UK Speeding Fine Calculator
Calculate your potential fine, penalty points, and disqualification period
Speed Details
Income Details
Driving History
How Speeding Penalties Work in the UK
The Band System
UK speeding penalties are categorised into bands based on how much you exceeded the speed limit. Each band carries different penalties calculated as a percentage of your relevant weekly income.
| Speed Limit | Band A | Band B | Band C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 21-30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41+ mph |
| 30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41-50 mph | 51+ mph |
| 40 mph | 41-55 mph | 56-65 mph | 66+ mph |
| 50 mph | 51-65 mph | 66-75 mph | 76+ mph |
| 60 mph | 61-80 mph | 81-90 mph | 91+ mph |
| 70 mph | 71-90 mph | 91-100 mph | 101+ mph |
Penalty Bands Explained
Band A (Minor Offences)
Fine: 25-75% of weekly income (starting point 50%)
Points: 3 penalty points
Disqualification: None or 7-28 days in exceptional cases
Speed Awareness Course: May be offered if eligible (no speeding offences in past 3 years)
Band B (Moderate Offences)
Fine: 75-125% of weekly income (starting point 100%)
Points: 4-6 penalty points
Disqualification: 7-28 days or points
Note: More serious penalties apply; speed awareness courses typically not available
Band C (Serious Offences)
Fine: 125-175% of weekly income (starting point 150%)
Points: 6 penalty points
Disqualification: 7-56 days or points
Warning: Severe penalties with high risk of driving ban
Calculating Your Weekly Income
Your relevant weekly income is calculated as your income after tax and National Insurance contributions have been deducted. This includes employment income, self-employment income, and some benefits. If you’re on state benefits or have a very low income, the court typically uses a deemed weekly income of £120 for calculation purposes.
Example: If you earn £400 per week before tax and pay £100 in tax and National Insurance, your relevant weekly income is £300.
Maximum and Minimum Fines
Regardless of the percentage calculation, there are statutory limits on speeding fines:
- Minimum fine: £100 for any speeding offence
- Maximum fine (normal roads): £1,000
- Maximum fine (motorways): £2,500
These limits apply even if the percentage calculation would result in a higher or lower amount.
Additional Penalties Beyond Fines
Penalty Points
Penalty points remain on your driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 3 years, you face automatic disqualification under the totting-up system, typically for 6 months. New drivers (within 2 years of passing their test) face licence revocation if they receive 6 or more points.
Driving Disqualification
Disqualification periods vary based on the severity of the offence. Band C offences can result in immediate bans ranging from 7 to 56 days. Totting-up bans typically last 6 months for a first occurrence, 12 months for a second within 3 years, and 24 months for a third.
Speed Awareness Courses
For first-time or minor offences (typically Band A), you may be offered a speed awareness course as an alternative to points and fines. The course costs between £80-£100 and lasts approximately 4 hours. Completion avoids points on your licence but still incurs the course fee. You can only attend once every 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I can’t afford to pay the fine?
If you’re facing financial hardship, you can apply to the court for extended time to pay or to pay in instalments. Failure to pay can result in additional penalties, bailiff action, or even imprisonment in extreme cases. Contact the court immediately if you cannot pay.
Can I appeal a speeding fine?
Yes, you can contest a speeding fine if you believe it was issued incorrectly. Valid grounds include faulty speed detection equipment, incorrect signage, or emergency circumstances. You must respond within 28 days of receiving the Notice of Intended Prosecution. Be aware that pleading not guilty and losing in court can result in higher penalties.
Will a speeding conviction affect my insurance?
Yes, speeding convictions typically increase insurance premiums. Insurers view speeding points as an indicator of higher risk. The conviction remains on your driving record for 4 years and must be declared to insurers for this period. Premium increases vary by insurer but can range from 5% to 25% or more.
What is the 10% plus 2 mph rule?
This is guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council suggesting that enforcement typically begins at 10% of the speed limit plus 2 mph. For example, in a 30 mph zone, enforcement might start at 35 mph. However, this is guidance only, not law, and individual police forces may enforce at lower thresholds.
Can I lose my licence for speeding?
Yes, in several scenarios: accumulating 12 points through the totting-up system, receiving an immediate ban for serious speeding (Band C), or as a new driver receiving 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test (which results in licence revocation).
How long does a speeding conviction stay on my record?
A speeding conviction remains on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. However, points are considered ‘live’ for totting-up purposes for 3 years. Insurance companies can consider convictions for up to 5 years.
What if I was speeding due to an emergency?
Genuine emergencies (such as rushing someone to hospital) may be considered as mitigating circumstances. However, this is at the discretion of the court and is not an automatic defence. You should seek legal advice if relying on emergency circumstances.
Do I have to tell my employer about speeding points?
If driving is part of your job or you use a company vehicle, you likely have a contractual obligation to inform your employer. Even if not contractually required, failure to disclose could affect insurance coverage for work-related driving.
Fixed Penalty vs Court Summons
Fixed Penalty Notice
For less serious offences (typically Band A), police may offer a Fixed Penalty Notice comprising a £100 fine and 3 points. You have 28 days to accept or reject it. Accepting closes the matter; rejecting leads to court proceedings.
Court Summons
More serious offences (Bands B and C) typically result in court summons. The court has discretion to impose fines within the guideline ranges, award penalty points or disqualification, and add court costs (typically £85) plus a victim surcharge (usually 10% of the fine).
Mitigating Factors in Court
If your case goes to court, magistrates may consider mitigating factors that could reduce your penalty:
- Clean driving record with no previous convictions
- Genuine emergency or urgent circumstances
- Speed was only marginally above the limit
- Short duration of speeding
- Good character references
- Demonstrable remorse and acceptance of responsibility
- Exceptional hardship that would result from a ban
Aggravating Factors
Conversely, certain factors may increase penalties:
- Previous speeding convictions or poor driving record
- Excessive speed significantly above the limit
- Speeding in areas with high vulnerability (school zones, residential areas)
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Carrying passengers, especially children
- Commercial vehicle or towing
- Failure to comply with police instructions
Regional Variations
While sentencing guidelines are consistent across England and Wales, local police forces have discretion in enforcement thresholds and whether to offer speed awareness courses. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal systems with similar but distinct regulations.
Recent Changes to Speeding Penalties
The current sentencing guidelines were introduced in April 2017, significantly increasing fines for serious speeding offences. Previously, all bands used 100% of weekly income as the starting point; this increased to 150% for Band C offences. Enforcement has also intensified with increased use of average speed cameras and mobile speed units.
References
- GOV.UK. Speeding penalties. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties
- Sentencing Council for England and Wales. Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines: Speeding. Available at: https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk
- National Police Chiefs’ Council. Speed Enforcement Guidance. NPCC Roads Policing Strategy, 2019.
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Endorsement Codes and Penalty Points. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. Penalty points to be attributed to offences. UK Legislation, Chapter 53.
- New Drivers Act 1995. Revocation of licence. UK Legislation, Chapter 13.