- Guy Martin was caught twice by speed cameras while riding his Honda Africa Twin
- Accumulating 12 or more penalty points on his licence triggered an automatic ban
- Martin accepted the driving ban and chose not to appeal
The 44-year-old mechanic, motorcycle racer and television star Guy Martin has been banned from driving any motor vehicle on public roads for six months. The ruling was handed down by a single magistrate at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court last week in a private hearing. It was based on two speeding offences Martin committed while riding his motorcycle. On both occasions he was caught by fixed speed cameras, and on both occasions he was riding his Honda Africa Twin.
Two Offences on British A-Roads
The first incident occurred on 15 July last year on the A50 near Leicester. Martin was travelling at 46 mph (approximately 74 km/h) shortly before 5 pm, despite a speed limit of 40 mph (approximately 64 km/h) on that stretch of road. The excess was around 10 km/h.
The second offence was considerably more serious. On 19 March this year, Martin was clocked at 9:24 am on the A43 near Brackley doing 78 mph (approximately 126 km/h). A temporary speed limit of 50 mph (approximately 80 km/h) was in force on that section due to construction work on the British high-speed rail project HS2, reduced from the regular limit of 70 mph (approximately 113 km/h). Martin was therefore almost 46 km/h over the limit.
Both offences were prosecuted by the police authorities in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Automatic Ban Through the Points System
In the United Kingdom, accumulating 12 or more penalty points on a driving licence triggers an automatic disqualification, known as “totting up.” Martin had reached or exceeded this threshold with his two new offences. He could have applied for an “exceptional hardship” plea to argue that the ban would cause undue hardship. He deliberately chose not to do so.
Through his solicitors at Chattertons Solicitors, Martin informed the court: “He apologises to the court for his offending. He will not be opposing the totting up six-month disqualification.”
The case was dealt with under the “Single Justice Procedure,” a simplified process for less serious offences that does not require a public hearing. Martin agreed to this approach and did not appear in court in person. In addition to the driving ban, he was ordered to pay a total of £1,329 (approximately €1,550 / $1,720). This includes the actual fines, court costs and a victim surcharge.
From TT Podium to Speed Camera Photo
The irony of the case will not have been lost on anyone. Guy Martin has built his entire career on speed. Between 2003 and 2015, and again in 2017, he competed at the Isle of Man TT, where he achieved 17 podium finishes. The Tourist Trophy is regarded as the most dangerous road race in the world, with riders reaching average speeds of over 210 km/h. Martin himself has lapped the course at an average speed of more than 132 mph (approximately 212 km/h).
After retiring from active racing in 2017, the Lincolnshire native made a name for himself primarily as a television presenter. His show “Speed With Guy Martin” on Channel 4 became a hit with audiences. He also set several world records: the fastest tractor, the fastest soapbox car and the highest speed ever achieved on a gravity-powered toboggan.
Martin is currently working on his most ambitious project yet. Using an extensively modified Suzuki Hayabusa, he aims to break the 300 mph (approximately 483 km/h) barrier from a standing start over a distance of one mile, which would make him the fastest person on a conventional motorcycle.
Six Months Without Motorised Transport
For the next six months, Martin must forgo any motorised transport on public roads. Given that he works full-time as a truck mechanic alongside his television career and is known as an avid cyclist, the driving ban is likely to restrict his daily life at least to some extent. His bicycle, however, remains available to him — albeit at considerably reduced speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why was Guy Martin banned from driving?
Martin had accumulated at least 12 penalty points on his driving licence. In the United Kingdom, reaching this threshold automatically triggers a six-month driving ban, known as totting up. The ban was triggered by two speeding offences on his motorcycle.
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How fast was Guy Martin when he was caught speeding?
In the first incident on the A50 near Leicester, Martin was doing 46 mph (approximately 74 km/h) in a 40 mph zone. In the second incident on the A43 near Brackley, he was clocked at 78 mph (approximately 126 km/h) despite a temporary 50 mph limit due to HS2 construction work.
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What motorcycle was Guy Martin riding when he was caught speeding?
Martin was riding a Honda Africa Twin on both occasions. The adventure touring model from Honda was the same motorcycle captured by speed cameras during both incidents.
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How many podium finishes does Guy Martin have at the Isle of Man TT?
Martin achieved 17 podium finishes during his active racing career at the Tourist Trophy. He competed at the Isle of Man road race between 2003 and 2015, and once more in 2017.
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