Drivers have been urged not to exceed a commonly-held belief around vehicles speeding which could still see motorists fined for breaking the law.
One expert has warned drivers that the 10 per cent rule is merely a “guideline” for the police and should not be used in practice.
Drivers who breach the speed limit can still be fined a minimum penalty of £100 fine and be given three penalty points on their licence.
In more serious cases, however, drivers could be charged up to £1,000 or £2,500 if they were driving on a motorway.
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Drivers could be fined up to £1,000 for speeding
PAAccording to Andrew Jervis, CEO of Click Mechanic, he said: “Speeding costs lives and should never be encouraged, regardless of whether it can land you in trouble or not.
"Speed limits are not arbitrary figures; they are carefully determined based on factors such as road design, traffic flow, and pedestrian activity.
“They should not be taken as a target that is there to be exceeded, and failure to adhere to the rules of the road can have serious consequences.
“In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces - and not a rule for members of the public.”
Jervis explained that the misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines but can cause “fatal road traffic collisions”.
As road users, drivers have a responsibility to drive with “consideration” for others to ensure highways are safe for all to use, he added.
All vehicles must stick to the speed limits set out on public roads, including a 70mph limit on motorways and dual carriageways.
Single carriageways have a reduced speed limit of 60mph, while drivers in areas with street lighting can vary between 20mph or 30mph.
The 10 per cent leeway guideline means that, in practice, if a motorist was driving 79mph on a 70mphmotorway they could avoid punishment.
The original measures were issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
It detailed how the speeding rules are designed to consider the use of speed guns which may not be 100 per cent accurate.
However, it is also stated the guidelines “do not and cannot” replace a police officer’s discretion, meaning it is no guarantee of avoiding prosecution.
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Police operate on 10 per cent guidelines for speeding
PAFor drivers caught speeding by a mobile or fixed camera, they can be issued with a penalty within 14 days of the offence.
