Speeding fines: new rules could land more motorists with £2,500 penalty

New speeding fine rules could see motorists charged up to 150% of their weekly income

Speeding motorists could see the size of their fines increase by up to 50% under strict new changes being introduced today (April 24).

The Sentencing Council, which is imposing the new guidelines, says it wants to see a "clear increase in penalty" as the severity of the crimes increase.

It means many more motorists found guilty of speeding will have to pay the maximum £2,500 fine.

Interestingly, a poll last week by consumer site Honest John found that eight in 10 motorists were unaware of the new penalty charges.

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What's changing?

For more serious speeding offences (band C, as shown below), magistrates can now charge up to 150% of the motorist’s weekly income (previously 100%).

However, the cap on the maximum value of speeding fines is not increasing. This stands at £1,000 – or £2,500 if a driver is caught speeding on the motorway.

Responses from a consultation with magistrates and criminal justice professionals shows that current guidelines do not "properly take into account the increase in potential harm that can result as speed above the speed limit increases".

Magistrates are being advised to further adjust sentencing based on "aggravating factors" such as previous convictions and weather conditions.

The changes will come into force across England and Wales from today.

Speed limit (mph)	Recorded speed (mph)
20	41 and above	31 – 40	21 – 30
30	51 and above	41 – 50	31 – 40
40	66 and above	56 – 65	41 – 55
50	76 and above	66 – 75	51 – 65
60	91 and above	81 – 90	61 – 80
70	101 and above	91 – 100	71 – 90
Sentencing range	Band C fine	Band B fine	Band A fine
Points/disqualification	Disqualify 7 – 56 days OR 6 points	Disqualify 7 – 28 days OR 4 – 6 points	3 points

Source: Sentencing Council

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