How Much Is A Fixed Penalty Notice?
Have you been given a fixed penalty notice and wondering how much it is? Don’t worry, you’re in the right spot. Every month, more than 130,000 people visit our page for advice on fines and parking tickets.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The different types of fixed penalty notices and their costs.
- What these penalties mean for driving in the UK.
- Why fixed penalty notices are given out.
- If you have to pay or if you can challenge the notice.
- What happens if you choose not to pay.
We know getting a speeding fine can be upsetting, as some of our team members have received them too. We understand the stress and the worry.
Let’s dive in and learn more about fixed penalty notices and what you can do if you get one.
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What are the 3 types of fixed penalty notices?
The 3 types of fixed penalty notices are:
- Endorsable
- Non-endorsable
- Condition Offer
Endorsable FPN
An endorsable fixed penalty fine can be between £60 and £200.
Plus, you’ll typically get 3 points on your licence.
You must pay the fine within 21 days of getting it. Plus, you have to hand over your driving licence within 7 days to a local police station.
That includes the paper part of your licence.
Non-endorsable FPN
A non-endorsable fixed penalty carries a fine of around £30.
Again, the fine must be paid within 21 days but you won’t need to hand over your driving licence.
Conditional Offer
As for Conditional Offers, the offences are recorded on traffic cameras and are typically issued for speeding offences.
The registered keeper gets a Notice of Intended Prosecution in the post.
You’re legally required to provide the correct details on who was driving when the offence was committed.
A Conditional Offer allows you the chance to accept liability and pay a £60 fine without further action being levied against you.
However, you’ll get 3 points on your licence.
Does a fixed penalty notice go on record?
No. Getting a fixed penalty notice does not go on criminal records.
But the incident could go on the Police National Computer (PNC). As such, you’re obliged to declare an FPN until it’s settled.
That said, if you’re convicted of the offence, it’s recorded on a criminal record!
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
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Further consequences of an FPN on driving record
An FPN will be recorded on your driving licence and will remain until it expires.
If your job entails driving, it could impact your ability to work if the offence was serious. Some employers may have specific policies which could see you losing your job.
Plus, an employer’s business motor insurance cover could be negatively impacted.
Should I pay a fixed penalty notice?
Yes. Otherwise, things escalate and you’d end up having to pay more than the original fine.
That said, the way you pay may depend on the offence. The best way to pay an FPN is to visit the Directgov website.
You’ll be asked to provide the following information:
- FPN reference number
- The date of the offence
- The offence code
- Your email address and telephone number
Alternatively, you could pay the fine by cheque using the address on the back of the fixed penalty notice.
Other ways to pay an FPN could include:
- Paying in person at a Post Office or PayPoint
- Over the phone using an automated payment option
Note. You can’t pay an FPN in cash
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What happens when you don’t pay a fixed penalty notice?
The fine gets registered with the court when you accept the fixed penalty, but then don’t pay it.
Moreover, the amount goes up by 50%!
The court enforces the new fine and could issue a warrant of arrest when you don’t reply or pay.
As I see it, if you want to contest an FPN, you should seek advice from an expert as soon as possible!
What are the consequences of not paying an FPN?
Failure to pay an FPN will result in you being taken to court. And as previously mentioned, a warrant for your arrest would be issued.
On top of this, a default could be registered on your credit file and will remain there for six years if you don’t pay it within 30 days.
How do I challenge a fixed penalty notice?
As mentioned, you could challenge a fixed penalty notice, but not before seeking expert legal advice!
You must have a valid reason for contesting the fine.
Maybe you’re not guilty. Or maybe, there are mitigating circumstances.
But there’s no formal appeals process. In short, only a judge can decide whether you pay a fixed penalty or not.
What other reasons would you be given a fixed penalty?
Apart from driving and parking offences, fixed penalty notices can be issued for the following offences:
- Littering
- Not clearing up after a dog
- Allowing a dog off the lead in restricted areas
- Cycling in restricted areas
- Fly-tipping
- Fly-posting
- Smoking in a smoke-free area
- Exceeding the permitted noise level at night
If you get a fixed penalty for low-level antisocial behaviour (PND), the fine can be anything from £50 to £80.
The fine must be paid within 21 days.
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Do I have to tell my insurance provider about a fixed penalty notice?
As stated above, you have to declare a fixed penalty notice until it’s settled.
This includes telling your insurance provider about it. If the FPH was for speeding, it remains on your licence for 5 years.
Note: You have to declare an FPN every time you renew your car insurance!
How long will penalty points stay on my licence?
Penalty points you get for a driving offence can stay on your licence for 3 years.
Or the points can remain for much longer, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Lastly, how much is a fixed penalty notice?
It depends on the seriousness of the offence and whether you pay it within time.
The amount you pay increases by 50% if you don’t settle an FPN in 21 days.
If you go to court, the amount could increase even more!
There’s no formal process when it comes to challenging FPN. So, if you want to contest the fine, I suggest you seek legal advice first.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. I hope I’ve answered the question: how much is a fixed penalty notice and given you enough food for thought?
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