UK Speed Limits by Road Type
National speed limits vary by road type and vehicle class. The table below summarises the legal limits across England, Scotland and Wales, with links to detailed pages for each road type.
| Road Type | Cars | Vans | Towing | HGV | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-up area | 30 mph | 30 mph | 30 mph | 30 mph | 30 mph |
| Single carriageway | 60 mph | 50 mph | 50 mph | 40 mph | 50 mph |
| Dual carriageway | 70 mph | 60 mph | 60 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph |
| Motorway | 70 mph | 70 mph | 60 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph |
All limits are maximum speeds. Always follow posted signs, which override the defaults.
Speed Limits by Road Type
Motorway Speed Limits
Standard and variable limits, smart motorway rules, and lane restrictions.
Learn moreDual Carriageway Speed Limits
National speed limits on dual carriageways for all vehicle types.
Learn moreSingle Carriageway Speed Limits
Limits for A-roads and B-roads without a central reservation.
Learn moreBuilt-Up Area Speed Limits
30 mph default, the new 20 mph zones, and how Wales differs from England.
Learn moreVan Speed Limits
Specific limits for vans and goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.
Learn moreUnderstanding UK Speed Limits
Speed limits in the United Kingdom are set under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and enforced by police forces and safety camera partnerships. The national speed limit depends on both the type of road and the class of vehicle being driven.
Built-up areas are defined as roads with street lighting placed no more than 200 yards apart. In England and Scotland, the default limit on these roads is 30 mph unless signs indicate otherwise. In Wales, the default dropped to 20 mph in September 2023.
The national speed limit sign (a white circle with a diagonal black line) means the national speed limit applies: 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways for cars and motorcycles. Larger vehicles, including vans and HGVs, face lower limits.
Speed cameras and enforcement are particularly common at known accident hotspots and on roads with a history of speeding. Always check for posted signs, which take precedence over default limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national speed limit in the UK?
The national speed limit in the UK is 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways for cars and motorcycles, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 30 mph in built-up areas where street lights are present.
Is the speed limit different for vans and HGVs?
Yes. Vans (goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes) are limited to 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways. HGVs over 7.5 tonnes have even lower limits: 40 mph on single carriageways and 50 mph on dual carriageways.
What speed limit applies if there are no signs?
If there are no speed limit signs, the national speed limit applies. In built-up areas with street lighting, this is 30 mph (or 20 mph in Wales by default since September 2023). On roads without street lights, the national speed limit sign (white circle with diagonal black stripe) indicates 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways.
Does Wales have different speed limits from England?
Yes. Since 17 September 2023, the default speed limit on restricted roads (roads with street lighting) in Wales is 20 mph, compared to 30 mph in England. Local authorities in Wales can still set 30 mph limits where appropriate.
What is the speed limit when towing a caravan or trailer?
When towing a caravan or trailer, the speed limit is 30 mph in built-up areas, 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways, and 60 mph on motorways.