What is the National Speed Limit? UK Drivers’ Guide

Introduced in 1965 to improve the UK’s road safety, the National Speed Limit is the maximum speed you can drive a vehicle on certain roads within the country.

While this limit depends on the type of vehicle you are driving and where you are, there are some clear and defined rules that drivers must follow while on UK roads.

It's important to remember that the national speed limit is not a target speed, with drivers being expected to adjust their vehicle’s speed according to road, weather and traffic conditions.

Read on to learn what is the UK’s national speed limit on a single or dual carriageway, with important information on signage and the penalties for speeding offences.

In the UK, the national speed limit will vary depending on the road you are travelling on, the vehicle you are driving and its weight. Use the table below to learn what the national speed limit is on a single or dual carriageway, motorway or a built-up area

What is a single-carriageway road?
A single-carriageway road consists of a single stretch of road, with traffic flowing in both directions, separated by a dividing line. These can have multiple lanes on each side, which all sit on the same stretch of tarmac. Commonly found in rural areas, single-carriageways usually have lower speed limits compared to dual-carriageways and motorways.

What is a dual-carriageway road?
Dual-carriageway roads are designed to handle a higher volume of traffic and consist of two separate carriageways, divided by a central reservation or barrier. You’ll often find dual carriageway roads in urban areas or between cities.

What are motorways?
Similar to a dual-carriageway, motorways are high-speed roads designed for long-distance travel between cities. They are typically divided highways with three lanes of traffic for each direction, separated by a physical barrier. However, there are also two-lane motorways with a hard shoulder lane. Motorways differ from dual carriageways as they are only intended for motor vehicles, with learner drivers or cyclists not permitted to use them.

The UK has a range of different types of speed limits, each with its own rules and regulations. These limits are put in place to improve safety, manage traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents on the road. Here are the different types of speed limits within the UK and how to spot them:

What are fixed speed limits?
Fixed speed limits are the most common speed restrictions, easily identifiable as a number within a red and white sign. These are usually established by local authorities or national agencies based on the road’s design, surrounding area or anything else that would affect safety.

What are variable speed limits?
Variable speed limits are speed limits that can change depending on several factors, including traffic, road and weather conditions. You’ll typically find variable speed limits on motorways displayed on electronic traffic signs indicating the maximum speed.

What are minimum speed limits?
Although the UK doesn’t have a national minimum speed limit, some roads will provide signage displaying the slowest speed that you can safely drive at. While there is no law preventing driving at slow speeds, travelling too slowly can be dangerous and can lead to being pulled over for dangerous driving. In certain areas, such as tunnels, you’ll find a circular blue road sign providing the minimum speed at which you can safely travel.

What are locally set speed limits?
To address specific road safety concerns, manage traffic flow or to slow traffic around high-risk areas, such as schools or hospitals, local authorities can set local speed limits. These are enforceable by law and should be followed the same as any other speed limit.

To better help you drive in the know, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding speed limits in the UK:

How much can you go over the speed limit in the UK?
It’s important to know what the national speed limit is in England, but it’s also just as important to know how the law is policed. On paper, as soon as you exceed the speed limit, you are committing a driving offence. However, the NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council) recommend to their officers to use their discretion while enforcing driving laws.

While officers can enforce speed violations how they deem appropriate, they often operate using the ‘10% rule’, where speeding tickets are handed out if drivers are caught exceeding the speed limit by 10% plus 2. For example, if a driver is going 35 in a 30mph zone, they are exceeding the 10% rule.

Before you set off, remember that this is simply a recommendation. Police are under no obligation to ignore your offence, even if you are only just above the limit. That’s why we recommend avoiding the potential headache and always sticking within the defined speed limits.

What is the penalty for speeding?
The penalty for speeding in the UK varies depending on the severity of the offence, including your previous driving history and the area the offence was committed in. Generally, the minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to your licence. However, for more serious offences, you could be summoned to court and face fines of up to £2,500, a driving ban or even a prison sentence.

In some instances, for minor speeding offences, you may be offered the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving points on your licence. Keep in mind that you may only attend a course once every three years.

For more information on speeding penalties, visit the Gov.uk website.

Is there a minimum speed limit?
While you’ll now already know what the maximum speed limit in the UK is, you may be asking what is the minimum speed limit? In the UK, there actually is no national minimum speed limit. However, it is illegal to drive so slowly that you may cause an obstruction to other road users, potentially causing them harm. This means that if you are driving significantly below the speed limit, you could be fined or even prosecuted.

What is the speed limit when towing a caravan?
When using your vehicle to tow a caravan, there are certain rules that must be kept in mind before setting off. While speed limits are generally the same as for any other vehicle, there are some exceptions. When towing a caravan on a single-carriageway road, you must stay below 50mph unless a lower limit is signposted. On a dual carriageway, the speed limit when towing a caravan is 60mph unless otherwise indicated.

It’s important to keep in mind that you should always drive at a speed that is safe and appropriate for the road and weather conditions, and that towing a caravan can affect the handling and braking of your vehicle.

So there you have it, our guide to speed limits within the UK. You should now know what the national speed limit in the UK is on a single or dual carriageway, as well as the different types of speed limits and how they are signposted. We hope that we’ve cleared up any misconceptions about national speed limits you may have had, helping you to drive in the know.

For more information on driving within the UK, visit our Road Rules guide, with essential information on seatbelt laws, traffic signs and child seat safety.

To see more of the UK’s exceptional roads, or for guides on some of the best road trips around the globe, read our great drives guide. From day trips to multi-stop adventures, our travel experts have compiled some of the very best excursions worldwide to enjoy with Avis.