Rule 124: Locally set speed limits
You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle (see the table below). A speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20mph (32km/h) in Wales, generally applies to all roads with street lights (excluding motorways) unless signs show otherwise.
Speed limits Speed Limits Built-up areas, England, Scotland Built up areas, Wales Single carriageways Dual carriageways Motorways Type of vehicle mph (km/h) mph (km/h) mph (km/h) mph (km/h) mph (km/h) Cars & motorcycles (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight) 30 (48) 20 (32) 60 (96) 70 (112) 70 (112) Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car derived vans and motorcycles) 30 (48) 20 (32) 50 (80) 60 (96) 60 (96) Motorhomes or motor caravans (not exceeding 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) 30 (48) 20 (32) 60 (96) 70 (112) 70 (112) Motorhomes or motor caravans (exceeding 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) 30 (48) 20 (32) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70 (112) Buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length) 30 (48) 20 (32) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70† (112) Goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) 30 (48) 20 (32) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70†† (112) Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in England and Wales 30 (48) 20 (32) 50 (80) 60 (96) 60 (96) Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in Scotland 30 (48) 20 (32) 40 (64) 50 (80) 60 (96)† 60 mph (96 km/h) if exceeding 12 metres in overall length.
†† 60 mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer.
For speed limits that apply to special types of vehicles, such as oversized vehicles, see Further reading.
Locally set speed limits may apply, for example
- 20 mph (32 km/h) in some built-up areas in England and Scotland
- 30 mph (48 km/h) in some built-up areas in Wales
- 50 mph (80 km/h) on single carriageways with known hazards
- variable speed limit signs are used on some motorways and dual carriageways to change the maximum speed limit.
Speed limits are enforced by the police.
Law RTRA sects 81, 86, 89 & sched 6 as amended by MV(VSL)(E&W), RR(20)O
Why the capitals matter. The Highway Code writes a rule in capitals — MUST or MUST NOT — when it is backed by law, so breaking it is a criminal offence. The rules that do not use capitals are advice.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Motorcycle
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
- In England and Wales, what's the national speed limit on a single carriageway road for a rigid lorry with a maximum authorised mass of more than 7.5 tonnes? Vehicle weights and dimensions
- You're driving a lorry of more than 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass along a motorway. When can you use the right-hand lane to overtake? The road