If you're aware of being caught by a stationary speed camera or passed a mobile speed unit driving over the speed limit, you might be curious about the time it takes for a speeding ticket to arrive.

Here, JMW takes a look at how long it takes for a speeding ticket to arrive. 

The Timeline of a Speeding Ticket

You should expect to receive your speeding ticket within 14 days of the offence if you are the registered keeper of the vehicle. This 14-day window starts from the day you were caught speeding, and the postmark on the letter should fall within this period

Upon receiving the speeding ticket, you'll find it's not just a simple fine. The ticket comes with a set of paperwork that you'll need to sort out quickly. The first document is the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP/Section 172 notice, which serves as a formal warning that you may be prosecuted for the offencewhich requires you to confirm the details of the driver at the time of the incident. This is a crucial step as failing to return this notice within 28 days could lead to further charges.

It's a process that demands your attention and timely action.

Legal Consequences

Once you've returned the Section 172 notice, you'll receive a Fixed Penalty Notice. The minimal penalty for speeding in the UK is a £100 fine, along with three penalty points added to your driving licence. It's a straightforward process if your offence is minor, but it's essential to understand that the penalties can escalate.

Ignoring the Section 172 notice is not an option. Failure to return it within the stipulated 28 days could result in you being summoned to court for additional charge of failing to give information

Speed Awareness Courses

There might be another option for you: a speed awareness course. This alternative is not universally available, but in some circumstances, you could be eligible to take this course instead of receiving the standard penalties.

A speed awareness course is essentially a workshop that lasts for a day. The aim is to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and to offer various tips on safer driving. The course covers everything from understanding speed limits to the impact of speeding on road safety and accident rates. It's an educational approach designed to make you think twice before putting your foot down on the accelerator.

However, it's important to note that not all cases qualify for a speed awareness course. Eligibility often depends on the police force’s discretion, the severity of the speeding offence and whether you've taken a similar course in the past. Additionally, while the course may save you from a fine and penalty points, it's not free. You'll still have to pay the cost of attending, which can vary but is usually around the same price as the standard fine.

Attending a speed awareness course can be a valuable alternative to traditional penalties, offering education over punishment. But it's not a get-out-of-jail-free card; it comes with its own costs and criteria.

How to Know You've Been Caught Speeding

The only definitive way to know if you have been caught speeding (when yo uare not stopped at the roadside) is by receiving the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and Section 172 notice in the post. If 14 days pass without any postal notification, you mightwant to check the ownership of the car and where and who it is registered too, before assuming you are in the clear. 

One common misconception is that speed cameras always flash when they catch you. While some do, others rely on infrared technology to capture your speed, making them less conspicuous. Additionally, average speed cameras don't work on a single flash; they monitor your speed over a length of road.