Motorists are being warned about a widespread speed limit myth that could land them with hefty fines and points on their licence.

It seems drivers clinging to the belief that they can exceed the speed limit by 10 percent without repercussions are in for a rude awakening.

The enduring myth of the "10 percent plus 2mph rule" has led many to mistakenly think they're safe from penalties, allowing them to travel at speeds like 35mph in a 30mph zone under this flawed assumption.

ClickMechanic's CEO Andrew Jervis has issued a stark warning: "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."

Jervis emphasised the dangers of adhering to this misconception: "The misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines and/or points on their licence, but can cause fatal road traffic collisions.

"As road users, we all have a responsibility to drive with consideration for others to ensure our highways are safe for all to use."

He clarified that the origin of the 10 per cent leniency idea stems from guidelines for police enforcement, not a public entitlement.

"In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces - and not a rule for members of the public," added Mr Jervis, reports Birmingham Live.

The regulation acknowledges that police speed guns may not always be 100 percent accurate. 

The least severe penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and the addition of 3 penalty points to your licence.

If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a span of three years, you could face disqualification from driving. The government provides a tool for drivers to check their licence record for any points.