Driving Offences — Speeding
Speeding Offence Solicitors in Chester
Received a speeding NIP or court summons? Our specialist speeding ticket solicitors challenge NIP validity, speed camera calibration, and present exceptional hardship arguments to protect your licence.
Wondering what speed is an instant ban, or whether over 100mph means an automatic disqualification? We advise on your specific circumstances and the best strategy for your case.
Speeding Sentencing Guidelines
The Sentencing Council guidelines divide speeding offences into three bands based on how far over the speed limit you were travelling. Understanding which band applies to your case is the first step in assessing your options.
| Band | Speed Over Limit | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Band A | Up to 10mph over limit | Fixed penalty: £100 fine + 3 points |
| Band B | 11–20mph over limit | 4–6 points or 7–28 day ban |
| Band C | 21mph+ over limit | 6 points or 56-day ban |
How We Can Help
NIP Validity Challenge
A Notice of Intended Prosecution must be served within 14 days of the alleged offence. If it was served late or to the wrong address, the prosecution may fail.
Speed Camera Calibration
Speed cameras must be properly calibrated and approved. We can request maintenance records and challenge the reliability of the device used to record your speed.
Identification Challenge
The prosecution must prove you were the driver. If the evidence of identification is weak — for example, poor quality CCTV — we can challenge this.
Exceptional Hardship
If you face a totting-up ban (12+ points), we can argue exceptional hardship — for example, loss of employment or inability to care for a dependent — to avoid disqualification.
Special Reasons
In some cases, special reasons (such as a genuine emergency) may persuade the court not to endorse your licence or impose a ban.
Mitigation
Even where a defence is not available, strong mitigation can reduce the penalty imposed — particularly for first offenders or those facing a ban.
Transparent Pricing
Fixed Fees for Speeding Offence Defence
We publish our fees upfront. Fixed fees for speeding offence defence are confirmed in writing before you instruct us. All fees include VAT at 20%.
| Service | Fixed Fee (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| NIP response / fixed penalty advice | From £300 |
| Speeding — Magistrates Court representation | From £900 |
| Exceptional hardship argument (totting up) | From £1,020 |
| Speeding — Crown Court appeal | From £1,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)?
A NIP is a formal notice that you may be prosecuted for a speeding offence. It must be served on the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the alleged offence. If it is served late, the prosecution may be invalid.
What happens if you get caught speeding?
If caught speeding, you may receive a fixed penalty notice (£100 fine and 3 points), be offered a speed awareness course, or be summoned to court. The outcome depends on how far over the limit you were travelling. At court, the Sentencing Council guidelines divide offences into three bands — Band A (up to 10mph over), Band B (11–20mph over), and Band C (21mph+ over).
What speed is an instant ban in the UK?
There is no single speed that triggers an automatic instant ban. However, Band C speeding (21mph or more over the limit) can result in a 56-day disqualification rather than penalty points. Very high speeds — such as driving at over 100mph on a motorway — are treated seriously by courts and frequently result in a ban, though this is at the court's discretion.
Is over 100mph an instant ban?
Driving at over 100mph does not automatically result in an instant ban, but courts treat it very seriously. It typically falls into Band C of the Sentencing Council guidelines, where a 56-day disqualification is the starting point. The court has discretion to impose a longer ban depending on the circumstances. We can advise on your specific situation.
Is a speeding fine a conviction?
Accepting a fixed penalty notice for speeding is not a criminal conviction — it is a fixed penalty. However, if you contest the offence and are found guilty at court, that is a criminal conviction. A speed awareness course is not a conviction and does not result in penalty points.
Can I go on a speed awareness course instead of getting points?
Speed awareness courses are offered at the discretion of the police for lower-level speeding offences (typically up to 10% + 9mph over the limit). You cannot attend a course if you have attended one in the previous three years for a similar offence.
What happens if I reach 12 penalty points?
Reaching 12 or more points within three years triggers a "totting up" disqualification of at least six months. However, if you can demonstrate exceptional hardship — such as loss of employment — we may be able to persuade the court not to impose the ban.
Can I challenge a speed camera reading?
Yes. Speed cameras must be properly approved, calibrated, and maintained. We can request maintenance records and challenge the reliability of the device. We can also challenge the identification of the driver from camera footage.
Do you advise speeding clients in North Wales?
Yes. We regularly advise clients charged with speeding offences across North Wales — including Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire, Conwy and Anglesey. We can advise remotely by phone or video call, or you can visit our Chester office which is easily accessible from North Wales via the A55 and A483.
What is the fixed fee for speeding offence defence?
Our fixed fees for speeding offences start from £300 inc VAT for a NIP response or fixed penalty matter, and from £900 inc VAT for Magistrates Court representation. The exact fee depends on the nature of your case and is confirmed in writing before you instruct us.
Our Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Ritesh Chauhan
Consultant Road Traffic Offences Solicitor
Ritesh qualified as a solicitor in 2020 and has since built a focused practice in road traffic law. He regularly defends speeding charges — challenging NIP validity, speed camera evidence, and presenting exceptional hardship arguments across Chester, Cheshire, North Wales and throughout England and Wales.
Received a Speeding NIP or Summons?
Contact our road traffic solicitors in Chester today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Fixed fees from £300 inc VAT.
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