Penalties and Prison Sentences for Speeding Offences

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:

• A fine of £100
• Three penalty points added to your licence

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:

• The speed you were driving
• The speed limit on the road where the offence took place
• Whether you’re a repeat offender

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:

• A fine equivalent to 50% of relevant weekly income
• 3 points added to your licence

Band B Speeding Fine

Band B is a step up from Band A. If you fall into this category, penalties may look as follows:

• A fine equivalent to 100% of your relevant weekly income
• 4-6 points added to your licence or disqualification from driving for up to 28 days

Band C Speeding Fine

Category C is for the most severe speeding offences. Penalties for Band C could involve:

• A fine equivalent to 150% of your relevant weekly income
• 6 points added to your licence or disqualification from driving for over seven days and up to 56 days

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.