Speeding Fine Bands Explained
UK speeding fines are divided into three bands (A, B, C) based on the Sentencing Council guidelines. Each band sets the fine as a percentage of your weekly income, with increasing severity.
Band A -- Lower Range
1-9 mph over the speed limit
Fine
25-75% weekly income
Starting point: 50%
Points
3 points
Disqualification
None
Example: Driving at 36 mph in a 30 mph zone. Weekly income:£500. Starting fine: £250 (50%). Most likely outcome: fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points, or a speed awareness course offer.
Band B -- Mid Range
10-20 mph over the speed limit
Fine
75-125% weekly income
Starting point: 100%
Points
4-6 points
Disqualification
7-28 days possible
Example: Driving at 48 mph in a 30 mph zone. Weekly income:£500. Starting fine: £500 (100%). The court may impose 4-6 penalty points or a short disqualification of 7-28 days instead.
Band C -- Higher Range
21+ mph over the speed limit
Fine
125-175% weekly income
Starting point: 150%
Points
6 points
Disqualification
7-56 days likely
Example: Driving at 55 mph in a 30 mph zone. Weekly income:£500. Starting fine: £750 (150%). The court is likely to impose 6 points or a disqualification of 7-56 days. The maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways).
Band Thresholds by Speed Limit
The exact speed ranges for each band vary depending on the posted speed limit. The table below shows approximate thresholds based on Sentencing Council guidelines.
| Speed Limit | Band A | Band B | Band C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 21-26 mph | 27-33 mph | 34+ mph |
| 30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41-50 mph | 51+ mph |
| 40 mph | 41-53 mph | 54-66 mph | 67+ mph |
| 50 mph | 51-66 mph | 67-83 mph | 84+ mph |
| 60 mph | 61-80 mph | 81-100 mph | 101+ mph |
| 70 mph | 71-93 mph | 94-116 mph | 117+ mph |
These are approximate ranges. The court has discretion to adjust based on individual circumstances.
Mitigating & Aggravating Factors
Mitigating (Reduce Fine)
- Clean driving record
- Genuine emergency (rarely accepted)
- Early guilty plea
- Low risk of harm in specific circumstances
Aggravating (Increase Fine)
- Previous convictions for speeding
- Near a school or in a residential area
- Towing passengers or driving for hire
- Poor road or weather conditions
Want to estimate your fine?
Use our calculator to find your likely band, fine amount, and points.
Open Fine CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How are speeding fine bands determined?
Fine bands are determined by how far over the speed limit you were driving, expressed as a proportion of the limit. Band A covers the lowest range (typically 1-9 mph over), Band B the middle range (10-20 mph over), and Band C the highest (21+ mph over). The exact thresholds depend on the specific speed limit.
What does "percentage of weekly income" mean for a speeding fine?
Courts calculate speeding fines based on your gross weekly income before tax. If you earn £30,000 per year, your weekly income is approximately £577. A Band A starting point of 50% would be roughly £288. The minimum fine is £100 regardless of income, and the maximum is £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways).
Can I get a Band A fine reduced?
Yes. The starting point for Band A is 50% of weekly income, but the range is 25-75%. Mitigating factors such as a clean driving record, genuine remorse, or personal circumstances can reduce the fine within the band range. Aggravating factors can increase it.