Speeding fines explained
Drivers which commit the most serious speeding offences can be fined 150% their weekly income – a 50% rise – from April 24th 2017 in England and Wales, The Sentencing Council confirmed. There will, however, be no increase to the maximum fines Magistrates’ Courts impose. They remain £1,000 rising to £2,500 for a motorway offence.
Typically, Band A, B and C fines punish motorists. Travelling at between 31mph and 40mph in a 30mph zone is a Band A fine, for example, which equates to 50% weekly income. Reaching 41mph to 50mph in the same speed limit zone is Band B, which is 100% of weekly income. Hitting 51mph or more is Band C and equates to 150%.
The Sentencing Council Bands, related speed limits and the percentage of income drivers can soon be fined are confirmed below.
| Speed Limit In MPH | Band A – Vehicle Speed in MPH (50% Weekly Income) | Band B – Vehicle Speed in MPH (100% Weekly Income) | Band C – Vehicle Speed in MPH (150% Weekly Income) |
| 20 | 21 – 30 | 31 – 40 | 41+ |
| 30 | 31 – 40 | 41 – 50 | 51+ |
| 40 | 41 – 55 | 56 – 65 | 66+ |
| 50 | 51 – 65 | 66 – 75 | 76+ |
| 60 | 61 – 80 | 81 – 90 | 91+ |
| 70 | 71 – 90 | 91 – 100 | 101+ |
Drivers that speed face further, existing, repercussions such as penalty points – which tend to increase the price of motor insurance – and temporary licence suspension. Band A equates to 3 points, Band B from 4 to 6 points (or the 7 to 28 day disqualification), and Band C is 6 points (or the 7 to 56 day ban).
Justice Minister’s perspective
Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: “Speeding can have tragic consequences, so there must be strong penalties in place to deter drivers from behaving recklessly. These new guidelines will help make sure sentences properly reflect the seriousness of the crime.”