Speeding Tickets: How Many Before You Lose Your Licence?
The Points System: How It Works
In most places, speeding offences add points to your driving record. The more serious the offence, the more points you’ll receive. If you hit the maximum number of points allowed within a certain period (typically two to three years), you could face suspension or even revocation of your licence.
- Minor speeding offences – Usually result in 3 points, depending on how much you exceeded the limit.
- Moderate speeding – Going well over the limit can mean 4–6 points.
- Excessive speeding or reckless driving – In some cases, this can result in 6–8 points or even an instant ban.
The number of points required for a suspension varies. In some regions, reaching 12 points in three years leads to an automatic suspension, while other places have a lower or higher threshold.
How Many Tickets Before a Suspension?
There’s no single answer, as it depends on the severity of each ticket. A few minor speeding tickets over a few years might not be a huge issue, but several in a short space of time can get you in trouble quickly.
For example, if you get three minor speeding tickets (3 points each) within three years, you’d have 9 points – which may not be enough for an automatic suspension but will put you dangerously close. However, if you get caught speeding significantly over the limit just twice, with 6 points per offence, you’d hit 12 points quickly, leading to a suspension.
Fighting a Ticket: When a Lawyer Can Help
Not all speeding tickets are cut and dry. In some cases, you may be able to challenge the charge with the help of a lawyer from OTD Legal. This could be due to inaccurate speed camera readings, unclear signage, or other mitigating factors. If you believe you’ve been wrongly fined or if losing your licence would have a significant impact on your livelihood, it’s worth seeking legal advice. In some cases, penalties can be reduced or even overturned entirely.
New Drivers: Stricter Rules Apply
If you’re a newly qualified driver, you need to be extra careful. Many regions have stricter rules for new drivers, meaning they can lose their licence with far fewer points. Some places enforce a rule where accumulating just 6 points within the first two years results in an automatic revocation of your licence. That means even two minor speeding tickets could send you back to square one, requiring you to retake your driving test.
Speeding vs. Dangerous Driving
While a basic speeding offence usually results in points and a fine, excessive speeding can be classified as dangerous or reckless driving, which carries much harsher consequences. If you’re caught driving at an extreme speed—such as 50 km/h over the limit—you could face an immediate licence suspension, hefty fines, or even criminal charges in some cases.
What Happens if You Ignore a Ticket?
Ignoring a speeding ticket is never a good idea. Failing to pay fines or respond to notices can lead to more severe penalties, including additional fines, a licence suspension, or even legal action. If you receive a speeding ticket, it’s best to deal with it promptly, whether that means paying the fine, attending a driving course (if offered), or challenging it in court.
Can a Driving Course Reduce Your Points?
In some cases, attending a defensive driving or speed awareness course can help reduce points on your licence or prevent them from being added in the first place. This option is usually available for minor speeding offences and can be a good way to avoid penalties while improving your driving skills. However, it’s not always an option, and you can’t take these courses repeatedly to avoid consequences.
Will Your Insurance Go Up?
Accumulating speeding tickets doesn’t just risk your licence—it can also have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding offences as a sign of risky behaviour, which means premiums can increase after just one or two tickets. If you rack up multiple violations, you could be classified as a high-risk driver, making it difficult or extremely expensive to get insured.
How to Avoid Losing Your Licence
No one wants to deal with fines, points, or the stress of potentially losing their licence. Here are some simple ways to stay within the limits and keep your record clean:
- Know the speed limits – Be aware of changes in speed zones, especially in residential areas or near schools.
- Use cruise control – This can help maintain a steady speed, particularly on motorways or long stretches of road.
- Leave early – Rushing because you’re late is one of the most common reasons people speed. Give yourself extra time.
- Watch for speed cameras – Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common. Staying aware of their locations can help you avoid unnecessary tickets.
- Stay alert – Check your speedometer regularly, especially when transitioning between different speed zones.
Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Stay Legal
Losing your licence due to speeding tickets isn’t inevitable, but it can happen if you’re not careful. The key is to stay aware of your driving habits, keep an eye on your points, and make smart choices on the road. A couple of minor offences might not lead to an immediate suspension, but repeated violations—or a single serious one—can have lasting consequences. Drive responsibly, and you won’t have to worry about losing your licence anytime soon.
