Speed Limits in UK

National speed limits[edit source]

NSL sign on a single-track road implying a speed limit of 60 mph (97 km/h), 50 mph (80 km/h) or 40 mph (64 km/h) depending on vehicle type

Default maximum speed limits apply to all roads where no specific lower numeric speed limit is already in force. The default speed limit is known as the national speed limit (NSL). The NSLs vary by road type and for vehicle types.^[1]

National speed limits by vehicle type and road type

	Built-up area	Single carriageway	Dual carriageway	Motorway
Cars and motorcycles (including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes max laden weight)	30 mph (48 km/h)	60 mph (97 km/h)	70 mph (113 km/h)	70 mph (113 km/h)
Vehicles towing caravans or trailers inc cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes MLW	30 mph (48 km/h)	50 mph (80 km/h)	60 mph (97 km/h)	60 mph (97 km/h)
Buses, coaches, minibuses up to 12 metres (39 ft) Goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes MLW	30 mph (48 km/h)	50 mph (80 km/h)	60 mph (97 km/h)	70 mph (113 km/h)
Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes MLW	30 mph (48 km/h)	40 mph (64 km/h)	50 mph (80 km/h)	60 mph (97 km/h)

Speed limiters[edit source]

Some classes of vehicles are required to have speed limiters which enforce a maximum speed by physical means. Older vehicles still in use do not have limiters fitted or have them set at a higher speeds.^[2] New vehicles should be fitted with limiters as follows:

• Buses and coaches: 65 mph (105 km/h)^{[n 1]}
• HGVs: 56 mph (90 km/h)^{[n 1]}
• Mopeds: 30 mph (48 km/h)^{[n 2]}