What happens if I want the Magistrates Court to decide my fine?

If you plead guilty, the Magistrates’ Court will consider the offence and your financial circumstances to determine the fine you will be ordered to pay and the number of penalty points to be endorsed on your driving licence; they will also order payment of a Victim Surcharge and typically, prosecution costs of £85.

If you are found guilty in your absence (where no plea is provided for the hearing) the fine will likely increase. If your case proceeds to trial and you are found guilty, the fine and prosecution costs may be considerably higher.