UK speed limits differ by vehicle type — and many drivers don't know their correct limits. Answer a couple of quick questions to see exactly what applies to you, including HGV and PSV/bus & coach limits.
Guidance only. This tool applies standard UK national speed limits as published in the Highway Code. It does not account for locally posted limits, variable speed limits, temporary restrictions, or roadworks. Posted signs on the road always take precedence. Do not rely on this tool as legal advice — always observe the signs in front of you and consult gov.uk for authoritative information.
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What are you driving?
Select the option that best describes your vehicle.
Are you towing a trailer or caravan?
Towing affects the speed limits for all vehicle types. If a trailer is attached and the vehicle is moving, towing limits apply — regardless of the trailer's size, weight, or whether it is loaded or empty.
What is your motorhome's unladen weight?
Check your V5C registration document — look for "mass in service" or "unladen weight." This is the weight of the vehicle empty, without passengers or luggage. Most full-size coachbuilt motorhomes are well over 3.05 tonnes unladen.
Where are you driving?
HGV limits over 7.5 tonnes are lower in Scotland on single and dual carriageways than in England, Wales & NI. The motorway limit is 60 mph in both.
Is the vehicle over 12 metres long?
The limits are the same on single and dual carriageways either way — only the motorway limit differs.
Standard speed limits apply to your vehicle
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans (≤2t laden), and motorhomes ≤3.05t unladen — not towing
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
60 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
70 mph
Motorway
70 mph
Note: These are national default limits. A lower limit posted on a sign always takes precedence. If you attach a trailer, these limits no longer apply — use this tool again with towing selected.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
Towing speed limits apply
Any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan — applies regardless of vehicle type, trailer size, weight, or whether it is loaded
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
50 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
60 mph
Motorway
60 mph
Motorway limit is 60 mph for all towing vehicles — even if your vehicle's normal motorway limit is 70 mph (such as a van or large motorhome), the towing limit of 60 mph applies once a trailer is attached.
Outside lane restriction (vehicles towing): When towing on a motorway with three or more lanes, vehicles towing are prohibited from using the right-hand (outside) lane. This is a separate legal requirement from the speed limit.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
Lower speed limits apply to your vehicle
Purpose-built vans and goods vehicles (up to 7.5 tonnes), and motorhomes over 3.05 tonnes unladen — not towing
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
50 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
60 mph
Motorway
70 mph
The motorway limit is the same as a car — 70 mph. The lower limits apply on dual carriageways (60 mph) and single carriageways (50 mph). If you attach a trailer, the motorway limit drops to 60 mph — use this tool again with towing selected.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
HGV limits apply — England, Wales & NI
Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
50 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
60 mph
Motorway
60 mph
Speed limiter law: goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must by law have a speed limiter fitted, capping actual speed at 56 mph regardless of the posted limit above. In Scotland, the single and dual carriageway limits are lower — use this tool again with Scotland selected if you cross the border.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
HGV limits apply — Scotland
Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
40 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
50 mph
Motorway
60 mph
Motorway limit is the same as England & Wales — 60 mph either side of the border. Single and dual carriageway limits are 10 mph lower in Scotland. Speed limiter law: goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must by law have a speed limiter capping actual speed at 56 mph regardless of the posted limit.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
PSV limits apply — up to 12 metres
Buses, coaches and minibuses 12 metres or under in length
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
50 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
60 mph
Motorway
70 mph
Speed limiter law: PSVs with more than 8 passenger seats must by law have a speed limiter capping actual speed at 62 mph, regardless of the posted limit above.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
PSV limits apply — over 12 metres
Buses, coaches and minibuses over 12 metres in length
Road type
Your limit
Built-up area (street lighting)
30 mph
Single carriageway — national speed limit
50 mph
Dual carriageway — national speed limit
60 mph
Motorway
60 mph
Motorway limit is lower than shorter PSVs — 60 mph rather than 70 mph. Speed limiter law: PSVs with more than 8 passenger seats must by law have a speed limiter capping actual speed at 62 mph, regardless of the posted limit above.
Guidance only — based on Highway Code Table 1 national speed limits. Always observe posted road signs. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
See your correct speed limit as you drive
Speed Angel displays the current limit in real time and alerts you the moment you exceed it. Towing, Van, Motorhome, Goods vehicle, PSV/Bus & Coach and HGV modes all automatically apply the correct limits for your vehicle — including Scotland's lower HGV limits — no manual calculation required. Use it standalone or alongside any navigation app. Free 7-day trial on Android.
Disclaimer: This tool and the information it provides are for general guidance only and do not constitute legal advice. UK speed limits, the Highway Code, and their legal interpretation are subject to change. The results shown are based on standard national speed limits and do not account for locally posted limits, temporary restrictions, variable speed limit systems, roadworks, or other conditions. You should not rely on this tool when making any legal or driving decision. Always observe posted road signs, road markings, and the Highway Code. Speed Angel is a driving awareness aid only — it does not replace your legal obligation to observe speed limits at all times.