FineFlip Guide
How Long After Speeding Do You Get a Fine?
If you think you may have been caught by a speed camera, the wait for the post can be anxious. UK law requires that the Notice of Intended Prosecution reaches the registered keeper within 14 days. If it does not, the prosecution may be invalid. Here is everything you need to know about the timeline.
NIP arrived late?
If your NIP was served after 14 days, FineFlip can assess whether this invalidates the prosecution.
Check my appeal freeThe 14-day NIP rule
Section 1 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 requires that a NIP is served on the registered keeper within 14 days of the alleged offence. This is a strict legal requirement. If the NIP is not served within this window, the prosecution cannot proceed — subject to certain exceptions.
Typical timelines
- Day 1-3: Camera data is processed and the offence is logged
- Day 3-7: NIP is generated and posted to the registered keeper's address
- Day 7-14: NIP arrives in the post
- After day 14: If not received, check your address on your V5C is correct
Exceptions to the 14-day rule
The NIP requirement is satisfied if it was posted within 14 days, even if you received it later. If the registered keeper's address on the V5C is incorrect, the police may argue they complied by posting to the recorded address. If you were stopped by an officer at the time, the verbal warning counts as a NIP and the 14-day postal requirement does not apply.
What to do if the NIP is late
Keep the envelope with the postmark clearly visible. Note the date you received it. Do not ignore the Section 172 notice — respond within 28 days but note the late service. You can then challenge on the basis that the NIP was out of time.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a speeding ticket take to arrive?
The Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) must be served on the registered keeper within 14 days of the alleged offence. Most arrive within 7-10 days. If it has not arrived after 14 days, it may be invalid.
Does the 14-day rule mean 14 calendar days?
Yes. The NIP must be served (posted by first class) within 14 calendar days of the offence date. The key date is when it was posted, not when you receive it. However, courts expect it to arrive shortly after posting.
What if my NIP arrived on day 15?
If the NIP was genuinely served after the 14-day deadline, this is a strong defence. Keep the envelope and note the postmark date. FineFlip can assess whether the late service makes your case challengeable.