Speed Limits in the UK
Important: Miles Per Hour!
The UK uses miles per hour (mph), not km/h. Your speedometer must show mph.
Speed Limits by Road Type
Motorways (M roads)
- Maximum: 70 mph (112 km/h)
- Variable limits on smart motorways
- Minimum: Vehicles must be capable of 25 mph
Dual Carriageways (A roads)
- Maximum: 70 mph (112 km/h)
- Unless signed otherwise
- Speed cameras common
Single Carriageways
- Maximum: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- National speed limit sign (white circle with black diagonal)
- Lower limits near hazards
Built-up Areas
- Maximum: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Default when street lights are present
- 20 mph zones in residential areas
National Speed Limit Sign
- White circle with black diagonal stripe
- Means 60 mph on single carriageway
- Means 70 mph on dual carriageway
Speeding Penalties
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Minor speeding | £100 | 3 |
| Speed awareness course (option) | ~£100 | 0 |
| Serious speeding | Up to £2,500 | 3-6 |
| Very serious | Court, ban | 6+ |
Speed Cameras
- Average speed cameras (SPECS)
- Fixed Gatso cameras
- Mobile speed vans
- Speed cameras are usually signed
Smart Motorways
Variable speed limits shown on overhead signs:
- Must be obeyed like fixed limits
- Adjust for traffic, weather, incidents
- Cameras enforce the variable limit