Yes, you can get a ticket for going 35 in a 30, as it's over the limit, but whether you do get one depends on police discretion, camera tolerances (often around 10% + 2mph, meaning 35mph is often the threshold), and if it's a fixed camera or mobile enforcement, though some areas might offer a speed awareness course instead of points and a fine. Even a slight overage (like 35mph) can lead to points and a fine, especially in some jurisdictions, so it's not guaranteed to be ignored.
In your case, having been caught driving at 35 mph in a 30 mph zone, you typically face a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and three penalty points on your license. However, there are ways to potentially avoid these points. One option is to check if you are eligible for a speed awareness course.
Speed camera tolerances
A few examples of how tolerance can work; in a limit of 70 mph, + 10% tolerance can mean you could be travelling at 79 mph before you get a fine, the same in a 30 mph limit, you could drive 35 mph before getting a fine.
The "best" excuse for a speeding ticket appeal is usually a legally recognized defense, like a medical emergency, an unavoidable situation (e.g., vehicle breakdown), or proving the speed detection equipment was faulty, as these address the circumstances of the offense, not just an excuse. Common, though less reliable, excuses involve "I didn't see the sign" or "keeping up with traffic," but these often fail in court; being respectful and challenging the evidence (like radar calibration) offers a better chance.
Speed cameras trigger based on a set limit plus a tolerance, often around 10% + 2 mph (or ~3 km/h) over the posted limit, though this varies by region and camera type (fixed vs. average). While you can be caught at 1 mph over, authorities typically enforce at higher thresholds, like 4-10 mph over in a 30-40 mph zone, with some systems subtracting minor equipment error, effectively giving you a buffer.
The most believable excuses are short, specific, and tied to legitimate responsibilities or unavoidable situations. Examples include sudden illness, a medical appointment that couldn't be scheduled outside work hours, urgent family needs, or car/transportation issues.
Common Defenses Against Speeding Tickets
Save Lives
Slowing down increases the likelihood of surviving a crash. Researcher Rune Elvik found that a 1% decrease in travel speed reduces injury crashes by about 2%, serious injury crashes by about 3% and fatal crashes by about 4%. Over 12,000 people died in speed-related crashes in 2008.
Speed camera tolerance refers to the margin of error or buffer added to a vehicle's detected speed before a fine is issued, typically around 10% plus a small fixed number (e.g., 2-3 mph/km/h) for guidance, though this varies by region and police force, with some locations having specific rules (like 2 km/h for fixed cameras in Victoria) or no official tolerance at all (like WA). This buffer accounts for speed camera inaccuracies and vehicle speedometer variations, but it's only guidance, and police can choose stricter enforcement.
Flash but no ticket? It's possible (though not common) that you might see a flash and never receive a ticket. Older cameras using film can run out, and some flashes are test flashes. That said, most modern cameras are digital and always ready.
Myth: You won't get caught speeding if you slow down just before the camera. Fact: Average speed cameras measure your speed over a distance, not just at a single point. They calculate your speed by measuring the time it takes to travel between two points using automatic number plate recognition.
Most police forces have a tolerance of 10% plus 2mph above the limit before a speed camera 'flashes'.
The minimum speeding fine varies significantly by location (state/territory in Australia, for example) and how much you exceed the limit, but generally starts around $100 AUD for exceeding the limit by the smallest margin (e.g., less than 10 km/h), with some areas like Western Australia having no demerit points for this smallest infraction, while NSW might have a $93 fine for similar minor speeding, and South Australia starts at $187 with points.
SP30 Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road – 3 to 6 points on your licence for 4 years. SP40 Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit – 3 to 6 points on your licence for 4 years.
14% say they didn't see a speed limit sign. 22% remark that they were going as fast as everyone else. 15% blame being late to pick up or drop off a child. 13% remarked that they were late for a doctor's appointment.
Top Successful Speeding Ticket Excuses
The best excuses to appeal a parking ticket involve exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, such as a documented medical emergency, a vehicle breakdown, or mistaken identity, backed by strong evidence like hospital records, tow receipts, or photos. Other valid grounds include administrative errors (like wrong details) or when a valid permit wasn't displayed but was in the car, but generally, "I was only gone a minute" or "I didn't see the sign" are less effective without proof.
15 Good Excuses to Call Out of Work (And How to Communicate With Your Boss)
Car Problems
A flat tire, dead battery, accident on the road, or a late train can force you to miss work. If it happens once or twice, an employer might overlook it, especially if you are apologetic and go beyond to make up work or find alternate transportation to get to work (even if a bit late).
Most believable excuses for pulling a sickie
Speeding between 31 and 40 mph in a 30 mph zone constitutes three penalty points on your driving license. In addition to penalty points, a fine amounting to a proportion of your weekly income will also be imposed. More severe speeding offences can attract larger fines.
Here are possible defense themes for challenging a speed camera ticket:
Please find below information pursuant to your request above. Hello, In Sept 2022 the Met police lowered the speed tolerance of speed cameras by 1mph, from 10%+3mph to 10%+2mph.