Speeding: fines and the obligation to notify the driver

Racing too much behind the wheel can be expensive: speeding is one of the most common complaints, as well as one of the main causes of road accidents. According to Aci-Stati data, in 2019 there were 1,947,241 fines for exceeding the permitted limits out of a total of 6,340,120, numbers that place speeding in second place among the most sanctioned offenses behind only the violation the discipline of arrest, stopping and parking. Accident statistics also highlight the dangers of too casual driving: excessive speed is in third place among the causes after distracted driving and lack of precedence. For these reasons it is sanctioned with particular firmness: the amount of the fine increases as the speed detected increases and can be combined with ancillary sanctions such as the deduction of points. Furthermore, there is an obligation to communicate the driver’s data when the infringement is detected with the speed camera.

THE PENALTIES PROVIDED FOR EXCEEDING SPEED

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Administrative penalties for speeding go from 41 to 168 euros when the limit is exceeded by no more than 10 km / h; when the limit is exceeded by more than 10 km / h but not more than 40 km / h, the penalty ranges from 168 to 674 euros. This sum rises from 527 to 2,108 euros if the limit is exceeded by more than 40 km / h but not more than 60 km / h; finally, if the limit is exceeded by more than 60 km / h, the penalty ranges from 821 to 3,287 euros. All amounts are increased by a third if the violation is committed during the night, from 10 pm to 7 am. The penalties are also combined with the deduction of points from the driving license: for an excess of speed between 10 and 40 km / h they are 3 points less, which become 6 if the excess speed is between 40 and 60 km / h; speeding exceeding 60 km / h is finally punished with a deduction of 10 points.

THE OBLIGATION TO COMMUNICATE THE DRIVER’S GENERAL INFORMATION

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When speeding is detected by an automatic system such as a Tutor or speed camera, the Highway Code requires – for the vehicle owner – to communicate the personal details and license number of the person behind the wheel. In the event that the law enforcement agencies do not receive any response, an increase of the fine of € 286.00 is applied, which is triggered automatically. A very contested rule because it could happen that the owner does not remember who he entrusted the vehicle to when the speeding was detected. An event that is possible only in particular conditions and all to be proved by the factual evidence, such as in the presence of a significant period of time between the infringement and the notification of the report with a request for information or in the circumstance in which the vehicle is usually used by multiple drivers. Eventualities that must be demonstrated, otherwise the responsibility of the holder is triggered.