The only vehicles exempt from speed limits are those used by fire brigades, ambulances, or police during emergency responses.

For all other drivers, speed limits are a maximum, not a target. Driving at lower speeds may be necessary depending on the road layout, traffic, or weather conditions.

Mandatory speed limit signs are circular. The road sign for maximum speed features black numerals on a white background with a red border.

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

Occasionally, mandatory minimum speed limits apply.

• The starting sign shows white numerals on a blue background.
• The end of the zone is marked by the same sign crossed with a red diagonal line.

National Speed Limits

By default, speed limits are 30mph unless otherwise indicated.

For cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, and dual-purpose vehicles, national speed limits (shown by a white circle with a diagonal black line) are:

• 60mph on single carriageways (50mph if towing).
• 70mph on dual carriageways (60mph if towing).

Different national speed limits apply to other vehicle types.

You will typically see national speed limit signs where lower speed limits end.

• The motorway speed limit is 70mph (60mph if towing) unless otherwise indicated.
• On ‘smart motorways‘ variable speed limits apply. These are displayed by illuminated signs and are legally enforceable. If not in use, the signs appear blank.

Remember, speed directly impacts your stopping distance – the faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop.

Local Speed Limits

Local authorities can impose lower speed limits in certain areas, such as 20mph zones near schools or residential areas. These limits must be clearly marked.

20mph Limits

20mph zones are often set in areas with high pedestrian or cyclist activity.

Effective zones rely on road design and signage rather than constant enforcement, although targeted police enforcement may occur in areas with persistent offenders.

Since 2013, the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) has offered speed awareness courses for those caught speeding in 20mph zones. This applies to drivers unaware of the limit or those who make genuine mistakes.

Speeding Penalties

The police enforce speed limits through fixed, mobile, and average speed cameras. Most offences are handled through Fixed Penalty Notices.

• The minimum penalty is a £100 fine and three points on your licence.
• For minor speeding offences, police may offer a speed awareness course.
• If you’ve completed a course within the past three years, you won’t be eligible for another.
• The course may cost more than the fixed penalty, but completing it prevents points from being added to your licence.

NPCC Speed Limit Enforcement Guidelines

The well-known 10% plus 2 rule is based on guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). Officers, however, have discretion.

Limit	Fixed Penalty	Speed Awareness Course	Summons
20mph	24mph	24-31mph	35mph+
30mph	35mph	35-42mph	50mph+
40mph	46mph	46-53mph	66mph+
50mph	57mph	57-64mph	76mph+
60mph	68mph	68-75mph	86mph+
70mph	79mph	79-86mph	96mph+

Severe Speeding Offences

For serious offences, magistrates follow sentencing guidelines.

From 24 April 2017, fines increased to 150% of weekly income (up to £1,000 or £2,500 for motorway offences).

Penalty Bands

Band A

Applies to minor offences – 3 points and a fine of 25-75% of weekly income.

• 21-30mph in a 20mph zone
• 31-40mph in a 30mph zone

Band B

For more serious offences – 4-6 points or 7-28 days disqualification, with fines of 75-125% of weekly income.

• 31-40mph in a 20mph zone
• 41-50mph in a 30mph zone

Band C

Applies to severe speeding – 6 points or 7-56 days disqualification, with fines of 125-175% of weekly income.

• 41mph+ in a 20mph zone
• 51mph+ in a 30mph zone