The penalties for driving offences are increasingly becoming severe. You could face heavy fines and even be disqualified from driving. In this article, I will discuss the things you need to know about SP30 and the factors that may help improve the outcome of your case if you have received a notice of intended prosecution that refers to this offence code.
SP30 is a code in the UK used to denote a specific driving offence: "Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road". This happens when you are caught by a speeding camera or the police doing spot checks using a mobile police van.
SP30 Fines
If you have been given an SP30 conviction, here are the possible fines and penalties:
attending a Speed Awareness Course as an alternative to any other outcome; or
a conditional offer of a Fixed Penalty; or
points & a financial penalty set by Magistrates; or
a driving ban;
If you are not eligible to attend a speed awareness course, then the court will either: endorse your license between 3-6 points; or disqualify you from driving normally for 7-56 days.
How long does SP30 stay on your licence?
Penalty points for an SP30 driving offence will stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of your offence.
What is the Conditional Fixed Penalty for a SP30 Offence?
In some circumstances, the court may offer you a conditional fixed penalty. This means that if you accept this alternative, you will get: 3 points; and pay £100.00, instead of a fine based on your net income, prosecution costs, and a victim surcharge.
Take note that eligibility for a Course or Fixed penalty will be dealt with separately.
How do I know if I get points or a driving ban?
Whether you get points or a driving ban depends on three things:
your speed and the speed limit you exceeded
the number of points you already have, which means that if you reach 12 or more points, you are liable to a 6-month driving ban under what is known as the “totting up procedure” unless you succeed with what is known as an “exceptional hardship” argument;
the circumstances surrounding the offence. For instance, "aggravating features” may make a driving ban more likely than points.
You may check your driving licence record online to see if you have points on your licence.
What are the factors that affect your possible SP30 penalties?
Magistrates follow guidelines when considering how many points to endorse on your licence, and these depend on your speed; the speed limit; the aggravating circumstances surrounding the offence.
First, let us look at your speed & the speed limit:
LIMIT
SPEED
POINTS
POINTS
20
21 -30
31 - 40
41 & above
30
31 - 40
41 - 50
51 & above
40
41 - 55
56 - 65
66 & above
50
51 - 65
66 - 75
76 & above
60
61 - 80
81 - 90
91 & above
70
71 - 90
91 - 100
101 & above
POINTS
3
4 – 6 or disqualify 7 – 28 days
6 or disqualify 7 – 56 days
Then let us look at what may be classed as an “aggravating factor” for an SP30 Offence
These are just examples:
previous convictions, the number of them & any similarity to the current offence;
poor road or weather conditions;
driving an LGV, PSV. HGV etc
towing a caravan/trailer;
carrying passengers or heavy load;
driving for hire or reward;
evidence of the unacceptable standard of driving over & above speed;
location e.g. near school;
high level of traffic or pedestrians in the vicinity;
If any of the above factors are applicable in your case, they will need to be addressed and explained by your driving offence solicitor. This is to prevent them from aggravating the outcome of your case.
The calculation of fines and the one-third discount given for an early guilty plea will be dealt with separately.
A driving ban for a speeding offence is discretionary & is an alternative to points. But it is likely to have a worse impact on your insurance premium than points will. Magistrates can ban you for 1 day up to a lifetime, but they typically follow the guidelines above.
Magistrates will take into account any mitigating factors that are relevant to your offence and your personal circumstances. This is something that your solicitor should focus on when arguing your case in court. In addition, character references may be worth considering in more serious cases.
Charged with SP30 Driving Offence? Contact a driving offence solicitor now!
No matter what type of driving offence you are facing, you may call us at 0151 601 3743 and claim your free initial consultation.
