What is the speed limit on a motorway and dual carriageway in Britain?

IT'S important to know the correct speed limits for when you are driving on a motorway or dual carriageway.

Here, we have a look at the speed limits that you can expect to find on these wider roads.

What’s the UK national speed limit for dual carriageways?

If you're driving a car or riding a motorbike then the speed limit is 70mph.

However, if you are towing something, such as a caravan then the limit is 60mph.

For motorhomes or motor caravans under 3.05 tonnes in maximum unladen weight, the speed limit is 70mph, but if your motorhome or motor caravan is over 3.05 tonnes, it’s 60mph.

For buses, coaches, and minibuses 12 metres in overall length and under the speed limit is 60mph - and the same goes for those over 12 metres, too.

Goods vehicles not more than 7.5 tonnes in maximum laden weight have a speed limit of 60mph, and the same applies to those over 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales.

For those over 7.5 tonnes in Scotland, the speed limit is 50mph.

What’s the UK national speed limit for motorways?

If you’re driving a car, motorbike, car-derived van, or dual-purpose vehicle, the speed limit on motorways is 70mph.

If you’re driving any of these vehicles while towing a caravan or trailer, the speed limit is 60mph.

It’s 70mph for all motorhomes and motor caravans.

Buses, coaches, and minibuses not more than 12 metres in overall length have a speed limit of 70mph, while those over 12 metres have a limit of 60mph.

Goods vehicles that aren’t more than 7.5 tonnes in maximum laden weight have a limit of 70mph - but it’s 60mph if it’s articulated or towing a trailer.

Goods vehicles more than 7.5 tonnes in maximum laden weight have a speed limit of 60mph.

In June 2022, it was announced that the speed limit will be slashed to 50mph on sections of motorways with a view to cutting down on pollution.

What do the different road signs mean?

Speed cameras in place

Drivers who see this sign are reminded that they're driving in an area where speed cameras are in use.

This means if you're driving under or over the speed limit, you're more likely to get caught.

Speed camera nearby on an unlit road

Drivers should know that a speed camera is nearby when they see this sign.

What's more, it's on an unlit road and subject to the national speed limit.

Average speed check

This sign indicates a length of road where two cameras are used to measure the average speed of a vehicle between two points.

Drivers should ensure their speed is consistent and within the limit.

Max speed

Max speed signs provide drivers with what their maximum speed should be, in miles per hour, at a bend.

The plate can be used in conjunction with warning signs to advise drivers on what's coming up on the roads.

End of minimum speed requirement

Road users who see this sign as they drive past will know that it indicates the end of the minimum speed requirement that was put in place.

However, it's important to remember that going too slowly also counts as breaking a speed limit.

Speed camera nearby on a lit road

This road sign informs a road user that a speed camera is nearby on a lit road.

It has a 30 mph speed limit in this instance.

Minimum speed permitted

This sign tells road users that they can't go under a certain speed in this area.

For example, when seeing the above sign, a driver will know the minimum speed is 30 mph.

End of road works

This sign tells drivers that the road works they've been driving in have reached an end.

Any temporary speed limit through these works is also over, and may be supplemented by a sign indicating the permanent speed limit beyond this point.