about avoiding fines, points or prison – it’s about keeping our roads safe. As drivers, we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Take your time and respect the limits – it’s better to arrive late than not at all. And if you do find yourself facing penalties for speeding, it’s best to seek legal advice and familiarise yourself with UK speeding laws.
Last but not least, take care of yourself and other road users. Stay safe, stay responsible, and stay on the right side of the law.