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Original poster

Speeding fine - help!

50 replies

whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:08

I know this probably isn't the best place to post but I'm stressing out a lot and I need the traffic Sad

Yesterday, while driving in a busy area on the way to the airport I think I may have been caught speeding. The area goes very quickly from a 40 limit to a 30 zone and then back to a 40. The signs are tiny and it's only just been put into place (I think!). Anyway, I was going 36 in the 30 and I'm almost certain I got flashed but it was hard to see in the sun.

I only just passed my test last year. The next thing is the fact that the car was untaxed by 6 days (letters going to old address) we had changed on licence but not on log book. I've taxed the car now, but will they enforce a fine/penalty points more harshly because of this? If it's 6 points I'd lose my licence and I can't have that happen Confused

Hopefully someone who is more clued up can help!

OP posts:
Jennyhatesjazz0 · 09/07/2017 17:16

Firstly - is your address now changed on the log book so that all correspondence will come to you?

Secondly - I might be wrong here but driving without tax is a DVLA offence. Speeding, I think, falls to the local authority in which the offence took place so there's no way of them knowing the car was untaxed?

When I got caught, the DVLA weren't even aware until I told them

TwoBlueFish · 09/07/2017 17:17

If you have indeed been caught I think it's 3 points and a fine for the speeding. Driving a car with no tax carries an £80 fine but no points (fine is reduced to £40 if paid promptly)

KinkyAfro · 09/07/2017 17:17

How did you get your other points?

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:21

@Jennyhatesjazz0 it's a Sunday so no post office open to change it and no option to online but will be changing first thing tomorrow morning!

That would be amazing if the case. I was worried I'd be caught twice if that makes sense!

OP posts:
Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:22

@TwoBlueFish I did read that no fine for the tax but worried if both were caught together they might penalise me more heavily!

OP posts:
Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:22

@KinkyAfro I've got a clean licence I assumed 3 points for speeding and 3 points for tax so I'd lose it Sad

OP posts:
KinkyAfro · 09/07/2017 17:23

Unless the law has changed, it's 12 points before a ban?

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:23

@KinkyAfro if you've held a licence for under 2 years then it's 6 points and you lose it

OP posts:
AdalindSchade · 09/07/2017 17:24

In the first 2 years of driving it's 4 points for a ban
I don't think they give points for untaxed vehicles, just a fine

fruityb · 09/07/2017 17:28

If you have your logbook you can update it online - you just need the 11 digit number: I just did it online when I sold my car.

Taxing your car is so easy online.

alibongo5 · 09/07/2017 17:33

I haven't any specialist knowledge but have looked online to try to help and it seems that the penalty for an untaxed car is a fine not points. And the penalty for speeding is 3-6 points - but it doesn't say what you get the higher level for - presumably exceeding it by more but I don't know that for sure. But, if you were doing less than 10% plus 2 mph more than the limit - as you were - you may be offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course instead which costs around the same as the penalty but results in no points on your licence. I couldn't see that this wouldn't be offered to a newish driver as well.

But really, I think you'll just have to wait and see what (if anything) comes in the post as I couldn't see a full explanation online - unless anyone on here has more direct knowledge can help,

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:33

@fruityb I've managed to tax online but can't see how to change address?

Speeding fine - help!
OP posts:
Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:35

@alibongo5 thank you! I was going 36 so that's 10% plus 3mph so just over Confused really hoping they offer me the course I would much rather pay for that

OP posts:
MaidOfStars · 09/07/2017 17:36

Last year, I got flashed at 37 in a 30, and was offered the option of a speed awareness course. The letter stated that this was the option for anyone up to 42 in a 30. Greater Manchester Police - might be different in other jurisdictions.

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 17:39

@MaidOfStars thank you! I'm quite far from Manchester but hope they have the same views on it

OP posts:
readyforno2 · 09/07/2017 17:41

I might be wrong here but I thought that if your car was untaxed it would therefore be uninsured.
Hopefully you weren't flashed op!

Carolinesbeanies · 09/07/2017 17:46

Stop worrying OP. Firstly on your tax, I assume youve now taxed it from the begining of the month. Dont worry about that, 6 days is nothing in holiday season (you could have been away) and youve not had a gap. Lesson learnt and make sure you have the diary date stuck on your fridge.

On the speeding, firstly theres nothing you can do until/if you hear anything. So stop worrying. You may hear nothing at all.
If prosecuted, youll get a form that asks you to fill in who the driver was, which you then send back. 36 (up to 42mph in a 30) I think brings you into the Speed Awareness Course option, so it would be highly likely youll simply get sent on a course, rather than points. (Though I may be out if date re new drivers, but Im sure youre eligible if you have no previous convictions, irrespective of how long youve been driving). You certainly dont fall into the 'excessive' speeding that warrants tougher action.

So its very very unlikely youre going to get hit hard over this one. Try not to worry, but heres a tip, whenever Im in a 30, I stay in 3rd gear. The higher engine noise and lack of 'pull' really helps keep tabs on unintentionally drifting too high.

RainbowPastel · 09/07/2017 17:46

They have just got a lot more strict with speeding fines. It goes on a % of your pay. It's not looking good OP you have been driving a year failed to notify them of a change of address, failed to tax your car on time and possibly have been caught speeding.

Carolinesbeanies · 09/07/2017 17:49

To be clear, the speed awareness course was in a range between 10% plus 2, and 10% plus 9. (Which is 42). Anything over 42 is straight to points.

RainbowPastel · 09/07/2017 17:49

www.google.co.uk/amp/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/39686894

alibongo5 · 09/07/2017 17:50

@whoknows123 - sorry I should have said at least 10% plus 2 but less than 10% plus 9 - so for a 30 mph limit, between 35 and 42 mph - so unless they don't offer it to newish drivers, you'd be ok.

I went on one earlier this year and it was actually interesting. Free coffee too!

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 18:07

@Carolinesbeanies thank you for this I'm such a worrier Sad I just hope they're nice really

OP posts:
fruityb · 09/07/2017 18:08

Sorry im wrong it's only if you've sold it. My bad thought I'd seen it on there

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 18:08

@RainbowPastel I'm in Scotland if that makes any difference and a SAHM. I can cope with a fine but it's the points I'm more worried about. Hopefully they won't be too harsh Confused

OP posts:
EyeHalveASpellingChequer · 09/07/2017 18:10

They don't do the 10% + 2 thing anymore. You can be fined for going even 1 mph over.

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