Disqualification for Speeding: Everything You Need to Know

Speeding is one of the most common driving offences in the UK. It can often seem like a victimless crime, but it is actually very dangerous and can have serious consequences. The law in this area is strict, and if you are caught speeding you could face a disqualification from driving.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about disqualification for speeding. We will cover the laws governing speeding, how you can be caught, the possible sentences, and what you can do to protect yourself against a conviction.

Are you facing disqualification for speeding? Contact Caddick Davies Solicitors today.

Send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for friendly, professional advice.

Speeding Laws in the England and Wales

Much of the law on speeding in the UK is contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This act sets out the maximum speeds that you are allowed to drive on different types of roads. For example, the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on a dual carriageway is 70 miles per hour (mph). On a single carriageway, the limit is 60 mph. In built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 30 mph.

There are also different limits for vehicles such as lorries and buses. Temporary speed limits can also be imposed in the event of roadworks and also variable speed limits on actively managed motorways.  Speed limits are required to be signposted in order to give drivers adequate notice of what the speed limit is.

Different Ways You Can Be Caught Speeding

There are a number of different ways that you can be caught speeding. With the substantial increase in the number of Unmanned Automatic Speed Camera’s on roads and particularly motorways, this is now the most common way for speeding offences to be detected. The police may also use manned mobile camera vans, which may often be seen parked on bridges or at the side of the road. Speeding offences may also be detected by the more old fashioned method of a police officer following you in a police car.

What Happens if you are Caught Speeding?

If you are caught speeding by the police what will happen depends upon the speed at which you are caught.

If you are caught speeding at lower speeds the police may give you a fixed penalty notice. This is a fine of £100 and three points on your licence. If you pay this within 28 days, you will not have to go to court. However, if you do not accept that you were speeding or if you wish to contest the penalty, you can choose to go to court.

For higher speeds you will be prosecuted before the Magistrates’ Court and will receive either a Single Justice Procedure Notice, Postal Requisition or Written Charge.

If you are caught speeding by a Speed Camera and you are not pulled over by the police at the time, you will usually be sent a combined Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and Request for Driver Information. This must be sent to you within 14 days of the date of the offence. This will give you 28 days to respond and identify the driver. If you do not respond this will result in a different offence of Failing to Identify the Driver.

You may also be offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course instead of being fined and given points. You may be offered the chance to do such a course if you are speeding within a threshold of 10% of the speed limit plus 9 mph (by way of example if you are speeding in a 30mph speed limit at a speed of up to 42 mph, you may be eligible) and if you have not attended such a course within the previous 3 years.

Are you facing disqualification for speeding? Contact Caddick Davies Solicitors today.

Send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for friendly, professional advice.

In What Circumstances Could You be Disqualified?

The court has the power to disqualify you from driving if you are convicted of a speeding offence. This is usually only imposed in more serious cases, for example, if you were driving significantly above the speed limit and if there are aggravating factors such as bad weather or high traffic levels.

If you are disqualified, this means that you will lose your driving licence for a set period of time and will not be able to drive on any road or public place during the length of your disqualification. The length of the disqualification will depend on the seriousness of the offence and your previous driving history.

The Sentencing Guidelines for Speeding

The sentencing guidelines for speeding are contained in the Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines. These guidelines are not binding on the court, but they provide a good indication of what sentence is likely to be imposed in a particular case.

The usual penalty for speeding is a fine and three points on your licence but, as we have seen, the court has the power to impose a disqualification in more serious cases. Furthermore, the accumulation of twelve or more points within a three-year period can lead to a 6 month “totting up” disqualification.

Are you facing disqualification for speeding? Contact Caddick Davies Solicitors today.

Send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for friendly, professional advice.

The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer (Solicitor)

If you have been caught speeding, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to advise you on the strength of the prosecution’s case against you and what sentence you are likely to receive. They will be able to advise you of your options and whether or not your case requires a lawyer (solicitor).

At Caddick Davies Motor Defence Lawyers, we have a team of experienced motoring offence lawyers who are ready to assist you. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and we can explain how we can help.

How to Reduce a Speeding Sentence

There are a number of different ways in which a lawyer (solicitor) can help you reduce your speeding sentence and to avoid your disqualification for speeding, in presenting mitigation (good reasons) for you not to be disqualified, in things such as the circumstances of the speeding, your driving record and the impact of disqualification on you and your family.

The most important thing is that you seek legal advice as soon as possible so that your lawyer can begin preparing your defence. This will also relieve you of the burden of having to deal with the court case yourself.

How to Avoid a Speeding Conviction

In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a speeding conviction altogether. Your lawyer will need to make representations to the court on your behalf and they may also need to negotiate with the prosecutor.

If you are successful, this means that you will not receive any points on your licence and your insurance premiums will not increase.

Are you facing disqualification for speeding? Contact Caddick Davies Solicitors today.

Send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for friendly, professional advice.

Final Thoughts

Speeding can be a very serious offence and will often have serious consequences including disqualification from driving. If you have been caught speeding by the police or on a speed camera, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. At Caddick Davies, we have a team of experienced motoring offence lawyers who have successfully represented many clients who have been caught speeding. Contact us today and we can discuss your case and come up with a plan.

• About
• Latest Posts

Neil Davies

Motoring Lawyer at Caddick Davies Solicitors

Caddick Davies is recognised as one of England and Wales’ leading motoring law firms, offering specialist Speeding Solicitors, Drink Driving Solicitors & Dangerous Driving Solicitors.We provide advice and representation on all motoring offences including speeding, the avoidance of disqualification on penalty points or “totting up” (exceptional hardship), driving without due care and attention (careless driving), dangerous driving, drink driving, as well as a range of services related to medical revocation of a driving licence.

Latest posts by Neil Davies (see all)

• Special Reasons: How a Solicitor Can Help Reduce Your Motoring Offence Sentence - March 28, 2024
• What Are The Defences to a Drink Driving Charge - February 11, 2024
• Solicitor Advice: Failing to Provide Driver Information - February 5, 2024