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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:
Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 18:11

I changed my driving licence address so hoping that works in my favour. The car is registered to my partner im just a driver on it so I was just naive. He's been away the past month & I haven't done well with catching up!

OP posts:
alibongo5 · 09/07/2017 18:12

@eyehalveaspellingchequer - you're right that they don't allow you a margin of 10% + 2 before being penalised but they still use it as a guide as to whether you are allowed to attend a speed awareness course instead of getting points.

pinkmagic1 · 09/07/2017 18:14

You will probably get offered a speed awareness course. Also if you were doing 36, most speedometers over read so in reality you were more than likely only doing about 32 which is most likely not fast enough to trigger a camera.
Try not to Worry, easier said than done I know. Also you can pay your tax by monthly direct debit now so you don't forget to renew.

mummymeister · 09/07/2017 18:22

The most important thing is to sort out each element as quickly as you can and to take a bit more responsibility for doing it in the future - which of course you will now.

if you are offered the speed awareness then take it. you don't have to tell your insurer about it. if you are not and they put points on your licence then you HAVE to tell your insurer straightaway. don't leave it. you will also find that your premium increases next year if this is the case. if its just the course, then don't tell them unless the small print of the insurance documents says you have to.

If your car was untaxed then your insurance was invalid because for insurance to be valid it has to be on a taxed car. The police can undoubtedly find this out and you might find that because it was an untaxed/uninsured/speeding car that they don't offer you the course but go straight to points.

wait for the letters to come and take it from there but do all you can to sort out the other things online now. also put a reminder in your phone so that this doesn't happen again as it is your responsibility to make sure its taxed not theirs to remind you. Good luck.

Laughsandgiggles · 09/07/2017 18:33

No speed awareness course in Scotland. It'll be 3 points and £100 fine. Try not to worry about it as it may never come.
I know two people in the last few months who have been flashed and never had anything through. (I, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky with a mobile camera which is why I know about no awareness course and the penalties jnvolved....oops)
Late tax would be a fine but not points so no need to worry about that with regards to losing licence.

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 18:41

Thank you everyone so much. I've amended everything I could amend online so just need to fix address tomorrow morning at post office. Wish they'd move everything to emails!

God why don't they have them here that's rubbish 😥 I know everyone probably says this but I'm the slowest, most careful driver ever, think this is why it's annoying me so much!

OP posts:
AngeloftheSouth84 · 09/07/2017 18:50

They have just got a lot more strict with speeding fines.

Fines. Not penalty notices. You will only get a fine if you go to court.

DoublyTroubly · 09/07/2017 18:57

Just be careful as any notices might still go to the old address. Do you have mail redirect in place? Are you in touch with the new occupants?

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 19:07

@DoublyTroubly yes thankfully we are so I've asked for them to tell me as soon as 😥

OP posts:
Brittbugs80 · 09/07/2017 19:36

Between 35 and 42 in a 30mph can either be 3 points and a fine up to £1,000 or a speed awareness course if over 35 but under 42

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 19:57

Well looks like I'll get 3 points plus the two fines! Hoping it comes soon so it's not a lot of overthinking

OP posts:
coconuttella · 09/07/2017 20:03

If'you've taxed the car now, then I'm pretty sure you'll be ok.... I've been a few days late paying my car tax in the past and nothing's come of it.

coconuttella · 09/07/2017 20:03

Actually been late by a few days 3-4 times over the years... never been an issue.

NapQueen · 09/07/2017 20:07

If the car is registered to your dp then surely the speeding fine would go to him first? If so he would just complete the paperwork with your name and correct address and they would reissue it.

Also, as he is the registered owner then isnt it his job tk tax it?

ajandjjmum · 09/07/2017 20:11

I always understood that you had 14 days grace within which to renew tax - but to be fair, that came from the 'olden days' pre online renewal, so may not still apply.

Hope you hear nothing OP - sometimes we need these things to give us a kick up the backside to get sorted! Smile

Original poster
whoknows123 · 09/07/2017 20:28

Online it said due 6 days ago and I taxed this morning so hopefully that will be ok. Especially if they don't look into it until tomorrow? Then it will come up as taxed?

DP has been away for a month and I'm the main user of car but he's still the keeper. Stupidly assumed that our insurance ran out at the same time as tax so I had another month. Need a calendar Grin

Maybe I'll be one of the lucky few who it didn't flash for and I'll drive under the limit at all times now! Thank you everyone for all the help. Star

OP posts:
Unihorn · 09/07/2017 20:33

If the car is registered to your husband the tax issue will be "against" him and not you. At least this is what happened when I forgot to renew mine and it was registered to my husband Blush also it was just dealt with by DVLA and has not appeared on our licenses or checks since.

RainbowPastel · 09/07/2017 20:39

You do not and never have had 14 days grace ajandjjmum it's a myth.

AdalindSchade · 09/07/2017 20:55

The grace period for tax was while you were waiting for a paper disc to arrive but ONLY if you ordered it before the previous one expired.

EyeHalveASpellingChequer · 09/07/2017 22:21

Unihorn The person driving the car is responsible for checking that the car is taxed, insured and has a valid MOT.

EyeHalveASpellingChequer · 09/07/2017 22:23

There is actually a 14 day grace period but you're not allowed to drive the vehicle in that time. After 14 days, you have to declare it off-road.

Unihorn · 10/07/2017 09:13

Eye I assume it would be their responsibility but the DVLA sent us a letter addressed to my husband and he paid the fine, then I taxed the car. But we have since had PNC checks will have work and it didn't appear so what I meant is that I don't think it needs to be a concern for the OP as such

RB68 · 10/07/2017 09:23

to note they have 14 days to send you the speeding fine if they are going to - after that they are timed out. They will send it to your DH in the first instance and he will have to name you as the driver then they will reissue.

VelvetSpoon · 10/07/2017 09:33

OP, I'm a relatively new driver too (passed my test last year) and I am always terrified of getting points!

Firstly the tax. A few years back someone at DVLA told me that they never fine people if it's within a week or so of tax expiring, basically they give you a grace period, then send a final warning letter and I think after that THEN if you do nothing you can be fined. But you're all taxed now so no need to worry!

Re the speeding, if you were flashed, which isn't certain, I think you will almost certainly get offered the speed awareness course. My bf was flashed doing 97 on the motorway last year (it was 12am, road was deserted and he was ill so trying to get home asap) and he got 3 points, I'm sure the accompanying letter said that if he'd been below 85 it would have been a speed course.

So fingers crossed you weren't flashed, if you were I think you'll get a course, but worst case is 3 points. So you won't lose your licence!

Original poster
whoknows123 · 10/07/2017 10:23

@VelvetSpoon it's so nerve wracking isn't it! Luckily I've taxed now and about to go to post office to change address. Says on the email it'll be backdated to the 1st so hope they're nice! Unfortunately no speed courses in Scotland so will be 3 points if I did get flashed Confused

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