Free speeding fine appeal letter template
Use this letter to contest a Notice of Intended Prosecution or fixed penalty for speeding — for example where signage was missing, the alleged speed is disputed, or you were not the driver. Do not ignore the s172 requirement to identify the driver: that duty remains.
Who this letter is for
Challenge a speeding fine or fixed penalty notice in writing. It is written in the formal register companies, landlords and card issuers expect, and it records the facts, the remedy sought and the deadline in a way that supports any later escalation to an ombudsman or the courts.
How to use this template
- 1Check the NIP reference, the alleged speed and location, and the date the notice was served.
- 2Respond within 28 days — the duty to identify the driver applies even when you contest the offence.
- 3Download the template and set out your ground: identity, signage, calibration or time limits.
- 4Request disclosure of the calibration certificate and photographic evidence where speed is disputed.
- 5Send to the address on the notice and keep proof of posting.
What to include before you send it
- Respond to the NIP within 28 days even when contesting — ignoring it is a separate offence.
- Check the NIP was served within 14 days of the alleged offence (registered keepers).
- State your ground precisely: identity, signage, calibration, or exceptional hardship.
The rights you are relying on
Road Traffic Act 1988 s172 (duty to identify the driver), Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, and the statutory time limits for serving a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
The letter template
[Your name] [Your address] [Email address] · [Phone number] [Date] [Police central ticket office / processing unit] [Address] Reference: [NIP / offence reference number] Re: Notice of Intended Prosecution [REFERENCE] — alleged offence on [DATE] at [LOCATION] Dear Sir or Madam, I write in response to the above Notice of Intended Prosecution dated [DATE] relating to vehicle [REGISTRATION]. [Choose and complete the applicable ground: - I was not the driver of the vehicle at the time. The driver was [NAME] of [ADDRESS], whose details I provide in accordance with s172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. - I dispute the alleged speed of [SPEED]. I ask for disclosure of the calibration certificate and photographic or video evidence before deciding how to respond. - The notice was first served on [DATE], more than 14 days after the alleged offence, and I understand it is therefore out of time. - The speed limit signage at [LOCATION] was [missing / obscured / contradictory]; photographs are enclosed.] [Optional: I would ask you to consider offering a speed awareness course in the alternative, having regard to [my clean driving record / the circumstances].] Please confirm receipt of this response in writing and advise of the next steps. I reserve all of my rights. Yours faithfully, [Your name] Enclosures: photographs, supporting evidence.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I ignore a Notice of Intended Prosecution?
- No. You must respond within 28 days to identify the driver under s172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, even if you intend to contest the offence. Failing to respond is a separate offence carrying six points.
- What if the NIP arrived more than 14 days after the offence?
- For a registered keeper, a first NIP served more than 14 days after the alleged offence is generally out of time, which can be a complete defence. State this clearly in your response.
Turn this example into your own formal letter
The £0.59 option creates one formal letter using your names, dates, sums and evidence. The £3.99 Case File also includes an email, evidence checklist, action plan and follow-up notice.
Or read more about our personalised appeal letter.
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