Why Speeding Fines Aren't Negotiable

Many Highway Traffic Act offences give a court a range to work within when setting a fine. Speeding is different — the fine is fixed by a statutory calculation with no built-in discretion.

What to Know

• The fine for a speeding conviction is calculated by a fixed government formula tied to how far over the limit the alleged speed was.
• A judge cannot lower that number simply because the circumstances seem sympathetic.
• At an early resolution meeting, the only fine legally available for a straightforward speeding matter is the applicable set fine — there is no room to negotiate the dollar figure itself.
• Because the number itself cannot move, the more realistic path to a better outcome is negotiating the charge — for example, resolving to a lower recorded speed or a different offence.