Paul Scholes banned from driving for speeding
August 18, 2026 14:27
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been disqualified from driving for six months after two separate driving convictions that were recorded on consecutive days in August. The first conviction related to a speeding incident in his Range Rover on the evening of 3 March; the second concerned a matter connected to a speeding incident involving his Mercedes on 14 November of the previous year.
The first hearing, at Bradford Magistrates' Court on 12 August, imposed the six-month ban together with fines. At Manchester Magistrates' Court the following day he was given six penalty points and further fines. Both matters were dealt with under the Single Justice Procedure and court records say Scholes did not enter pleas and was convicted in his absence.
KEY CONTEXT
Court documents show the Range Rover was detected speeding just after 23:30 BST on 3 March on the A649 (Halifax Road) near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire; Scholes responded to a notice of intended prosecution admitting he was the driver. The Mercedes was recorded on the A670 (Mossley Road) near Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, at 11:10 BST on 14 November. Police say two letters about the latter were sent to his home but received no reply; the force later dropped the speeding charge and proceeded with prosecution for failure to reply.
The papers also note Scholes could not be offered a speed awareness course because he was a "totter" — a term used when a driver already has penalty points and therefore faces an automatic disqualification.
WHY IT MATTERS
The outcome resulted in an immediate driving ban and penalty points that reflect legal consequences beyond fines for repeat or continued driving offences. The case also illustrates how the Single Justice Procedure can be used to process motoring offences without an in-person court appearance. For followers of Scholes, the developments touch on post-playing conduct involving a high-profile former England international and longtime Manchester United player.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The BBC report does not state whether Scholes will seek to challenge the convictions or appeal the sentences, nor does it specify when the ban begins. There is no further procedural information provided about any additional court dates or related legal steps.
KEY FACTS
- Scholes was disqualified from driving for six months and fined at Bradford Magistrates' Court on 12 August.
- A second hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court on 13 August added six penalty points and further fines.
- Range Rover speeding incident: just after 23:30 BST on 3 March on A649 (Halifax Road) near Cleckheaton; Scholes admitted being the driver.
- Mercedes incident: recorded at 11:10 BST on 14 November on A670 (Mossley Road) near Ashton-under-Lyne; police say two letters were sent with no reply and the speeding allegation was later dropped.
- Proceedings were handled under the Single Justice Procedure; Scholes did not enter pleas and was convicted in his absence.
- Scholes made 499 appearances for Manchester United and won 66 caps for England, claiming 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during his career.