Complete Guide to UK Traffic Fines, NIPs & Court Appeals
If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for speeding or traffic offences, you have rights to challenge it. This guide explains the NIP procedure, court defence options, and how to appeal.
Key fact: The police must serve an NIP within 14 days of the alleged offence. If they don't, the prosecution may fail. You have up to 6 years to challenge the decision in court.
What is a Notice of Intended Prosecution?
An NIP is the first formal notification that you are suspected of a traffic offence. You have the legal right to be told of the charge, evidence against you, and right to contest it in court.
Your rights under UK law
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988: Sets NIP procedure and service rules.
- 14-day service rule: NIP must be served within 14 days or the prosecution fails.
- Right to a fair trial: You can defend yourself in court with legal representation.
- Right to disclosure: Police must provide evidence (speed camera data, witness statements).
Step-by-step NIP and court process
- Check if the NIP was properly served. It must arrive within 14 days of the alleged offence.
- Request disclosure from police. Ask for speed camera photos, calibration data, witness statements.
- If procedurally flawed, request case dismissal. If NIP is late or defective, the prosecution may fail.
- If evidence is weak, request trial. Many speeding cases fail if evidence doesn't meet standards.
- Attend magistrates court and present your defence. Courts will consider calibration errors, speed accuracy, and whether you were the driver.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1: NIP served after 14 days
The prosecution is barred. The case must be dismissed. Always check the posting date.
Scenario 2: Speed camera not certified/calibrated
If the camera calibration is out of date or not certified, the evidence is unreliable. This can defeat the case.
Scenario 3: You were not the driver
Tell the police who was driving. They must prove it was you to convict. Without admission, the case is weak.
Scenario 4: Exceptional circumstances (emergency, medical).
Courts have discretion for safety-related speeding. If you were speeding to avoid danger, explain this to the court.
Key deadlines
- NIP service: Must be served within 14 days of offence (strict rule).
- Disclosure request: Request within 28 days of receiving the NIP.
- Court hearing: Usually 6-8 weeks after NIP.
- Appeal: 21 days from conviction to appeal to crown court.