Speeding Offence Guide

Speeding offences fall into 5 general categories

  • Offences committed on roads restricted to speeds of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mph
  • Temporary speed limits placed on roads with limits of 50-70 mph
  • Exceeding the limit on motorways
  • Exceeding the speed limit applicable for the class of vehicle driven
  • Failing to attain a minimum speed limit set for a specific class of road

Normally there must be two independent pieces of evidence to prove the allegation, one of which may be a speed-measuring device. Use of speed measuring devices are covered by various rules, breach of which may cause the prosecution to fail. The most commonly used devices are:

  • Gatso
  • Truevelo
  • LTI 2020
  • Vascar / Police Pilot
  • Calibrated Speedometer

Our knowledge guide on speed cameras lists all the common speed cameras in use

What code is speeding offence?

The code for speeding offences that get applied to driving licences is SPXX where XX is a two-digit number specifying the exact nature of the speeding offence. It can be one of the following:

  • SP10 – Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits
  • SP20 – Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)
  • SP30 – Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road
  • SP40 – Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit
  • SP50 – Exceeding speed limit on a motorway

Do I need an NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) for speeding?

Yes, there is a requirement for an NIP for speeding unless one of the exceptions apply. Please go to our Notice of Intended Prosecution guide for further information.

Punishment for Speeding

Fine up to £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways), 3-6 points, and discretionary disqualification for up to 6 months. In extreme cases prison or an unlimited disqualification apply, although these are usually prosecuted as either Careless or Dangerous Driving.

Defences to Speeding

It is necessary for the prosecution to show by 2 separate means that an offence has been committed, which is why they paint the lines on the road to back up the speed cameras. Fuller information on the type of device used in your case and the problems with this can be found in our speed device guides. The police regularly fail to issue the appropriate paperwork and there are a lot of technical defences to this charge, particularly where the device may not have been used correctly. We always recommend that you seek legal advice before accepting that you were either the driver of the vehicle concerned or that you were speeding.

Speed Limits

* The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
** 60 mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer.

Type of vehicleBuilt-up areas *Single carriagewayDual carriagewaysMotorways
Cars & motorcycles30607070
Cars towing caravans or trailers30506060
Buses, coaches and minibuses30506070
Goods vehicles30506070**
Goods vehicles30405060
Disclaimer The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide only and are limited to offences committed in England and Wales. No responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions, or misleading statements on these pages or any site to which these pages connect, including any feature or aspect of such site or pages, whether provided by Motor Defence Solicitors or by any organisation, company or individual. No mention of any organisation, company or individual, whether on these pages or on other sites to which these pages are linked shall imply any approval or warranty as to the standing and capability of any such organisations, company or individual on the part of Motor Defence Solicitors.