Receiving a letter about a possible driving offence can feel unsettling – especially if you weren’t expecting it.
If you do receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP), it helps to know that this is a standard, structured process, not an immediate judgement or accusation. Millions of drivers receive these notices each year and deal with them without issue.
This page explains what a NIP is, what it usually means, and how to approach it calmly and sensibly.
What is a Notice of Intended Prosecution?
A Notice of Intended Prosecution (often shortened to NIP) is a formal letter sent to the registered keeper of a vehicle when an alleged traffic offence may have occurred.
It does not establish guilt.
Its purpose is to:
- Notify the keeper that an incident is being considered
- Request confirmation of who was driving at the time
This step is required before anything else can happen.
The first thing to do if you receive one
The most important thing is to read the notice carefully and respond within the stated timeframe.
Most NIPs ask the registered keeper to confirm the identity of the driver. This is a legal requirement and is separate from any later outcome.
Taking this step promptly and calmly is usually the best approach.
What usually happens after you respond
Once driver details are confirmed, one of several things typically follows:
- No further action
- A fixed penalty offer
- An offer of an educational course (where applicable)
- Further correspondence explaining next steps
Many cases are resolved without court involvement, and the process is generally clear and structured.
What not to do
It’s understandable to feel anxious, but it’s usually unhelpful to:
- Panic or assume the worst
- Ignore deadlines
- Rely on speculation or online rumours
Each stage of the process is time-based and documented. Taking things one step at a time is often far less stressful than trying to predict outcomes early.
Where to find reliable, independent guidance
For clear, up-to-date information, it’s best to rely on official or independent sources rather than forums or hearsay.
These resources provide neutral explanations of the process:
Citizens Advice – impartial information on traffic offences and legal processes
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/traffic-offences/
GOV.UK – official guidance on speeding penalties and driving offences
https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties
If you do receive correspondence, this page explains how to approach it calmly and sensibly – without guesswork or unnecessary worry.
If you haven’t already, you can use our tool to understand what usually happens in the early stages: