Tougher penalties for drivers caught speeding come into effect today (Monday, April 24).

They apply to all offenders aged 18 and older regardless of the date of the offence.

New guidelines have been issued for 27 offences, including speeding, sexual offences and drug offences.

Speeding

From April 24, a new higher penalty will be introduced.

Fines for the most serious breaches will have a starting point of 150% of a person's weekly income rather than the existing level of 100%.

So, if someone is caught doing 41mph and above in a 20mph zone or 101mph on a motorway, where the limit is 70mph, they could be fined 150% of their weekly income.

The new rules:

Fines are determined in categories – a Band A fine is 50% of someone's weekly income, Band B is 100% and Band C is 150%.

The fines are ranked depending on how far in excess of the limit a driver is going.

There is a range, and anyone facing a Band C fine could see it upped to 175% of their income.

Drivers will also face points, or a disqualification depending on the offence.

poll loading

Do you agree that speeding fines should be made tougher?