UK speed limits explained

Driving can be confusing. While public transport takes the responsibility away from us, getting behind the wheel requires knowledge about the rules of the road.

One of the most important of these is speed limits, which vary depending on where you are and what you're driving. It can be a little confusing, especially for younger drivers with less experience.

Fortunately, we’ve put together a quick guide to make sure you’re on the right side of the law.

In This Guide:

• Speed limits by road type
• National speed limits
• Fixed speed limits
• Local speed limits
• Variable speed limits
• Beware of average speed checks
• Is there such a thing as a minimum speed limit?
• What happens if you don’t obey the speed limit?

Speed limits by road type

Speed limits are determined first and foremost by the road you're driving on. There are also slight differences depending on what vehicle you’re operating.

There’s a fair amount to take in, so the easiest way to understand is to check our list below:

	Built up areas	Single carriageways	Dual carriageways	Motorways
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles	30mph	60mph	70mph	70mph
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles when towing caravans or trailers	30mph	50mph	60mph	60mph
Motorhomes or motor caravans (not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight)	30mph	60mph	70mph	70mph
Motorhomes or motor caravans (more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight)	30mph	50mph	60mph	70mph
Buses, coaches and minibuses (not more than 12 metres overall length)	30mph	50mph	60mph	70mph
Buses, coaches and minibuses (more than 12 metres overall length)	30mph	50mph	60mph	60mph
Goods vehicles (not more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)	30mph	50mph	60mph	70mph (60mph if articulated or towing trailer)
Goods vehicles (more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in England and Wales	30mph	50mph	60mph	60mph
Goods vehicles (more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in Scotland	30mph	40mph	50mph	60mph

 

National speed limits

If you see a white circular sign with a black line through it, then that road is subject to the national speed limit. Generally, this refers to the following:

• 70mph for motorways and the majority of dual carriageways, 
• 60mphfor single carriageways
• 30mph for built-up areas

Fixed speed limits

The most frequently used types of speed restrictions will be fixed speed limits. You can see areas dictated by fixed speed limits by their distinctive signs, with a white circle and black numbers, surrounded by a ring of red. Often, they will have 20, 30, 40, or 50mph limitations.

Local speed limits

Local authorities will impose their own speed limits in certain areas. This is generally done in areas deemed to be at particular risk, for example near a school or on a road that has seen a high number of accidents. In situations where the slowest speed of 20mph is enforced, a local council might bring in additional measures such as speed bumps.

Variable speed limits

Whereas normal speed limits dictate the maximum speed a motorist may drive at, variable ones, much like they sound, change depending on the situation. Most often used on smart motorways, they will take into account driving conditions and calculate a figure.

If there is little risk, they will often revert to the national speed limit, and if conditions are poor e.g with fog and rain, it will come down to reduce the chances of a crash. They can also adapt to reduce congestions during periods of heavy traffic.

Beware of average speed checks

Average speed checks are becoming more and more common on Britain's roads. They operate slightly differently to normal limits, checking the time a vehicle takes to travel between two points, rather than mph at any one time.

These ensure that motorists maintain a safe standard of driving for prolonged periods of time, as opposed to just slowing down for cameras.