A speeding fine, also known as a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP), is typically sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the alleged speeding offence. This 14-day rule means the speeding ticket or fine should arrive in the mail within two weeks after the speed incident. However, there are exceptions where it can take longer due to factors like postal delays, holidays, wrong address, or if the car was hired and the notice needed to be forwarded from the hire company. Even if the notice arrives after 14 days, it may still be valid depending on the circumstances. The key is whether the police sent it within a reasonable time frame that would normally allow it to arrive within 14 days.
This 14-day rule applies primarily to the UK. For other countries, like Germany, it can take much longer—up to three months or more—especially if the vehicle was rented and the ticket goes first to the rental company.
Overall, in many cases within the UK, motorists should expect a speeding fine or notice within about two weeks, but delays due to administrative or postal reasons can extend this time.
