Speeding Fine Appeal United Kingdom — How to Fight and Win
Governing legislation: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (RTOA 1988)
Speeding fines in the UK are governed by the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. The most important procedural requirement is the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) — it must be served on the registered keeper within 14 days of the alleged offence under RTOA 1988 s.1. Late service makes the prosecution unenforceable.
You will also receive a s.172 notice requiring you to identify the driver. Failure to respond is a separate offence. If you were not driving, name the driver — do not refuse.
Speed cameras must be type-approved and calibrated. You can request the calibration certificate and device approval number. Gatso cameras must show consistent road line measurements between frames.
If the NIP was served late, the camera lacked approval, or the s.172 process was not followed correctly, challenge the notice before paying.
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Check My Speeding Fine →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 14-day NIP rule?
Under RTOA 1988, a Notice of Intended Prosecution must be served within 14 days of the alleged offence. If it arrives late — check the postmark — the prosecution cannot proceed.
Can I challenge camera calibration?
Yes. Request the calibration records and type approval certificate. A camera without valid certification may produce inadmissible evidence.
What if I was not the driver?
You must identify who was driving in your s.172 response. Failure to do so is a separate, more serious offence.