What Happens When You Exceed the Speed Limit in London?

Speeding might seem like a small thing, but it can really cause big problems. When you visit London, you must know the rules of the road. We will help you understand what happens when you exceed the speed limit in London. It will also show you why it’s important to always stay within the speed limits. 

Why do Speed Limits Matter?

Driving too fast can cause serious accidents and hurt people. Speed limits are actually put in place to keep everyone safe. It's not just about you as the driver but also about everyone using the roads. There are pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers to consider when you drive on the road. 

Even if the road looks very clear, it doesn't mean you should speed. When you do so, it can reduce your reaction time and even make it harder to stop. So, it’s always better to drive at a safe speed.

In most places in London, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour (mph). Also, this is usually the limit in most residential areas, schools, and busy streets. However, the main roads can be up to 30 mph. It can go up to 40 or 50 mph on some larger roads or highways. It is better to look out for road signs to know the correct speed limit. It can change depending on where you are.

What Happens When You Exceed the Speed Limit?

There are serious consequences for going over the speed limit in London. Here’s what could likely happen:

Speed Cameras Could catch you

Many speed cameras are set up to monitor cars driving too fast. If you’re caught, it will take a picture of your vehicle. The cameras will capture your license plate. It will be easy for the police to find you with this picture. Then, they will send you a penalty notice.

You Might Receive a Fine

If you’re caught speeding, you will receive a fine. Sometimes, the fine can be as low as £100 for a minor speeding offence. However, it can be much higher if you're caught going much faster than the limit. Some drivers even receive fines of up to £2,500. It’s a lot of money, and it can ruin your trip if you’re not careful.

Points on Your Driving License

Apart from paying fines, points will be added to your driving license. Now, the number of points you get will depend on your speed. It is calculated based on how much over the speed limit you were going. Usually, it is between 3 to 6 points. Your license will eventually be suspended if you get too many points. So, for that period of suspension, you won't be allowed to drive in London.

Possible Court Appearance

You may also risk going to court for overspeeding. The police might decide to take you to court, and the fine could be higher. Also, it will mean more points will be added to your license. When this happens, they may revoke your license. As such, you could be banned from driving completely. You don't want to have any confrontation with the law during your stay. So it's better to keep the traffic laws while you’re in London.

Risk of Losing Your Driving Privileges  

As mentioned earlier, going over the speed limit could cost you your license. London takes speeding offences seriously. If you're caught, it could mean that you won't be able to drive anywhere in the UK. 

Even if you’re not a resident, the UK authorities can report the incident to your home country. As a result, it might even affect your driving privileges when you return home. So even if you’re staying in London for a short time, it doesn’t mean you can escape the consequences.

Accidents and Harm to Others 

It’s not about just being caught and getting fined. Speeding puts people in danger. It's the reason for a lot of accidents. What if someone steps on the road or a car makes a sudden stop? It can lead to injuries and even death. You don’t want to have that on their conscience, especially when it can be avoided by simply following the speed limit.

When you keep to the limit, you can avoid accidents. If there’s any sudden stop, you can quickly react. You won’t get that chance when you’re speeding too much. There won’t be any time for recovery at a very high speed.

How to Avoid Speeding

It’s easy to get distracted when you’re driving in a new place. However, make sure you keep an eye on the road signs. You will see speed limits clearly marked on these signs. Some residential areas even have speed limit devices in their neighbourhood. There are many of them, such as the speed indicator devices by Elan City. They detect if drivers are exceeding the speed limit.

In addition, you can use a GPS device and apps to tell you the speed limit of the road. Don't try to follow other drivers because they may be over the speed limit. Always make sure that you know the correct driving speed.

Another way you can avoid speeding is to monitor your speedometer. Check it regularly to be sure that you’re not going over the limit. Even though London traffic can be stressful, speeding won’t get you to your destination any faster. Instead, it will put you in trouble. Once you know this, you will always be conscious of your speed limit.

Now that you know the consequences of speeding, you should try to avoid it. Remember, it can permanently cause you to lose your license. So, don't go over the speed limit when you're on the roads in London. Instead, drive carefully so that you can enjoy your trip without any unnecessary troubles. 

It is not about being caught or avoiding the consequences. You have to care for others and also share the roads with you. Keeping to the speed limit ensures your safety and that of others. So, when you drive next, make sure that you do so safely.