UK speed limits: the national limits and the signs that set them
Every road in the UK has a speed limit, even when there is no number on a sign. This guide shows the national limits for each type of road and vehicle, and how to read the signs that change them.
A speed limit is a maximum, not a target. The Highway Code is clear that it does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed in every condition.
By Bikash Thapa, founder and editorPublished
Drafted with AI from the Highway Code and Department for Transport sources, then checked and approved by Bikash Thapa. How we write guides
The short version
- For cars and motorcycles, the national limits are 30 mph in built-up areas (20 mph in Wales), 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
- Towing a caravan or trailer, the limits drop to 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
- A white circle with a black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies for that road and vehicle.
- A number in a red circle is a maximum you must not exceed. A number in a blue circle is a minimum speed.
- On roads with street lights, the limit is 30 mph (20 mph in Wales) unless signs show otherwise.
National speed limits by road and vehicle
These limits apply unless signs show a different limit. A single carriageway has no central reservation; a dual carriageway has a central reservation separating the two directions.
| Vehicle | Built-up areas | Single carriageway | Dual carriageway | Motorway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles and car-derived vans (up to 2 tonnes laden) | 30 (20 in Wales) | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Cars towing caravans or trailers | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (up to 12 m long) | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes laden | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, England and Wales | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, Scotland | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
The Highway Code, Rule 124
The rules behind the limits
You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.
The Highway Code, Rule 124
The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions.
The Highway Code, Rule 125
Buses, coaches and minibuses over 12 metres long have a 60 mph limit on motorways. Articulated goods vehicles, and goods vehicles towing a trailer, also have a 60 mph motorway limit.
The Highway Code, Rule 124
Signs that set the speed limit
Speed limit signs follow the usual shape rule: a red circle is an order you must obey, and a blue circle gives a positive instruction. Larger signs mark where a limit starts; smaller repeater signs remind you of it.
A number in a red circle is the maximum speed, in miles per hour, at which traffic may travel, if it is safe to do so.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 21
The national speed limit sign means the national limit for the type of road and class of traffic applies.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 21
In areas of street lighting (other than on motorways), a speed limit of 30 mph applies unless signs show otherwise. In Wales, this limit is 20 mph.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 21
A larger sign marks the start of a speed limit; smaller repeater signs act as reminders. Repeaters for a 30 mph limit are only used on roads without street lighting.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 21
A number in a blue circle is the minimum speed permitted, unless it is impracticable or unsafe to comply.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 23
Maximum speed limit
Road sign
Order: a maximum speed
National speed limit
Road sign
The national limit applies
20 mph zone
Road sign
Order: 20 mph throughout the zone
Minimum speed
Road sign
Order: a minimum speed
Temporary and variable limits
Limits can change for road works or traffic conditions. What matters is whether the number is in a red circle.
Where variable speed limit signs on a motorway show the limit in a red circle, the limit is mandatory. Speed limits not shown in a red circle are the maximum speeds advised for the conditions.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 104
At road works, a yellow rectangular sign shows a maximum speed advised through the works. The end of a temporary mandatory limit is shown by the end of road works sign.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 160
Advised speed (motorway signal)
Road sign
Advised, not mandatory
Maximum speed advised at road works
Road sign
Advised speed at road works
Average speed check
Road sign
Cameras measure your average speed
Test yourself
Check you can tell these signs apart with the Regulatory Signs Quiz: 10 questions, with an explanation after each answer.
Take the Regulatory Signs QuizShare this guide
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- The Highway Code, Rules 124 and 125
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Speed limit signs, pp. 21 to 23; pp. 104 and 160
Checked against these sources and reviewed by Bikash Thapa, full UK driving licence holder. Last reviewed 13 October 2026. This guide explains the rules in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content
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