FineFlip Guide
Can You Go to Prison for Speeding in the UK?
The short answer is: not for a standard speeding offence, but yes if the speeding is so excessive or reckless that it crosses into dangerous driving territory. This guide explains where the line is drawn and what consequences apply at each level.
Facing a serious speeding charge?
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Check my appeal freeStandard speeding: fine and points only
Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, speeding is a summary offence punishable by a fine and penalty points or a driving ban. There is no power of imprisonment for a simple speeding offence, no matter how fast you were going. The maximum fine is GBP 1,000 (GBP 2,500 on a motorway).
When speeding becomes dangerous driving
If the speed was so excessive or the circumstances so reckless that the driving falls "far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver," the CPS may charge dangerous driving under Section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is an either-way offence carrying up to 2 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a mandatory driving ban of at least 12 months.
Causing death or serious injury
If excessive speed contributed to a fatal or serious injury collision, the charges escalate significantly:
- Causing death by dangerous driving: Maximum life imprisonment
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving: Maximum 5 years
- Causing death by careless driving: Maximum 5 years
Police pursuit cases
Failing to stop for police and then driving at high speed to evade them is almost always charged as dangerous driving, regardless of whether an accident occurred. Sentences in these cases tend to be at the higher end.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can you go to prison for a normal speeding offence?
No. A standard speeding offence carries a fine and penalty points or a driving ban, but not imprisonment. However, if the speeding is so excessive that it amounts to dangerous driving, prison becomes possible.
At what speed could you face prison?
There is no specific speed threshold. The CPS may charge dangerous driving when the speed was grossly excessive for the conditions — for example, 100mph+ on a residential road. The context matters as much as the number.
What is the maximum prison sentence for dangerous driving?
The maximum sentence for dangerous driving is 2 years. For causing death by dangerous driving, the maximum is life imprisonment. For causing serious injury by dangerous driving, the maximum is 5 years.