How Many Points for Speeding in the UK?

If you're caught speeding in the UK, you can expect to receive a minimum of 3 penalty points on your driving licence. The actual number of points depends on how far over the speed limit you were and the circumstances of the offence.

For most minor speeding offences, you’ll receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which includes:

• £100 fine

• 3 penalty points

However, more serious or repeat offences can result in court prosecution, higher fines, and more points — sometimes even a disqualification.

Speeding Penalty Points Breakdown

Here’s a general guide to how many points you could get based on the level of the offence:

Note: The actual outcome may vary depending on the circumstances and whether you plead guilty or contest the charge in court.

Speed Awareness Courses (Instead of Points)

If it’s your first speeding offence and you weren’t too far over the limit, you might be offered a Speed Awareness Course instead of points and a fine.

This is typically offered if:

• You haven’t attended one in the past 3 years

• Your speed was within a certain threshold (e.g. up to 42mph in a 30mph zone)

You’ll still have to pay for the course (usually £80–£100), but you won’t get points on your licence.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence?

Speeding points remain on your driving record for 4 years, but they are active for 3 years from the date of the offence.

While active, insurers will see them, and they could affect your premium. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 3-year period, you could face a driving ban — known as a "totting-up" disqualification.

If you’re a new driver (within 2 years of passing your test), getting 6 points or more will result in your licence being revoked.

What If You’re Caught More Than Once?

If you get caught speeding more than once, especially within a short period, the penalties can quickly escalate. You may not be eligible for another awareness course and will instead receive additional points. Accumulating too many could result in:

• A hefty fine

• A driving ban

• Increased insurance premiums

• A requirement to retake your driving test (for new drivers)

A Fact You Will Not Believe

Most drivers think 12 points on a licence means you're off the road. In theory, that's true. But in reality? Over 10,000 drivers in the UK still have their licence despite having 12 or more points. They've managed to dodge a ban by arguing that losing their licence would cause "exceptional hardship."

And some cases are way beyond 12 points.

• One 26-year-old male driver reportedly has 176 points.

• Two other male drivers are sitting on over 100 points each.

• A 50-year-old female driver has 96 points and still drives.

Yes, they’re all still legally behind the wheel.

Driver Ban Loopholes

You’re supposed to lose your licence once you hit 12 points within a three-year period. But there’s a legal escape route: exceptional hardship. If you can convince a magistrate that a ban would cause serious consequences beyond personal inconvenience, you might keep your licence.

Common reasons drivers avoid a ban:

• Losing their job – especially if they need to drive for work.

• Caring for dependents – like children or elderly relatives who rely on them.

• Health issues – where driving is essential for treatment or mobility.

Courts don’t hand out these exemptions lightly, but the rules do allow them. And it’s clear some drivers know exactly how to use that to their advantage.

Speeding Facts That Might Make You Slow Down

Speeding changes the outcome of a collision—and not in your favour.

Stopping distances shoot up:

• At 30mph: 23 metres

• At 40mph: 36 metres

• At 70mph: 96 metres

That’s over four times the distance—and a lot more danger.

Chances of killing a pedestrian increase fast:

• Hit someone at 30mph: 1 in 5 chance they die.

• At 40mph: 1 in 3.

• At 50mph: the risk is near certain.

And no, quick reactions won’t save you. At high speeds, you simply don’t have the time or distance to avoid a crash. The faster you go, the harder it is to stop—simple as that.

Speeding typically results in 3 to 6 points on your licence, depending on how serious the offence is. For minor cases, you might be offered a speed awareness course instead. But repeat offences or excessive speeds can quickly lead to heavier penalties — or even a driving ban. It’s always best to stick to the limit, not just for your licence, but for your safety and the safety of others on the road.