Reasons for Speeding
When we asked drivers why they break the speeding laws, the most common reason was not realising that they have gone over the limit (42%), while 17% also said they speed through habit. In terms of deliberate cases of speeding, people blamed being late as their main reason for going quicker than they should do (41%).
The data also suggests that younger drivers tend to exceed the limit because they are impatient, with 23% of 25-34-year olds stating this reason (more than any other age group) as well as 20% of 18-24-year olds. By contrast, only 11% of those aged 45-54 and 10% of people over the age of 55 stated this reason.
In addition, 15% of Brits say they are a confident driver who “can handle driving over the speed limit” – an opinion most commonly held by 18-24-year old males.
Speeding Penalties
Speeding penalties vary depending on how the driver is caught. If you are pulled over by the police, you may get a verbal warning, a fixed penalty notice (FPN) or be ordered to go to court.
If you are caught by a speed camera, you will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution and a Section 172 notice. You’ll need to return the Section 172 notice within 28 days and you will then receive either a fixed penalty notice or a letter telling you to go to court.
A fixed penalty notice will tell you how many points you will receive on your licence and how much you will need to pay as a fine.
Department for Transport figures show that there were 2,214 fixed penalty notices sent to drivers caught speeding by cameras in 2017. Those who were caught speeding most commonly cited receiving three points on their licence (59%). Some also received a fine (56%) while many were also sent on a speed awareness course (41%).
At the other end of the scale, only 4% of UK drivers were banned from driving, with the largest percentage aged 18-24.
Receiving a speeding ticket can be stressful so it’s important to talk to your family and work out how you will pay the fine.
How does speeding affect insurance premiums?
Speeding can also have an impact on how much you pay for your car insurance.
Insurers' data suggests that drivers with speeding offences are more likely to make a claim, so many increase their premiums to reflect this risk. Some insurers are lenient for first offences while others refuse to cover drivers with any points on their licence.
Drivers looking for insurance who have had a speeding conviction within the five years prior to the enquiry date could see an average premium increase of 14%.
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How to keep costs down if you have a speeding conviction
If you’ve been caught speeding only slightly over the limit, you may be able to take part in a speed awareness course. This will allow you to avoid penalty points on your licence and won’t affect your insurance.
However, there are other practical steps you can take to help lower the cost of your insurance if you have a speeding conviction:
Consider telematics: taking out a telematics or a ‘black box’ insurance policy means a small device is installed in your car to monitor your driving habits, including speed. This is a great way to prove to your insurer that you drive safely, and also helps you monitor your speed, which can help lower your premiums
Try to drive less: as this reduces the risk of an accident, it can help bring the cost of insurance down
Secure your car: keep your vehicle in a garage if possible and make sure it’s fitted with an approved alarm and immobiliser
Increase your excess: this is the amount you pay towards the cost of any claim you make and increasing it can lower premiums – just make sure you can still afford to pay it
Whatever the cost of your insurance, there are often opportunities to improve your quote by shopping around and looking for the best deals.
You can find out how penalty points and speeding tickets affect car insurance here, or check out our guide for convicted drivers here.
Sources & Methodology
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