Speed limits
Speed limits are set for the safety of all road users and they vary for different classes of vehicle and types of road. The best way to avoid speeding penalties is to know your limits, remember them … and stick to them.
| Built-up Areas* |
Elsewhere | Motorways | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single carriage- ways |
Dual carriage- ways |
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| Road signs | ||||
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|
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|
| Type of vehicle | MPH | MPH | MPH | MPH |
 Cars and motorcycles (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight) |
30 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
 Cars towing caravans (including car derived vans and motorcycles) |
30 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
 Buses and coaches (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length) |
30 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
 Goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) |
30 | 50 | 60 | 70** |
 Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) |
30 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
These are the national speed limits and apply to all roads unless signs show otherwise
* The 30 mph limit applies to all traffic on all roads in England and Wales (only Class C and unclassified roads in Scotland) with street lighting unless signs show otherwise)
** 60 if articulated or towing a trailer
Built up areas generally have roads with street lights. Unless signed otherwise, the speed limit is always 30mph, no matter the number of lanes.
Single carriageway is an undivided road with no centre barrier.
Dual carriageway is a two way divided road with a central barrier that you are able to cross from side roads.
Motorway is a two way divided road with a central barrier containing slip roads. It is only possible to access a motorway via slip roads and there is no crossway traffic.