Motoring offences
Speeding
We regularly provide advice and legal representation for drivers caught speeding, at courts across the country. The earlier you seek advice after a Notice of Intended Prosecution, the more options you are likely to have.
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026
National speed limits
- Built-up areas
- 30mph
- Single carriageways
- 60mph
- Dual carriageways & motorways
- 70mph
Limits for a standard vehicle, unless signs state otherwise. If there are no signs but street lamps are no more than 200 yards apart, the limit is 30mph.
Caught speeding — what happens next?
If you have been caught speeding by a traffic officer at the side of the road, or by a fixed or mobile speed camera, a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) must be sent to the registered keeper or driver of the vehicle so that it is received within 14 days of the offence (excluding the date of the offence). If you were warned at the time that you may be prosecuted, there is no obligation to serve a NIP.
How will the offence be dealt with?
Depending on the speed you were travelling, a speeding offence will be dealt with in one of the following ways:
- a speed awareness course, if it fits the relevant criteria
- a fixed penalty notice, if it fits the relevant criteria
- a plea by post to the court
- a court hearing at the Magistrates’ Court
It is important that you seek advice as soon as you receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution, to make sure you get the right advice and follow the correct procedure. If the matter goes to court, the magistrates should sentence in accordance with their Sentencing Guidelines — and if they depart from the guidelines they must give reasons.
The penalties
A speeding offence carries 3 to 6 penalty points or a discretionary disqualification, and a financial penalty. If you reach 12 or more points on your licence within a three-year period, you face a penalty points (totting up) disqualification for a minimum period of six months.
When should I get advice about a speeding allegation?
As soon as you receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution. Getting the procedure right from the start matters — and if you did not know about the offence within 14 days, that may be relevant to your case.
Can I challenge the allegation?
We can advise whether you have a defence, whether the elements of the offence are made out, and whether there are special reasons not to endorse your licence or disqualify you.
What if I have to go to court?
We can make representations on your behalf, represent you at the hearing, and put forward the strongest case on penalty — whether that is fewer points than the guidelines suggest, points rather than a discretionary ban, or a short ban rather than points where that protects your licence in the longer term.
What if the points would take me to 12?
You would be facing a totting-up disqualification of at least six months. The court has discretion where the ban would cause exceptional hardship — see our exceptional hardship page, which is a particular specialism of the firm.
Free initial telephone advice
Get the right advice as early as possible
It is important you contact Moore Motoring Law as soon as possible to ensure you get the best advice for your circumstances. Free initial telephone advice.