Speed limits in the UK: know the laws

Speed limits in the UK: know the laws
When was the last time you brushed up on the rules around UK speed limits?

If you don’t know the ins and outs of the law, you could risk your safety and the safety of others – not to mention face a fine, penalty points or even disqualification.

Remember, ignorance isn’t a defence.

While the Transport Secretary decides whether an 80mph limit would be suitable for our motorways, we’ve researched the current rules and laid them out for you below.

UK speed limits: the law

Speed limits were first introduced in the UK in 1861 as part of the Locomotives on Highways Act, and limited vehicles to 10mph. 

The Locomotive Act 1865 reduced this to just 4mph in the country and an agonising 2mph in the city!

Thankfully, things have moved on a bit since then and today UK car speed limits are generally 30mph in urban areas, 60mph on main single-carriageway roads, and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

There are exceptions, however, and many speed limits depend on the type of vehicle. For example, most vans are only allowed to travel at 60mph on dual carriageways and 50mph on national-speed-limit single carriageway roads. As well as this, caravans of any type are only allowed to drive at 30mph in built-up areas.

It’s important to remember that speed limits should be treated as an absolute maximum – it’s not always safe to drive at this speed in all conditions.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence. If you clock up 12 or more penalty points within three years, you could be disqualified from driving.

UK national speed limits for different roads

Type of vehicleBuilt-up areasSingle carriagewaysDual carriagewaysMotorways
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans* and dual-purpose vehicles30mph60mph70mph70mph
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles towing caravans or trailers30mph50mph60mph60mph
Motorhomes or motor caravans (under 3.05 tonnes max unladen weight)30mph60mph70mph70mph
Motorhomes or motor caravans (over 3.05 tonnes max unladen weight)30mph50mph60mph70mph
Buses, coaches and minibuses (under 12m overall length)30mph50mph60mph70mph
Buses, coaches and minibuses (over 12m overall length)30mph50mph60mph60mph
Goods vehicles (under 7.5 tonnes max laden weight)30mph50mph60mph70mph (60mph if articulated or towing trailer)
Goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes max laden weight) in England and Wales30mph50mph60mph60mph
Goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes max laden weight) in Scotland30mph40mph50mph60mph
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*What is a car-derived van?

Car-derived vans are a type of van that is based on the same platform as cars, and are typically designed to weigh no more than two tonnes when fully loaded.

They usually look similar to cars, but without rear windows or seats. Popular examples include Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta vans.

Because these generally drive the same way as cars, they are allowed to follow the same speed limits as standard cars.

Be careful: if you’re not sure whether a van you’re driving is car-derived, check the log book (V5). The ‘body type’ section will tell you whether it’s a car-derived van.

Most vans are not car-derived, and subject to lower speed limits than cars. This includes Ford Transits and the smaller Transit Connect.

National speed limits

Highway_Code_Road_Signs_National_Speed_Limit_Applies

For cars, the national speed limit usually refers to the 70mph limit on motorways and dual carriageways, and the 60mph limit on single carriageways.

The national speed limit sign is a white circle with a single black diagonal stripe through it.

The national speed limit of 30mph on built up roads is signalled on road signs featuring the number within a red circle.

They are often enforced by fixed speed cameras or temporary camera vans positioned in speeding hotspots.

The most serious speeding offences end up in court and could result in a hefty fine or even a driving ban.

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Fixed speed limits

fixed-speed-limit

Fixed speed limits are the most common kind of speed limit.

These are usually identified by a number within a red circle on road signs entering the speed limited area – such as a ‘30’ when entering an urban area.

Outside 20, 30, 40 or 50mph zones, the majority of UK roads are classed as ‘national speed limit’, denoted by a grey, circular sign with a single, black, diagonal stripe through it.

For cars, 'national speed limit' means a limit of 60mph on single carriageway roads and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

Fixed speed limits are often enforced by fixed ‘Gatso’ speed cameras or temporary camera vans positioned in speeding hotspots.

The most serious speeding offences end up in court and could result in a hefty fine or even a driving ban.

Local speed limits

speed-limits-local

Local councils can introduce their own speed limits – although these must be clearly signed. Look for signs featuring a number within a red circle.

In areas where vulnerable road users such as children and cyclists are frequently found, a 20mph limit is often enforced.

These could be on small residential roads or near schools, and are often enforced by traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and chicanes to physically slow cars down.

Research from 2019 found that 20mph speed limits are only proving effective in areas that also have speed bumps.

On single lane carriageways with sharp bends, local councils can enforce a 50mph limit rather than the usual 60.

Variable speed limits

speed-limits-variable-motorway

Variable speed limits are increasingly being used on so-called ‘smart motorways’ across the UK.

These monitor traffic flow and can make adjustments to reduce congestion when required – for example, by operating the hard shoulder as a live traffic lane, or introducing a temporary speed limit when there’s congestion ahead.

This variable speed limit is displayed on the gantries across motorways, and usually enforced by average speed cameras behind the signs.

They can be introduced for safety reasons, such as during roadworks or if there’s a stranded vehicle ahead, or to slow down traffic and ease congestion further up the motorway.

Variable speed limits are popular on the UK’s busiest motorways, including the M25, M1 and M6.

The penalty for breaking a variable speed limit is the same as for breaking a fixed one.

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Minimum speed limits

Minimum speed limits are rare in the UK, but they do exist in places where going too slowly can cause increased congestion or high risk of a crash, such as in tunnels.

They’re marked by a blue, circular sign containing the minimum speed limit, while the end of a minimum speed limit is signalled by the same sign with a red diagonal line through it.

