Speeding Convictions Guide
Speeding convictions are the most common form of driving offence in the UK. In 2015, 244 people were killed in England and Wales as a result of a car exceeding the speed limit. As such, speeding convictions and penalties have been increased.
Speeding offences can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or court summons, depending on the severity of the offence.
If you’re caught speeding by a camera, you will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) in the post within 14 days of the offence. This will outline the action that is to be taken against you.
In most cases, a speeding offence results in penalty points, which are identified by a specific conviction code for speeding.
Fines for speeding convictions can vary. The most severe speeding convictions carrying fines of up to £2,500. In addition, speeding convictions can increase insurance premiums by as much as 34% on average.
Speeding Ban Insurance from Keith Michaels
Looking for insurance after a speeding conviction? Keith Michaels can help. We have 30 years’ experience arranging cover for drivers with convictions including speeding offences.
Car Insurance After Speeding Offences
How speeding offences affect car insurance
Unfortunately, a speeding conviction can have a big impact on your insurance costs. Data shows that drivers with speeding offences are more likely to make a claim, and as a result many insurers will raise their premiums. According to research, speeding fines can increase your insurance premium by 34% on average. Some UK insurers may even completely refuse to cover drivers with points on their licence.
How to save on car insurance after a speeding conviction
There are various things you can do to avoid an increase in your premium if you have been caught speeding. Some drivers convicted of speeding offences may qualify to undertake a speed awareness course. While more expensive than a fine, they can help you avoid getting points on your licence. Not every speeding offence gives you the option to attend an awareness course, for instance if you’ve been convicted of speeding previously in the last 3 years.
It can also help to use a specialist broker to find a better deal. Keith Michaels are sympathetic when it comes to drivers looking for speeding ban insurance.
Speeding in the UK
UK speed limits
Speed limits in the UK are determined by the type of road you’re driving on and the kind of vehicle you’re driving. Cars and HGVs have different speed limits even when they are driving on the same roads. Explore the UK speed limits with our interactive guide to make sure you aren’t accidentally caught out speeding.
2018 speeding law reform
As of May 2018, UK speeding laws got much stricter. Now, the penalties have increased in order to help protect the public and discourage people from speeding. Today, the minimum fine for speeding is 150% of your weekly income.
Smart motorways
Smart motorways use real-time traffic data to help manage congestion. Covering over 200 miles of planned highway, smart motorways are the future of UK driving. Smart motorways are able to actively adjust the speed limit of the highway, meaning that you could be speeding when a 70mph motorway becomes a 50mph motorway.
Speeding Offense FAQs
Penalties for Speeding in the UK
How many points do you get for speeding in the UK?
If you are caught exceeding the speed limit and get points on your licence, these will be identified by a specific speed conviction code. This code is used by the DVLA to determine what type of offence you have been convicted for.
Speeding penalty points are given on a scale of 1 to 11. The number of points you receive will depend on the severity of the speeding conviction. If you accumulate 12 penalty points or more within a period of three years, you are liable to a disqualification for a minimum of six months. For more information on speeding penalties and conviction codes, visit our Driving Licence Conviction Codes page.
The following codes must stay on a driving record for a minimum of four years from the date of the offence:
| Code | Offence | Penalty Points |
| SP10 | Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3-6 |
| SP20 | Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) | 3-6 |
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3-6 |
| SP40 | Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit | 3-6 |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3-6 |
| SP60 | Undefined speed limit offence | 3-6 |