FineFlip Guide
Caught Doing 35 in a 30: Can You Appeal?
The 30mph zone is where the majority of UK speeding offences are detected. If you have been caught doing 35, 40, or even 50mph in a 30 zone, the consequences vary significantly depending on the speed recorded. This guide covers the thresholds, the penalties, and when an appeal is realistic.
Caught in a 30 zone?
FineFlip checks signage, camera evidence, and NIP timing to find appeal grounds.
Check my appeal freeThe ACPO threshold: 10% plus 2mph
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guideline — now adopted by the National Police Chiefs' Council — recommends that drivers are not prosecuted unless they exceed the speed limit by 10% plus 2mph. In a 30mph zone, that threshold is 35mph. This is a guideline, not a legal right — some forces enforce at lower speeds.
Penalties by speed in a 30 zone
- 31-42mph: Band A — GBP 100 fixed penalty or speed awareness course, 3 points
- 43-50mph: Band B — Court fine 75-125% weekly income, 4-6 points or 7-28 day ban
- 51mph+: Band C — Court fine 125-175% weekly income, 6 points or 7-56 day ban
When you can appeal
Regardless of the speed recorded, you can challenge the offence if: the speed limit signage does not comply with TSRGD 2016, the camera was not properly calibrated, the NIP was not received within 14 days, the photographic evidence does not clearly identify your vehicle, or there were temporary roadworks with confusing or contradictory speed limit signs.
30mph zones and street lighting
Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, a road with street lights placed at intervals of 200 yards or less is automatically a 30mph zone unless otherwise signed. If you were prosecuted for speeding on a road that does not meet this criteria and lacked proper signage, that is an appeal ground.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Will I get a fine for doing 35 in a 30?
Most police forces use a threshold of 10% plus 2mph before prosecuting, which means 35mph in a 30 zone. At exactly 35mph, some forces will issue a notice while others may not. At 36mph and above, prosecution is very likely.
Can I get a speed awareness course for speeding in a 30 zone?
Yes, if you were doing no more than 42mph in a 30 zone (10% plus 9mph) and have not attended a course in the past 3 years, you may be offered one.
What is the fine for doing 50 in a 30?
Doing 50 in a 30 is a Band C offence. This means a court fine of 125-175% of weekly income, 6 points or a driving ban of 7-56 days, and no speed awareness course eligibility.