What are the Mobile Speed Camera Rules?
Got a speeding ticket and feel it’s unfair? You’re not alone. Each month, 32,000 people visit our site with similar worries.
Speeding tickets can be a real bother, especially if you’re unsure about how to handle them. We’re here to help.
This guide will show you:
- The rules for mobile speed cameras
- How to win an appeal against your speeding fine
- The process of how cameras catch you speeding
- When speeding could lead to a driving ban
- Steps to take if you’ve attended a speed awareness course
We understand the fears that come with a speeding ticket and the stress about paying the fine; some of us have been in your shoes.
With our experience, we’re here to guide you through your speeding ticket worries.
Do You Have to Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
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How do mobile speed cameras catch you speeding?
Mobile speed cameras use laser technology which measures the speed you’re doing, and it does so accurately. However, your vehicle must be visible to the operator!
Plus, an operator can catch you speeding when they’re positioned on the other side of the road. Why? Because they don’t need to see your entire vehicle to calculate your speed with a mobile camera.
What are mobile speed camera rules?
Local police forces typically use speed cameras which they position strategically where road accidents frequently occur. There are guidelines, rather than rules set in stone where mobile speed cameras are concerned.
As with fixed speed cameras, the ‘guidelines’ involve the appearance and positioning of mobile speed cameras.
I’ve listed the guidelines below:
| Operators | Should wear high-visibility clothing and vehicles should have reflective strips on them |
| Warning signs | Should be erected where mobile speed cameras are in operation although this is optional and not mandatory |
| Equipment | Mobile speed cameras should be checked over/reviewed every six months |
It’s worth noting that even if you can show that a mobile speed camera falls short of the guidelines above, you can’t use the information as a defence!
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.
In partnership with Just Answer.
Do the Police allow a 10% tolerance for speeding?
There is a 10%+2mph tolerance but when you’re caught speeding, the technology factors in the tolerance! But this doesn’t apply every time, just in most cases. The problem is that when the police use mobile speed cameras, they make the rules.
In short, you may not be afforded a tolerance when you’re caught going too fast by a mobile speed camera!
According to Go Safe, speed limits are set at the maximum speed you should be going and not ‘target speeds’.
What are mobile speed camera rules?
There are guidelines rather than ‘rules’ set in stone where mobile speed cameras are concerned. As explained below:
- The police have the right to alter these guidelines as they see fit
- Moreover, it’s common practice for the police to use unmarked vehicles when they set up mobile speed cameras!
Plus, when you’re caught speeding, everything is recorded which means it’s pretty hard to argue a defence against a speeding fine! Even if a mobile speed camera hasn’t been reviewed every six months!
I hope the information in my post helps you understand mobile speed camera rules which are more ‘guidelines’ that the police don’t have to follow.
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Can you be fined for going too slowly?
Yes. You could be fined for driving too slowly mainly because the police deem you may cause an accident. For instance, a tailback may build up behind you and drivers could attempt to overtake other cars when it is dangerous to do so. It could lead to a road traffic accident!
When could speeding earn you a driving ban?
When you’re caught going over 100mph you’re sure to get a driving ban. Plus, if you’re caught going over 30pmh in a set speed limit zone, you risk disqualification too!
That said, it’s up to the court whether you merit a driving ban. It’s a question of how dangerous a magistrate deems a driver’s actions are when caught driving too fast!
I’ve included an example of a worried driver here:
Source: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6253192/speeding-fines-court
Are there warning signs where speed cameras are in operation?
Some police forces erect warning signs in areas where mobile speed cameras are in operation. But not all of them do because it’s optional, not mandatory!
Often signs are set up to deter drivers from going too fast and as a tactic to get motorists to slow down.
Are there rules about warning drivers about mobile speed cameras?
You could flash your lights at on-coming vehicles to warn them of a speed camera. But it could be an expensive mistake! You could be breaking the law if you do because the action prevents the Police from doing their job.
You could end up in court for obstruction!
Does a speed awareness course get put on your licence?
No. If you’re caught speeding and you have to attend a speed awareness course, it won’t be recorded on your licence. But a record is held on the National (UK) Driver Offender Retraining Scheme.
Moreover, you may get lucky once and only have to attend a speed awareness course. But if you’re caught speeding again within 3 years, you won’t be so lucky and penalty points or a fine would be levied against you!
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What happens if you don’t attend a speed awareness course?
Things get messier when you don’t attend a speed awareness course when you’re ordered to. First, the Police are informed. Second, you’d get points on your driving licence so your insurance goes up.
Moreover, you’d have to pay the speeding fine and you may have to attend court!
You should let the provider know if you have a genuine reason for not attending a speed awareness course. And you should do so as soon as possible so they can reschedule things for you.
What if you’re caught speeding after attending a speed awareness course?
You’d get points and a fixed penalty if you’re caught speeding several times within 3-years of attending a speed awareness course. You may face a court hearing which could result in disqualification if the speeding offence is serious.
Should you declare a speed awareness course to an insurer?
No. You don’t have to declare a speed awareness course to your insurer. In short, if you don’t tell insurers, it won’t affect your policy!
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