Speeding fines have been increased massively and these have just come into force.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence. You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years.
By law, the vehicle’s registered keeper must be sent a notice of intended prosecution within 14 days of the alleged speeding offence.
If you’re still within 2 years of passing your driving test, your driving licence will be revoked (withdrawn) if you build up 6 or more penalty points.
The average speeding fine in 2015 was £188 with over 150,000 falling prey to speed cameras. Fines have risen by 50% and the average fine could be increased to £282, although the average fine of £100 could reduce that.
You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone. You can also be taken to court where you can:
- be banned from driving or riding
- get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)
- If you passed your driving test in the last 2 years, you’ll lose your licence.
It’s illegal to use your phone while driving or riding a motorcycle unless you have hands-free access, such as:
- a bluetooth headset
- voice command
- a dashboard holder
The law still applies to you if you’re:
- stopped at traffic lights
- queuing in traffic
- supervising a learner driver
- Hands-free
If you use your phone hands-free, you must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.
The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.
When you can use a hand-held phone
You can use a hand-held phone if either of these apply:
- you’re safely parked
- you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop