Motorway Speeding Fines

Motorway speeding cases go to court when speeds exceed 96mph (Band B) or when drivers accumulate 12 points within three years.

Court summons are automatically issued for:

• Speeds of 91mph and above in a 70mph zone
• Drivers who plead not guilty to fixed penalty notices
• Cases where the registered keeper fails to respond within 28 days
• Offences involving aggravating factors such as poor weather conditions or heavy traffic

The Magistrates’ Court handles most cases, though serious incidents may be referred to Crown Court if dangerous driving charges apply. A charge of speeding may result in a dangerous driving charge if the speed is so excessive that it would warrant a more serious charge or penalty, such as a minimum 12-month disqualification and a requirement to take an extended re-test.

The maximum fine for motorway speeding in the UK is £2,500, as set by Parliament and enforced by magistrates’ courts.

This maximum applies exclusively to motorway offences and reflects the higher risks associated with excessive speed on high-speed roads. The £2,500 cap is five times higher than the £1,000 maximum for non-motorway offences. Magistrates can impose the maximum fine for Band C offences where drivers exceed 101mph, particularly when combined with aggravating factors such as adverse weather, heavy traffic, or previous convictions.

Yes, motorway speeding can result in instant disqualification from seven to 56 days for speeds exceeding 91mph in a 70mph zone.

Disqualification periods align with penalty bands:

• Band B (91-100mph): 7-28 day ban or 4-6 points
• Band C (101mph+): 7-56 day ban or six points

Magistrates consider an instant ban when speeds exceed 45-50% of the posted limit. For motorways, this threshold begins at approximately 101mph. Repeat offenders or those caught at extremely high speeds (120mph+) may face longer disqualifications or be charged with dangerous driving, which carries more severe penalties.

Motorway speeding fines are calculated as a percentage of your net weekly income, ranging from 25% to 175% depending on the offence band.

The calculation process:

• Determine your net weekly income after tax and National Insurance
• Apply the percentage based on offence severity (Band A: 25-75%, Band B: 75-125%, Band C: 125-175%)
• Add prosecution costs (usually £85 – £130) and the victim surcharge (40% of the fine)
• Apply a 33% reduction if a guilty plea is entered at the first opportunity
• Apply adjustments for aggravating or mitigating factors
• Apply the £2,500 motorway maximum cap

For unemployed drivers or those on benefits, the court uses a default weekly income of £120. This ensures fair penalties across all income levels while maintaining the punishment’s deterrent effect.

Motorway speed awareness courses are offered for speeds between 79mph and 86mph (10% + 2mph to 10% + 9mph) on a 70mph motorway.

Eligibility criteria:

• You must admit being the driver within 28 days
• The offence must be less than 12 weeks old
• You must not have attended a speed awareness course in the previous three years
• Your speed must fall within the discretionary range

Courses cost approximately £90 and last four hours. Completion means no penalty points are added to your licence, though you must pay the course fee. Exceeding 86mph makes you ineligible for the course option.

Motorway speeding endorsements remain on your driving licence for four years from the date of the offence.

The four-year period applies to all speeding offences regardless of where they occur. However, points count toward disqualification for only three years. Insurance companies typically ask about convictions within the last five years, meaning motorway speeding offences can affect premiums beyond the official endorsement period. After four years, you can apply to the DVLA to have the points removed from your licence record.

Motorway penalties carry a £2,500 maximum fine compared to £1,000 on other roads, reflecting the higher speeds and greater potential consequences.

Key differences:

• Maximum fine: £2,500 (motorway) vs £1,000 (other roads)
• Speed thresholds: Motorway bands start at 71mph vs 21mph in 20mph zones
• Enforcement: More average speed cameras and variable limits on motorways
• Court likelihood: Higher speeds on motorways increase court summons probability

The underlying points system and income-based calculation methods remain consistent across all road types, but the higher speed capabilities on motorways result in more severe penalties for equivalent percentage breaches.