United Kingdom National Speed Limit Information

A speed limit is an enforced law which applies to all traffic & vehicles using public roads. It is important that you do not drive above the speed limit for the type of road & vehicle in use. It is not necessarily safe to drive at the same constant speed limit in all conditions. For the safety of other road users, it is illegal to travel faster than the speed limit in place. A limit of 30 Mph ( Miles per hour ) or 48 Kph ( Kilometers per hour ) generally applies to all vehicles on roads with street lighting unless there is a sign post stating otherwise. Local councils can implement their own speed limits in some areas, which must be sign posted. For example: 20 Mph limit in a built-up area near a college or school 50 Mph instead of a 60 Mph limit on a stretch of road with dangerous sharp bends

National Speed Limits By Vehicle Type & Road Type

Cars and motorcycles up to 2 tonnes:

• Built Up Area = 30 Mph
• Single Carriageway = 60 Mph
• Dual Carriageway = 70 Mph
• Motorway = 70 Mph

The suggested speed limit sticker for this type of vehicle is:

Vehicles towing caravans or trailers up to 7.5 tonnes:

• Built Up Area = 30 Mph
• Single Carriageway = 50 Mph
• Dual Carriageway = 60 Mph
• Motorway = 60 Mph

The suggested speed limit sticker for this type of vehicle is:

Buses, coaches up to 12 meters (39 ft) Or Goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes:

• Built Up Area = 30 Mph
• Single Carriageway = 50 Mph
• Dual Carriageway = 60 Mph
• Motorway = 70 Mph

The suggested speed limit sticker for this type of vehicle is:

Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes

• Built Up Area = 30 Mph
• Single Carriageway = 40 Mph
• Dual Carriageway = 50 Mph
• Motorway = 60 Mph

The suggested speed limit sticker for this type of vehicle is:

It is compulsory for some types of vehicles to have speed limiters which enforce a maximum speed by physical means. Earlier produced vehicles still in use do not have limiters fitted or have them set at a higher speeds. New vehicles should be fitted with limiters as follows:

• Buses and coaches: 65 Mph
• HGVs: 56 Mph
• Mopeds: 30 Mph

Speed limit stickers can be used to let other drivers know your vehicle is limited to a certain speed. Please see below for range of speed limit stickers.