In the UK, Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) are a common way to deal with minor road traffic offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, or failing to comply with traffic signs. While they may seem straightforward, failing to comply with both parts of an FPN can lead to serious consequences. Whether deliberate or accidental, it happens more often than you might think.
What Is a Fixed Penalty Notice?
An FPN is an administrative alternative to prosecution. It typically includes:
- A monetary fine.
- Penalty points added to your driving licence.
You usually have 28 days to respond to an FPN. You can either:
- Accept the FPN by paying the fine and accepting the points.
- Contest the FPN by requesting a court hearing.
- Ignore the FPN and the matter should automatically proceed to court.
The Two Parts of Compliance
To fully comply with an FPN, you must:
- Pay the fine within the specified period, usually 28 days.
- Submit your driving licence number or your driving licence, whichever is requested, so the penalty points can be endorsed.
Failing to comply fully with the FPN can escalate the matter significantly.
What Happens If You Don’t?
Non-compliance leads to a court hearing, where fines can increase, and in some circumstances, more points may be added.
Example: A FPN for a Speeding offence will usually offer a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. If you fail to comply with both parts of the FPN, your matter will proceed to a hearing in the Magistrates’ Court. At court, your fine will be higher and consist of:
- A means-tested fine.
- Prosecution costs of £85-115.
- A victim surcharge equalling 40% of the total fine.
In addition, there is a chance that you will receive more points if the speed you were travelling is outside of the lowest bracket:
| Speed limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) (lowest bracket) |
| 20 | 21-30 |
| 30 | 31-40 |
| 40 | 41-55 |
| 50 | 51-65 |
| 60 | 61-80 |
| 70 | 71-90 |
Other consequences include:
- Licence Revocation for New Drivers: New drivers (within 2 years of passing) risk losing their licence if they hit 6 points.
- Higher Insurance Premiums: More points and court convictions can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket—sometimes for years, as most insurance companies want to know if you have had any endorsements in the last 5 years.
- Enforcement Action: Unpaid fines can lead to bailiffs and added fees.
In summary
Fixed Penalty Notices are designed to streamline the justice process for minor offences. But they are still legal documents with serious implications. If you receive one, act promptly and ensure you comply with both the payment and the licence endorsement requirements.
If you’re unsure about your options or believe the notice was issued in error, seek legal advice or contact the issuing authority immediately. A little action now can save you a lot of stress later.
If you have received an FPN and you are unsure how to deal with it, it is extremely important to seek specialist legal advice before responding to any paperwork. Contact our specialist Road Traffic Defence Team today for a free initial consultation. Call us today at 0161 930 5151, email us at crimeandregulatoryteam@gorvins.com or fill in the online form.