I did a stupid thing, what is going to happen?

Question

Right, so Friday I got a letter from Surrey police regarding a speeding violation caught on camera.. I traced it back to the date, and recalled that it was the day I was driving to a funeral and I was late, lost and a bit upset so was driving fast (I'm not making excuses, I knew I was speeding but did it anyway, I deserve whatever they throw at me) I actually remember getting flashed so am pretty sure I know when and where it was.

I was doing 75mph in a 50 limit, does this mean I get more than the standard £60 fine and 3 points on my licence? The letter didnt state what was going to happen, it just wanted me to admit I was the driver and give my details. Its bothering me a bit.

And please save your breath on saying I am a prat for speeding, yes I know. The difference is I was caught for it and am willing to face up to it, where as I bet hardly anyone can say they never do it. I am going to drive more sensibly in future as I dont want to lose my license so a lesson truly learned.

Answer 1

I am also one of the unlucky people who got caught!!! I was doing 34 in a 30 zone, in my boyfriends car.

They sent a letter to the owner of the car asking them to either admit or provide details of the person who was driving at the time. In my case my fella filled it in with my details and sent it back then the same form came back with my details asking me if I was the person driving. I sent it back, then about 4 weeks later I got a letter asking me to choose either £60 fine and 3 points on my licence or £65 fine and attend a speed awareness course. I have opted for the speed awareness course and I will be attending it tomorrow!!!

I think it depends on how fast you were going and how many driving offences you have previously had as to whether they offer you the course and how much of a fine they give you.

Because the excess of the limit that you were doing, they might give you a bigger fine and not even give you the chance to attend a course.

(If you keep this question open til Wednesday i can let you know what to expect on the course!)

So I asked on the course about being offered the course rather than getting stuck with the points. Apparantly the different areas and counties have different rules as to who they will offer the course to. In my case, the course was only offered to the people who were speeding in a 30 zone in Northumbria. In other counties they also include 40, 50 and 60 zones. They also have a cut off point, at which even if they usually offer the option of the course, they will just issue you with points. I asked what our cut off point was and it was 36mph.

I think because of your excess you will not be offered the option of the course and will be stuck with the points! Sorry hun, I hope this has given you a bit of an insight as to what will happen.

Don't sweat about it too much, although you could follow my line of thinking and get a road angel!!!

Answer 2

Its highly likely your just get the points and fine. This will stay on your licience for 3 years. Read the small print when it comes through becuase you have to specifically apply to have it removed after 3 years, its not automatic.

Fill in the form, then a few days later they send you the paperwork for you to pay up, you'll have to send off your paper part of your driving licience.

I WOULD NOT explain the circumstances to them, its like saying you admit it but think it was OK. Just give the minimum information to get through the process.

Being late. lost , upset etc is not a valid mitigating circumstance.

I also WOULD NOT go to court as suggested somewhere above. You'll end up paying costs.

You need to tell your insurance immediately you get he points/fine. Most insurance companies have a cluase that says you are not covered if you don't tellthem - don't wait for your renewal....i had to pay an extra £10 for the remainer fo my insurance ( about 6 months ). The next year it went up by £30 because fo the points.

Mine was 62 in a 60 limit, thats Wales for you !

Although other posters here have said (in different answers) that insurance doesn't go up, so i think its just down to your company.

Silly mistake, no shame.

Answer 3

I reckon it'll just be the £60 and 3 points.

I got caught at 33 in a 30 (how ridiculous?! - glad they didn't see me doing 65 further down the road!!) and was offered to pay £75 and do a speed awareness course - no points! I think that was just because I was only going a teeny bit over the limit (downhill - didn't brake enough!)

Answer 4

Don't beat yourself up over this to much-as you said,you were on your way to a funeral,you were late and lost,and quite understandably upset. At moments like that,rational thoughts and actions tend to go out the window!
Send it in,admitting that yes,you were the driver,and explain the circumstances. It won't necessarily stop them from fining you-but they will take your circumstances into account,and possibly show some leniency-especially if you've never been caught for speeding before. Good luck.

Answer 5

Nope, just take it on the chin and pay the fine. You only get extra for contesting it and losing, or for doing double the speed limit or 100mph+.

You often do it all by letter, but occasionally you might have to go into court. You're not in for any special treatment.

Now don't do it again, there's a good little driver.

Answer 6

Too bad you got caught. Surrey sounds just as bad as Kent for this w*nk! You'll get a £60 fine and 3 points on your licence. I wouldn't bother contesting it like some people on here have suggested because it'll just give you false hope and it'll stress you out.

PS - From your question, you sound luv-er-ley!!! :p

Answer 7

hi again canines section? might want to you be an animal cop with out strangling the human beings that abuse dogs? I actually have were thinking rescuing and broke a adult men nostril (my hand damage like hell too, even though it became properly worth it) I purely were given so mad at how undesirable he dealt with the canines. i comprehend i will't manage the stupid excuses and may want to no longer do it known. it will be very worthwhile to get the animals far flung from the circumstances, and that i have each and every of the respect contained in the international for the animal police officials.

Answer 8

Just the 60 quid and 3 points mate.

It has to be in excess of 30mph over any posted limit, to warrent a court appearance / disqualification. You were fortunatley only 25mph.

Swallow it, and forget about it.

Have a nice day.

Answer 9

Reading between the lines (it was a long question), tick a box on the ticket and go to court, plead guilty and explain the circumstances to a judge before you pay a fine, paying the fine means you admit guilt, if you plead guilt and explain the context, how valuble your license is, and your appologies may help you out, good luck

Answer 10

If you own up and not contest this you may be looked on more favourably. If you were going more than 80 you may have been banned, but I dont know.

It may also depend on if there were other cars or vehicles about that you could have caused an accident with. Was it a dual carriageway or a built up area? Maybe you should see a lawyer?