Caught doing 48 mph in a 30 mph limit?
That's 18 mph over the limit. Here's the likely outcome under the Sentencing Council guidelines for England & Wales — and what it means for your licence.
At 48 mph in a 30 limit this falls in sentencing Band B. The court can impose 4–6 penalty points or a 7–28 day disqualification, plus a fine of 75–125% of weekly income.
What 48 in a 30 actually means
Most forces apply an advisory enforcement threshold of 10% + 2 mph — enforcement usually starts at 35 mph in a 30 zone. This is NPCC guidance, not law: a force can act on any speed over the limit.
A National Speed Awareness Course in a 30 limit is usually offered between 35 and 42 mph, and only if you haven't taken one in the last three years. Above that window the standard route is a £100 fixed penalty with 3 points, and higher speeds are referred to court under sentencing Bands A, B and C.
At 48 mph this case falls into sentencing Band B, which means a court summons. On top of the income-based fine, courts add a 40% victim surcharge (max £2,000) and usually prosecution costs; an early guilty plea cuts the fine by up to a third.
What to do if you've been caught
- Wait for the paperwork. If a camera or officer recorded you, expect a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days, then a Section 172 request to confirm the driver. How the letters work.
- Respond to the Section 172 in time. Failing to name the driver is itself an offence carrying 6 points and a fine — often worse than the speeding.
- Check the options offered. You may be offered a course, a fixed penalty, or a court summons. Take a course if eligible — it keeps points off your licence.
- Get advice for court cases. If the speed is high enough for court (Band B or C), a motoring solicitor can advise on mitigation and disqualification risk.
Want to check a different speed, add penalty points you already have, or estimate the £ fine from your income?
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