Speeding Penalties in Scotland

How the Scottish System Differs

While England and Wales use the Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines (which categorizes offences into Band A, B, and C fines based on weekly income), Scotland operates under a different legal framework led by the Procurator Fiscal.

However, for the vast majority of minor speeding offences, the initial penalty is exactly the same across the entire UK: a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

The Standard Fixed Penalty

If you are caught marginally over the speed limit in Scotland, you will usually receive a Conditional Offer of a Fixed Penalty.

• The Fine: £100
• The Penalty: 3 points on your driving licence

Unlike England, where Speed Awareness Courses are widely offered by local police forces as an alternative to points, Scotland has historically been much stricter, though National Speed Awareness Courses are slowly becoming more available in certain regions depending on the exact circumstances.

Going to Court in Scotland

If your speed was dangerously high, or you contest the Fixed Penalty, your case will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal who may decide to prosecute you in the Justice of the Peace Court or Sheriff Court.

If convicted in a Scottish court, the maximum fines are aligned with the rest of the UK:

• Up to £1,000 for speeding on standard roads.
• Up to £2,500 for speeding on a motorway.
• Disqualification from driving (either an instant ban for the severity of the speed, or a "totting up" ban if you reach 12 points within 3 years).