How to avoid speeding fines

It can be difficult to avoid speeding fines when you drive a lot around different areas of the UK. To avoid speeding fines you need to be careful to notice the changing speed limits wherever you drive – ignorance is no excuse according to the law.

How can you avoid speeding fines?

The only way to guarantee you will avoid speeding fines is to not speed!

But, if it’s too late for that and you’ve already been fined, there are some possible ways you could contest your speeding fine to avoid penalty.

What happens when you receive a speeding fine?

If you are caught speeding by fixed or mobile speed cameras you will receive a ‘conditional offer’ ‘fixed penalty notice’. The penalty notice is titled a ‘conditional offer’ because you can either choose to just pay it and take the penalty or, if not, to contest it.

If your speed is excessive you will receive a summons from the Magistrate's Court, or perhaps a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP).

Contesting a fine at court

The conditional offer expires within 28 days. If you have not accepted and paid it within this time, then you will then receive a summons.

You need to respond to the summons. You can give reasons for disputing the speeding fine on the summons. You can also provide any evidence you want the court to take into account. The matter will go to court before a magistrate. The magistrate will determine any fine and penalty points awarded.

Do you need a solicitor?

You should speak to a solicitor about contesting a speeding fine. They will be able to let you know quickly whether you have a strong case.

A solicitor might also be aware of technical ways out of a speeding fine, such as that there were inadequate or inaccurate road signs that you may be able to challenge at court.

If you would like to obtain legal advice about speeding fines, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist motoring / traffic solicitor free of charge. Please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above and we’ll call you back.