The new Magistrate’s sentencing guidelines came into effect yesterday (24.04.17) relating to speeding offences. Their aim is to promote better and safer driving. The Sentencing Council introduced the change because it felt the current punishments do not reflect the ‘potential harm’ that speeding can do.
The new Magistrate’s sentencing guidelines came into effect yesterday (24.04.17) relating to speeding offences. Their aim is to promote better and safer driving. The Sentencing Council introduced the change because it felt the current punishments do not reflect the ‘potential harm’ that speeding can do.
If you are found guilty of one of the most serious speeding offences, Magistrates in England and Wales are being directed to impose a Band C fine. Sentencing bands range from A to F.
A ‘Band C’ speeding fine means that if, for example, you are caught driving 101mph or above in a 70mph zone, you may face a fine of up to 175% of your relevant weekly income and 6 penalty points on your driving licence, alternatively, the Magistrates are able to impose a disqualification from driving for up to 56 days.
Magistrates have also been given discretion to impose disqualifications for periods longer than this in extreme circumstances. If you’re disqualified for 56 days or more you must apply for a new licence before you’re able to start driving again. They also have the ability to adjust the punishment based on ‘aggravating factors’ such as previous convictions and weather conditions.
For more information or help with a speeding conviction contact info@newtons.co.uk
The new guideline penalties for speeding are:
| Speed limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) | ||
| 20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 |
| 30 | 31-40 | 41-50 | 51-60 |
| 40 | 41-55 | 56-65 | 66-75 |
| 50 | 51-65 | 66-75 | 76-85 |
| 60 | 61-80 | 81-90 | 91-100 |
| 70 | 71-90 | 91-100 | 101-110 |
| Points | 3 | 4-6 | 6 |
| Fine range | 25-75% RWI | 75-125% RWI | 125-175% RWI |
| Disqualification | No | 7-28 days | 7-56 days
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