UK Speed Limits 2026: National Limits for Cars Explained

UK national speed limits for cars are 30 mph in built-up areas in England and Scotland (20 mph by default in Wales), 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, according to Highway Code rule 124. Lower limits shown on signs always apply, and the limit is a maximum, not a target. Speeding carries a minimum £100 fine and 3 penalty points.

Here's the full picture, including towing limits, how to tell what limit applies and what happens if you're caught.

UK speed limits for cars

Source: The Highway Code, rule 124. The car figures also apply to car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight. Other vehicles, such as goods vehicles, buses and motorhomes, have their own limits in the same table.

Wales: the 20 mph default

Since 17 September 2023, the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales has been 20 mph. A restricted road is generally one with street lights no more than 200 yards apart. Local councils can keep 30 mph on some roads, which will be signed. Because 20 mph is the default, you may not see repeater signs.

How to tell which speed limit applies

• Circular signs with a red border show the limit, such as 20, 30 or 40.
• The national speed limit sign is a white circle with a black diagonal stripe. The national limit for that road type and your vehicle applies (60 mph for a car on a single carriageway, 70 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway).
• Street lights usually mean 30 mph (or 20 mph in Wales) unless signs show otherwise.
• Repeater signs remind you of the limit along the road.
• Variable limits on smart motorways and some other roads are shown on overhead signs and must be obeyed.

A dual carriageway is a road with a central reservation separating the two directions; the number of lanes doesn't matter.

The limit is a maximum, not a target

Highway Code rule 125 says the speed limit is the absolute maximum and doesn't mean it's safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Slow down:

• near schools, shops and parked cars
• on narrow country roads and bends
• in rain, fog, ice or darkness
• around pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders

Our guide to stopping distances shows how much further you need to stop as speed increases.

Speeding penalties

According to GOV.UK:

• The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points.
• You may be offered a speed awareness course instead, at the police's discretion, if you haven't been on one in the past 3 years.
• Reaching 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to disqualification.
• New drivers who reach 6 or more points within 2 years of passing have their licence revoked and must pass both tests again.

So two speeding offences in your first 2 years could be enough to lose your licence. Read after you pass your driving test for more on the New Drivers Act.

Speed limits on the driving test

On the practical test, "not driving at a safe and reasonable speed" is one of DVSA's top 10 reasons for failing. That includes going too fast and driving too slowly where it's safe to make progress. See common driving test fails.

Summary

For cars in Great Britain: 30 mph in built-up areas (20 mph by default in Wales), 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, with lower limits for towing. Watch for signs, adjust for conditions and remember the minimum speeding penalty is £100 and 3 points.

Revise the numbers with Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app with original theory practice questions written from The Highway Code (not official DVSA questions), covering speed limits, signs and stopping distances, with spaced review. Try Co-Drive.