Although there isn’t an official minimum speed limit on most motorways, travelling too slowly can be considered dangerous and you might attract the attention of the police.

In this case, you’d usually be let off with a verbal warning, but you could be prosecuted for careless driving.

Are speed limiters a legal requirement?

It’s a legal requirement for speed limiters to be fitted to vehicles with more than eight passenger seats, such as buses, coaches and limousines, as well as goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.

They usually work by restricting the fuel supply to the engine when the vehicle reaches its maximum speed, and mean some vehicles aren’t capable of reaching or breaking speed limits.

Many fleet operators also fit them in a bid to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy.

Most manufacturers are also now offering manual speed limiters, which drivers can set themselves. They’re a useful way to ensure you don’t unintentionally break the limit in, for example, average speed zones.

The European Commission provisionally approved rules that speed limiters will become mandatory for all vehicles sold in Europe from 2022. The Department for Transport say the UK will follow suit, even after our exit from the EU.

UK speed limits FAQs

  • What is the national speed limit?

    There is no single national speed limit in the UK. Rules vary according to road and vehicle type, and in some cases, by country. For example, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in Scotland are limited to drive at 40mph on single carriageways, whereas the same vehicles can drive up to 50mph in England and Wales.

    The highest speed limit in the UK is 70mph, this applies to cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles on motorways and dual carriageways. The same vehicles can drive at a maximum speed of 60mph on single carriageways.

  • Are all dual carriageways 70mph?

    Speed limits on many dual carriageways fall below 70mph. Local councils can set the reduced limits for the safety of drivers and other road users, although these must be clearly signed.

  • Is there a minimum speed limit on the motorway?

    There is no minimum speed limit that applies to all UK motorways. Instead, minimum speed limits are signalled with a blue circular sign and a number in white. Signs at the end of minimum speed limit zones feature the same blue circle and white number, with an added red diagonal line.

  • Is driving too slowly illegal in the UK?

    While there is no law for driving too slowly, the police can charge you for “driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users”.

    This CD30 endorsement carries 3 to 9 penalty points.

  • How many mph can you go over the speed limit?

    All speed limits in the UK, both national and locally set, are absolute – you can be charged for going just 1mph over them.

    However, research from last year suggests some discretion is used and that the vast majority of speed cameras will only be activated when driving 10% above the limit, plus 2mph.

  • Are you allowed to speed in an emergency?

    There are no exceptions where a non-emergency vehicle can break speed limits on UK roads.

  • What is the maximum speed limit in the UK?

    The maximum speed limit in the UK is 70mph. Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles can travel at this speed on motorways and dual carriageways.

  • What is the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway?

    Dual carriageways feature physically separated lanes, with green rather than blue signs. They can also be used by cyclists.

    Look out for signs reading ‘Dual carriageway ahead’.

    Motorways also feature a central reserve or barriers between lanes, but come with their own distinguishing features. All motorway junctions are numbered, motorway signs are blue where dual carriageway signs are green, and all motorways are named with an ‘M’ followed by a number.

    Look out for blue signs with images of a road and overhead gantry at the start of motorways and the same image with a red diagonal line at the end of a motorway.

  • What is the penalty for driving at 40 mph in a 30mph zone?

    Driving at 40mph in a 30mph zone will see you charged a minimum penalty of a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. If you clock up 12 or more penalty points within three years you could be disqualified from driving.

Speeding in the UK - FAQs

  • What is the speed limit for a 3.5 ton van?

    In the UK, the speed limit for a 3.5 ton van is 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways, and 50mph on single carriageways. However, it is important to note that these speed limits can be affected by other factors such as the type of road and the local council.

    If you are driving a 3.5 ton van on an A road, then the speed limit will most likely be 60mph. On B roads, the speed limit is usually 50mph, and on C roads it is usually 40mph. For all other roads, it’s important to check the local signage.

  • Why are vans limited to 62 mph?

    Vans are limited to 62mph for a variety of reasons. The first is that vans are generally larger and heavier than other types of vehicles, making them less agile and less able to handle the high speeds that lighter cars can achieve. Vans also have higher centres of gravity than other vehicles, which can make them more prone to rollover accidents at higher speeds.

    In addition, most vans are not designed to reach speeds of more than 62mph. This means that their brakes and engine components may not be able to handle the strain of going faster. Vans also often have large windows, which can create air resistance that can limit the speed at which a van can safely travel.

    Finally, 62 mph is the speed limit set by many manufacturers for vans due to safety and speed limits.

  • What is the speed limit for a van?

    The speed limit for a van in the UK is 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways, and 50mph on single carriageways. If you are driving a van on an A road, then the speed limit will most likely be 60mph. On B roads, the speed limit is usually 50mph, and on C roads it is usually 40mph. For all other roads, it’s important to check the local signage.

  • What are the speed limits for vans in the UK?

    Speed limits for vans in the UK are 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways, 50mph on single carriageways, and on C roads it is usually 40mph. Always check the road signs for other information.

  • Is there a different speed limit for vans?

    Speed limits for vans and cars are broadly the same up to 50mph speed limits. Speed limits for vans in the UK are 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways, 50mph on single carriageways, and on C roads it is usually 40mph. However, you should always check the road signs for other information.

  • How much over the speed limit can you go before getting a ticket?

    The general rule for getting a speeding ticket, is if you exceed the speed limited by ‘10% plus 2mph’. However, the fact remains that it is illegal to drive at 1mph over the speed limit and you can still be prosecuted if its deemed dangerous.

  • Can you do 70mph in a van on motorway?

    Yes, the maximum speed limit for a van on a UK motorway is 70mph. However, if you are towing a trailer, then this limit is dropped to 60mph.