Speeding Ticket

[Duwsh]

Hey, pretty new here, in fact I joined to ask this question, although I do have a Seat so should probably be a member anyway.

So on the 5th of this month I got a speeding ticket, I was going 59 in a 40 zone, I definitely am guilty, not denying that I did it and I feel stupid and embarrassed for doing it (and being caught). It is certainly a lesson well and truly learnt.

The police woman who stopped me said that because its my first time being caught that she was going to recommend I take a speed awareness course when she submits the paperwork. I have now been sent the letter and I've been offered a £100 fine and 3 points on my license which obviously I want to avoid as I'm a relatively new driver and it's just going to hike my insurance. They've said I can take it to court if I want to and I've heard people go to court and get less than they were offered but for different offences.

So my point here is I'm asking if it's worth going to court, what's the worst they will give me? Do I have a case for a lower penalty or should I just pay the fine and take the points, I am willing to do that but if I can I'd like to avoid the points.

 

[xyz]

Can't see you getting less than three points. Take the speed awareness course. You'll still have to tell your insurance company which still might mean an insurance hike.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Duwsh]

Can't see you getting less than three points. Take the speed awareness course. You'll still have to tell your insurance company which still might mean an insurance hike.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

That's not even an option, in the letter its either points or court, that's what the police woman said she would recommend but obviously that's been ignored.

 

[R3k1355]

You were probably going too fast to be offered the speed awareness course, being a new driver probably didn't help either.

 

[xyz]

That's not even an option, in the letter its either points or court, that's what the police woman said she would recommend but obviously that's been ignored.

My mistake - missed that bit. Take the points otherwise you could actually get a higher penalty given the speed you were doing.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[chrisjgill]

I believe over 54mph in a 40 means you cannot be offered a speed awareness course

Although from what I've read some forces quote speed limit + 10% + 9 (source: Nottinghamshire Police)

I would take the fine and points as going to court may results in a higher costs plus you still get the points

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Generally speaking, if you go to court and are found guilty, the conviction tends to be more severe than had you pleaded guilty in the first place. This applies across the board be it motor or any other offences.

In short, unless you really believe you have a good case, don't even go there.

Most definitely a personal opinion only and would recommend legal advice if appealing is a consideration.

 

[Brimfull]

Take the points as you cannot be offered the course as your speed was to greater a percentage over the limit.

If you go to court what are you going to say as you have already admitted speeding.

The courts will just increase the fine

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[kanyewest]

was the police officer posted with a speed gun?

as everyone else is saying, take the points and count this as a lesson! run waze while you drive, you might get lucky next time if someone else reports the police car

 

[Mr Pig]

Run waze while you drive...

Excuse my ignorance but, what does that do?

 

[kanyewest]

Excuse my ignorance but, what does that do?

there are speed camera alerts on the app and users can submit a report when they see a policeman/speed trap. i had a warning on the motorway the other day and was able to reduce my speed before i even saw the police 4x4

 

[Mr Pig]

Sounds cool. I'll get that :0) Thank you.

 

[kanyewest]

Sounds cool. I'll get that :0) Thank you.

no problem. i run the app on alerts only and you get a little beep if you go over the speed limit. i find it’s pretty useful because some villages near me have signs that are facing the other way because of wind/chavs

 

[Mr Pig]

If course you're relying on the satellite info being correct? I can think of several instances where my sat-nav gave me a limit that did not correspond to what was on the poles. It's more the warnings of traffic pigs and traps I like the sound of.