How Much is a Fixed Penalty Notice? All You Need to Know

Are you curious about Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)? Are you worried about receiving one, how much it might cost, or if the right code has been issued? You’re not alone. Each month, over 32,000 readers visit this site seeking guidance on tickets and fines. It can seem puzzling and daunting, but there’s no need to fret.

In this article, we’ll provide clear answers to your questions:

What is a Fixed Penalty Notice and why is it given?
How to appeal against an FPN and possibly win.
The need to pay for an FPN and what happens if you don’t.
The cost of a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Where to find more help if you need it.

Our team has offered guidance to many people in the same situation as you, so we understand your concerns about FPNs and we’re here to help. Let’s dive in and learn more about Fixed Penalty Notices.

Do You Have to Pay?

In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.

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Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.

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Do You Have to Pay a Fixed Penalty Notice?

A fixed penalty notice is an offer to pay a sum to avoid being prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court. It is issued, as explained, for different types of offences, including motoring offences, environmental crimes, and other minor offences in public, as mentioned in the previous section. An FPN will not expire, and you will be chased to deal with it indefinitely. Before you decide to ignore an FPN, consider the following.

You have the option to pay the FPN or challenge it. If you get an FPN, you can choose to plead guilty or not guilty. If you decide to challenge the FPN, there will be information on how to do so on the reverse of the ticket.

If you choose to pay the FPN, you usually have 28 days in which to pay the fine, and payment can be made by using the Directgov website. You will need the notice number, date of offence, and offence code, along with your email address and telephone number.

While it is not mandatory to pay a fixed penalty notice, it is an option to avoid being prosecuted in court. If you choose not to pay, you must be prepared to challenge the notice and potentially face legal proceedings.

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Can You Appeal Against an FPN?

Yes, you can appeal against a fixed penalty notice in the UK. However, it’s important to understand the process and potential consequences. Use the information I have listed below, to help you navigate the appeals process. You can also search for an appeal letter template online.

You may be issued an FPN for minor offences like littering or minor traffic violations. FPNs offer you a chance to pay a fine without going to court. Understand the severity of the offence and the evidence against you.
You will have to appear in court if you appeal. If you lose, you may be required to pay a larger fine, as well as court costs.
The FPN can be appealed by waiting until the matter is referred to court before paying the fine. When the matter goes to court, you can defend yourself.
You should gather all the evidence you can that supports your case. This may include photographs, witness statements, or any other relevant documentation.
On the designated day, you must appear in court and present your case. It is advisable to seek legal advice or to bring a representative with you.

You should consider carefully whether your case is strong before appealing an FPN, as it is a serious matter. In addition, the appeal process might vary from region to region or from offence to offence, so if you intend to appeal an FPN, you should seek legal advice first.

Successful Appeal Case Study

Situation

Initial Fine	£100
Additional Fees	£171
Total Fine	£271

The Appeal Process

Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.

Total Fine	£271
Cost of legal advice	£5

JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.

Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.

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In partnership with Just Answer.

How Much Is the Fine for a Fixed Penalty Notice?

The fine for an FPN in the UK can vary depending on the severity and type of the offence that the FPN was issued for. Furthermore, there are 3 different types of FPN, which I explained, below.

Endorsable – These are fines ranging from £60 to £200 and may include points on your license.
Non-endorsable – These are fines of around £30 and do not include points on your license.
Conditional offer – These are usually for speeding and involve fines of £60 and points on your license.

The RAC states that a notice will be £50, £100, £200, or £300, depending on the severity, and will be used for a range of offences, including speeding, careless driving, and using a mobile phone while driving.

For speeding offences, if you plead guilty to an FPN, you will have to pay a £100 fine and have 3 points added to your license, for example.

It’s probably best to give you some easily understood data here, as FPN amounts can and do vary. Here’s an example of some common fines issued under the FPN system. Please check the latest government publications or official government websites for the most up-to-date information, as this data is created on information that was up to date in 2023.

Offence	Fine	Information
Littering	£150	Reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days.
Smoking in a smoke-free place	£200	Reduced to £100 if paid within 15 days.
No seat belt	£100
Using a mobile phone while driving	£200	Plus 6 penalty points on your driving license.
Speeding	£100	Plus 3 penalty points on your driving license.
Failure to stop at a red light	£100	Plus 3 penalty points on your driving license.
TV License evasion	£1,000	This is a maximum fine and can be less depending on the case.
Dog fouling	£100	Reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days.

There are a variety of offences for which a fixed penalty notice can be issued, and the fines vary greatly based on the offence, the location, and the circumstances. The above table is just a sample of the most common offences. For the most up-to-date information, visit the UK government website or speak to your local council.