Appeal a Speeding Ticket: RTOA Defence Guide

Full guide: Complete Traffic Fines Guide

You received a speeding ticket (Notice of Intended Prosecution). You have 14 days to contest it. Learn the NIP rules, speed awareness course option, and court defense strategy.

Quick Answer

You have 14 days from the NIP date to respond. Three options: (1) Attend a speed awareness course (GBP 60-90, no points), (2) Pay the fixed penalty (GBP 100, 3 points) and accept, (3) Contest and go to magistrates court. To contest, challenge the NIP validity or the speed reading in court. Common defenses: faulty equipment, poor road conditions, mistaken vehicle, procedural breach. Most cases result in dismissal or reduced penalty.

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What Is a Notice of Intended Prosecution?

A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) is a formal warning that the police intend to prosecute for speeding. You must respond within 14 days. You can pay the fixed penalty, admit guilt and attend a speed awareness course, or contest the charge in court. The NIP must be served within 14 days of the offense, otherwise it is invalid and you can challenge it.

Your 14-Day Rights Under Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988

You have exactly 14 days from the NIP date to respond. You can ignore it (risky - they will prosecute), pay the fine, or request a court hearing. If the NIP was served more than 14 days after the offense, it is invalid and you can ask the court to dismiss.

Three Ways to Respond

Option 1: Speed Awareness Course. Pay GBP 60-90, attend a 4-hour course, no penalty points, no conviction record. Available only if speed was not excessive (usually 30-42 in a 30 limit). Most people choose this.
Option 2: Pay Fixed Penalty. GBP 100, 3 penalty points, guilty plea, no court hearing. Takes 30 days to process.
Option 3: Contest in Court. Request magistrates court hearing, present your defense, plead not guilty. More complex but can result in dismissal.

Contesting in Court: Valid Defenses

NIP invalidity: Was the NIP served within 14 days of the offense? If not, the case is dismissed. Faulty equipment: Was the speed camera certified? When was it last calibrated? Equipment records are in police disclosure. Road conditions: Was visibility poor, road wet, paint faded? Mistaken identity: Was the registered keeper definitely driving? Special circumstances: Emergency (rushing to hospital), family member borrowed car, vehicle not yours that day?

Step-by-Step: How to Contest

  1. Request a court hearing within 14 days of the NIP.
  2. Police will disclose: speeding evidence, equipment records, witness statements.
  3. Review disclosure for errors (faulty calibration, procedural breach).
  4. Prepare your defense statement.
  5. Attend magistrates court. Plead not guilty, present your case.
  6. Court decides. Conviction, dismissal, or reduced penalty.

When to Use a Solicitor

Simple cases (obvious defense, equipment fault) can be handled yourself. Complex cases (multiple charges, serious speeding) benefit from a motoring solicitor who knows the magistrates courts and speed camera law.