Speeding

Q: Is it worth getting a lawyer for speeding offences?

Yes. A lawyer can advise you in full of the available defences and of all the options available to you. Speeding law is technical, and expert advice can make a significant difference.

Q: What happens if you speed as a new driver?

If you build up six or more penalty points in the first two years after passing your driving test, you will lose your driving licence. You will need to retake both your theory and practical driving tests to get it back.

Facing a speeding allegation can feel overwhelming. Many people accept a penalty immediately - even when they might have a defence available or could receive a more lenient sentence with proper legal guidance.

Whether you’ve been caught by a speed camera and received a Notice of Intended Prosecution or stopped by the police, our specialist motoring offence solicitors can help.

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Legal advice you can trust

We have decades of experience representing clients charged with speeding across England and Wales. Our specialist knowledge of motoring law allows us to provide tailored advice so that you fully understand all your options and can work towards achieving the best possible outcome.

Speeding matters often involve several procedural steps before they reach court, including Notices of Intended Prosecution, Section 172 requirements, and potential Fixed Penalty Offers. Because of these stages and the strict deadlines involved, it is essential to obtain legal advice as early as possible to ensure you make the right decisions from the outset.

We have a proven track record in successfully defending speeding allegations. We will examine the validity of the speed limit, assess whether there were any flaws in the speed detection method or equipment, and ensure that all statutory time limits - such as service of the NIP and the six month charging deadline - have been properly complied with.

We also work closely with specialist motoring barristers who regularly defend speeding cases and are highly skilled in challenging prosecution evidence. In appropriate cases, we may also instruct technical experts to prepare reports on issues such as signage, road layout, or the accuracy of the device used.

Whether you are considering accepting a Fixed Penalty Offer or your case is being dealt with by the court, we are here to guide, support, and represent you every step of the way.

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Penalties for Speeding

We can advise you in full on what you might be facing.

The penalty depends on factors such as:

How far above the limit you were travelling
Whether you plead guilty or not guilty
Your existing points

Possible outcomes include:

£100 fine and 3 penalty points (Fixed Penalty Notice)
Speed awareness course (if eligible and not completed in the last 3 years)
A fine and 3 points
A fine and 7-28 day disqualification OR 4-6 points
A fine and 7-56 days disqualification OR 6 points
Six month+ ban under the totting-up rules if you incur 12 points in 3 years
Licence cancellation if you accumulate 6 points within 2 years of passing your driving test

Risk of disqualification

You may be disqualified for:

Travelling at a significantly excessive speed
Accumulating 12 penalty points within three years (totting-up)
Accumulating 6 points within 2 years of passing your driving test (new drivers)

If you are at risk of disqualification, contact us now to discuss how we can help you.

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Possible defences to a speeding charge

We will review your case carefully to determine whether any of the following apply:

Inadequate guidance of the speed limit
Faulty camera or speed detection device
The officer operating the device was not properly trained
The NIP was not served within 14 days
You were not charged within six months of the offence
The speed limit did not apply to that section of road
The traffic order imposing the speed limit is invalid.

We also consider Special Reasons arguments when you accept speeding occurred but believe it would be unjust to impose penalty points - for example, a genuine medical emergency.

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Speak to our experts

We have the largest private client team in the UK; our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.

Loren Hills

Associate Chartered Legal Executive

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Meet our experts

Loren Hills

Associate Chartered Legal Executive

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a lawyer for speeding offences?

What is a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)?

A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) informs the registered keeper that the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence may be prosecuted for speeding. It must be served on the registered keeper within 14 days of the alleged offence.

A Section 172 Notice will normally be sent at the same time. This is a formal legal requirement for the registered keeper to identify the driver of the vehicle at the relevant time. Failing to provide this information without a reasonable excuse is a separate criminal offence and can result in penalty points and a fine.

What happens if you speed as a new driver?

What happens if you get 12 penalty points?

You can be disqualified from driving if you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three year period. This is known as a “totting up” disqualification, and it normally results in a minimum six month driving ban.

If you reach 12 points, you will be required to attend court. To avoid a disqualification, you must persuade the court to allow you to continue driving despite having 12 or more points on your licence.

The only way the court can choose not to impose the sixmonth ban is if you can demonstrate that being disqualified would cause exceptional hardship. This is a high threshold. Simply losing your job is not enough on its own to meet the test.

We can advise you on whether your circumstances may amount to exceptional hardship and help you prepare a strong, well supported argument to present to the court.

Our commitment to you

Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.

01
Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
02
Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
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Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.