Getting a speeding ticket isn’t on anyone’s to-do list. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you'd think.

In fact, UK GOV statistics show that 44% of drivers speed on 30mph roads, and up to 45% go over the 70mph motorway limit. 

Remember, speed limits are there for a reason and the best way to avoid a ticket is to drive safely. However, if you receive an unfair ticket, you might want to dispute it. 

Keep reading to learn how to appeal a speeding ticket and whether it’s even worth it.

Can you appeal a speeding ticket?

Yes, the good news is you can appeal speeding tickets.

However, it’s not always recommended. 

You should appeal a speeding ticket if you suspect your car number plate has been cloned or if your car has been stolen. In these cases, you must contact the police, explain what’s happened, and provide evidence.

But what about if you or someone you know was driving?

If you received a speeding ticket but weren’t driving the car, you need to provide their details, or you’ll face a fine and penalty points.

When you get a speeding ticket, you first get a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). This asks you to confirm whether you were driving. So, if you weren't, you should submit the real driver’s information. 

You must plead ‘not guilty’ to the speeding offence when completing either form. 

If a police officer caught you, you wouldn’t receive a NIP. Instead, you’ll get a Fixed Penalty Notice that doesn’t allow for a ‘not guilty’ submission.

But now for the real question:

Is it worth disputing a speeding ticket?

It’s usually not worth appealing a speeding fine.

Namely, because speeding ticket appeals have to go to court, you can’t directly appeal to the police. So, you might end up with some expensive legal fees.

Also, if your appeal isn’t successful, you might face an even larger penalty than the original fine.

It’s rare for a speeding ticket appeal to be successful. Before you begin, consider whether you have legitimate reasons and evidence for an appeal.

Even in cases where you’ve sped over a reduced motorway limit on an empty road, you’ll still be found guilty because the set limit is the law. 

Reasons to appeal a speeding ticket

Want to appeal your speeding fine? Here are some common reasons for dispute:

• The NIP was served late — The police have 14 days to send you an NIP, and if it’s late, you might be able to appeal unless they can show it should've arrived on time.
• The speed limit wasn't legal — Speed limits are backed by the law, and if the wrong sign was in place, you can appeal.
• Poor camera equipment — A faulty or non-calibrated camera could be grounds for an appeal. For example, if a speed camera was not maintained and accused you of going 70mph when you knew you were at 30mph.
• You had to speed — In very rare cases, you can get a speeding ticket overturned on ground of exceptional circumstances. These include fear for your life, driving to the hospital, or an emergency. 

How to appeal a speeding fine

Appealing a speeding ticket in the UK is simple. Here are the main steps you’ll need to take:

1. Respond to the NIP and state you’re not guilty of speeding.

2. You’ll receive a court summons — prepare your evidence and consider working with a traffic offences solicitor.

3. Attend court and present your case.

4. The court will then decide whether your appeal is or isn’t successful.

Can you avoid points from a speeding ticket?

You can avoid points on your licence by attending a speed awareness course.

However, this isn’t offered in all cases, so you might have to take the points. 

Also, once you attend a speeding course, you can’t go to another for three years. This rule is in place to keep repeat speeders from dodging points.

Should I appeal a speeding ticket without evidence?

If you don’t have evidence to support your case, you shouldn’t appeal the speeding ticket.

You’ll likely waste time and money trying to appeal your case, and you may be slapped with another big fine if it’s found unsuccessful.

What happens if I ignore a speeding ticket?

If you don’t respond to the speeding ticket NIP within 28 days, your case will go to court, as failing to provide the required information is also an offence.

If you’re convicted you’ll get six penalty points and possibly a fine.

Last thoughts

Understanding how to appeal a speeding ticket is helpful, but the real power lies in knowing whether it’s worth the battle. 

And remember, you can avoid speeding tickets 100% of the time by following the limit!

Learn more via the Bumper blog.

How Bumper can help

Speeding tickets can be expensive, just like last-minute car repair bills.

With Bumper, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.