Estimate speeding penalties based on Sentencing Council guidelines
This calculator provides estimates based on Sentencing Council guidelines. Actual penalties are determined by the court and may vary based on individual circumstances, mitigating factors, and previous offences. This is not legal advice. Speed limits exist for safety. Always drive within the limit.
Speeding is the most common motoring offence in the UK, with over 2 million drivers caught by speed cameras and police enforcement each year. The penalties for speeding depend on how far over the limit you were driving, the speed limit of the road, and your individual circumstances. Since April 2017, the Sentencing Council for England and Wales has applied a more structured approach to speeding penalties, with fines linked directly to the offender's weekly income. This speed fine calculator estimates the penalty band, likely fine range, penalty points, and potential driving ban based on the current Sentencing Council guidelines. It is designed to give motorists an indication of what to expect if prosecuted, but it is important to understand that actual sentences are determined by the court and can vary significantly based on mitigating or aggravating factors, previous offences, and the specific circumstances of the offence. This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UK speed limits are set for safety, and the consequences of speeding extend far beyond fines and penalty points. According to Department for Transport statistics, exceeding the speed limit or travelling too fast for conditions was a contributory factor in around 15% of all fatal road collisions. Every mile per hour over the limit increases both the likelihood and severity of a collision.
To estimate your potential speeding penalty: 1. Select the speed limit of the road where you were driving. This is the posted limit, not the speed you believe is appropriate. UK speed limits are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 mph. 2. Enter the actual speed you were travelling. If you were caught by a speed camera, the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) will state the recorded speed. Speed cameras have a built-in tolerance, but this varies by device. 3. Enter your weekly income before tax. For court hearings in Bands B and C, fines are calculated as a percentage of your weekly income. If you receive a fixed penalty (Band A), income does not affect the fine amount. 4. Review the results. The calculator shows the offence band, likely fine range, number of penalty points, and whether a driving ban is possible. The disclaimer reminds you that this is an estimate and actual penalties may differ. 5. Remember that police forces generally follow the ACPO guideline of prosecuting at the speed limit plus 10 percent plus 2 mph. However, this is a guideline and not a legal right; you can be prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit by even 1 mph.
The calculator follows the Sentencing Council's speed offence guidelines, which categorise speeding into three bands based on the recorded speed relative to the speed limit: **Threshold:** Most police forces follow the ACPO guideline of limit + 10% + 2 mph. Below this threshold, prosecution is unlikely but not impossible. For a 30 mph zone, this threshold is 35 mph (3 + 2 = 5 mph over). **Band A** (up to limit + 10% + 9 mph over): This is the least serious band. The standard penalty is a fixed penalty notice of GBP 100 and 3 penalty points. In a 30 mph zone, Band A covers speeds from 36 to 42 mph. **Band B** (up to limit + 10% + 20 mph over): A more serious offence dealt with at court. The fine ranges from 75% to 125% of the offender's weekly income, with 4 to 6 penalty points or a driving ban of 7 to 28 days. In a 30 mph zone, Band B covers speeds from 43 to 53 mph. **Band C** (over limit + 10% + 20 mph over): The most serious speeding band. The fine ranges from 125% to 175% of weekly income, with 6 penalty points or a driving ban of 7 to 56 days. In a 30 mph zone, Band C applies at 54 mph and above. For example, driving at 50 mph in a 30 mph zone (20 mph over) falls within Band B. With a weekly income of GBP 500, the fine would range from GBP 375 (75%) to GBP 625 (125%), with 4 to 6 points or a potential 7-28 day ban. The court considers aggravating factors (poor road conditions, near a school, previous convictions) and mitigating factors (genuine emergency, good driving record) when setting the exact fine within the range.