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
Lowest category in the official table; the speed range varies by 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
Middle category in the official table; the speed range varies by 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
Highest category in the official table; the threshold varies by 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 reproduces the category ranges in the Sentencing Council guideline.
| Speed Limit | Band A | Band B | Band C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 21-30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41+ mph |
| 30 mph | 31-40 mph | 41-50 mph | 51+ mph |
| 40 mph | 41-55 mph | 56-65 mph | 66+ mph |
| 50 mph | 51-65 mph | 66-75 mph | 76+ mph |
| 60 mph | 61-80 mph | 81-90 mph | 91+ mph |
| 70 mph | 71-90 mph | 91-100 mph | 101+ mph |
Source: Sentencing Council, “Speeding (Revised 2017)”, effective from 24 April 2017. Courts can adjust the sentence for aggravating, mitigating and personal factors.
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?
The Sentencing Council table assigns Band A, B or C from the posted limit and recorded speed. The cut-offs are different for every speed limit; use the table on this page rather than a generic number of mph over.
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.