All drivers must obey speed limits appropriate to the vehicle and the road.
What do the regulations say?
See table below.
| Type of vehicle | Built-up areas mph(km/h) | Single carriageways mph (km/h) | Dual carriageways mph (km/h) | Motorways mph (km/h) |
| Car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight | 30 (48) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) | 70 (112) |
| Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car-derived vans and motorcycles) | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 60 (96) |
| Goods vehicles (not over 7.5-t max laden weight) | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) 60 (96) if articulated or towing a trailer |
| Goods vehicles (more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 (48) | 40 (64) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) |
Who enforces them?
Mainly road traffic police, and local road safety partnerships.
Penalties
A minimum fine of £100 plus three penalty points. The licence can be revoked at 12 points within three years; for new drivers this is six points within the first two years. Licensed operators whose drivers habitually speed may be called before the TC.
Updates
The national speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on dual carriageway roads increased, from 50mph to 60mph on April 6 2015. The speed limit for trucks on single carriageway roads is now 50mph (previously 40mph).
