Speeding is something many drivers do, often without realising the serious consequences it can have. Whether it’s driving a few miles per hour over the limit or speeding in a built-up area, it’s important to understand whether speeding is a criminal offence and what the consequences might be.
This article will help you better understand speeding as a criminal offence, explain the different types of speeding offences, and give you tips on how to avoid being caught in the first place.
What Does “Speeding” Really Mean?
Speeding simply means driving your vehicle faster than the speed limit allows. In the UK, speed limits are set for a reason – to keep everyone on the road safe. The speed limits are in place to protect not just the driver, but also pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. You might think that going over the limit by a few miles per hour won’t cause any harm, but even small differences in speed can have serious consequences.
Is Speeding a Criminal Offence?
Yes, speeding is considered a criminal offence in the UK. However, it’s important to understand that not all speeding offences are treated the same way. In general, speeding is classified as a summary offence, which means it is usually dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court. A summary offence is the least serious category of criminal offences, but that doesn’t mean you won’t face consequences.
When caught speeding, you could face a fine, penalty points on your driving licence, and in some cases, a driving ban. For more severe cases, such as if your speeding leads to an accident or injury, you could face more serious charges like dangerous driving or even imprisonment.
Different Types of Speeding Offences
While speeding, in general, is a criminal offence, there are various ways you can be penalised depending on the circumstances. Let’s go through the most common speeding offences.
Exceeding the Speed Limit
This is the most straightforward speeding offence. It happens when you drive faster than the speed limit set for a particular road. For example, if the limit is 30mph and you drive at 40mph, you are exceeding the speed limit.
When caught for exceeding the speed limit, the police may issue you with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). This will typically involve a fine and penalty points on your driving licence. The number of points can vary depending on how far over the limit you were driving. In some cases, you might even face a driving ban if the offence is serious enough.
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Driving too fast for the conditions refers to driving at a speed that is unsafe for the current road conditions, even if you’re within the posted speed limit. For example, driving at 30mph in heavy rain or fog, when visibility is poor, could be considered too fast for the conditions.
This offence is more serious than simply exceeding the speed limit. It means you’ve failed to take into account things like weather conditions, visibility, and traffic. If your speed leads to an accident or puts others in danger, you could face more serious charges, including driving without due care and attention or even dangerous driving.
Driving Without Due Care and Attention
This offence is often associated with speeding, but it can also apply to other dangerous driving behaviours. Driving without due care and attention occurs when a driver is not paying full attention to the road or is driving irresponsibly.
If you’re speeding but also engaging in other risky behaviours, like using a mobile phone or being distracted, you could face charges of driving without due care and attention. This is a more serious offence than just speeding and could lead to higher penalties, including more points on your licence, a bigger fine, or even a driving ban.
Dangerous Driving
If your speeding results in a situation that endangers other people or causes an accident, you could be charged with dangerous driving. This offence carries much more severe penalties, including a possible prison sentence.
Dangerous driving includes situations where your speed has caused a crash, led to injury, or made other drivers feel threatened. If you are found guilty of dangerous driving, you could face a lengthy driving ban, a fine, and a possible prison sentence depending on the severity of the offence.
What Are the Consequences of Speeding?
The penalties for speeding in the UK can vary, depending on how severe the offence is and whether you’re a repeat offender. Here are some common consequences you might face:
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
If you’re caught speeding, you’ll often be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice. This will usually include a fine and penalty points on your driving licence. The fine for speeding can range from £100 to £2,500, depending on the offence and how much over the speed limit you were driving.
Penalty Points
For every speeding offence, you’ll receive penalty points on your driving licence. The number of points you receive will depend on how far over the speed limit you were driving. For example, if you exceed the speed limit by a small amount, you might get 3 points, but if you were driving at a much higher speed, you could receive 6 points or more.
If you accumulate 12 or more points on your licence within three years, you could face a driving ban. This means you won’t be allowed to drive for a certain period, which can range from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of your offences.
Driving Ban
If you’ve been caught speeding repeatedly or have caused a serious accident while speeding, you could be disqualified from driving. A driving ban can range from a few months to several years, and it means you will be unable to drive for the duration of the ban.
Imprisonment
In the most extreme cases, speeding can lead to imprisonment, particularly if it causes an accident that results in serious injury or death. This is typically the result of driving too fast for conditions or dangerous driving.
How to Avoid Speeding Offences?
The good news is that you can take steps to avoid speeding and the associated penalties. Here are some tips to help you stay within the speed limit and avoid a criminal record:
Know the Speed Limits
Make sure you’re always aware of the speed limits on the roads you’re driving on. Speed limits can change depending on the type of road, the area you’re in, and even the time of day. In urban areas, the limit may be as low as 20mph, while on motorways it can go up to 70mph.
Pay Attention to Road Signs
Road signs are there to help you understand the speed limit for that particular stretch of road. Always look out for speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.
Adapt to the Conditions
Even if you’re within the speed limit, you need to adjust your speed based on the road conditions. If it’s raining, foggy, or you’re driving on an icy road, reduce your speed to match the conditions.
Avoid Distractions
Using a mobile phone, eating, or becoming distracted while driving can affect your ability to notice speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly. Keep your focus on the road at all times.
Don’t Rush
Many speeding offences happen because drivers are in a rush. Plan your journeys ahead of time so that you don’t feel the need to speed to get to your destination faster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, speeding is a criminal offence in the UK, and it can lead to serious consequences, including fines, penalty points, driving bans, and even imprisonment.
However, the penalties vary depending on the severity of the offence. It’s essential to be aware of the speed limits, adapt to road conditions, and drive responsibly to avoid the risk of speeding. By following these tips, you can stay safe on the roads, avoid legal trouble, and ensure that you’re doing your part to keep everyone on the road safe.
