We’ve all done it – edged over the speed limit on the motorway – sometimes intentionally, yet other times without realising during a long journey. Although the UK has more than enough road signs, we still are unsure of the exact speed limits when unprompted. Common sense usually kicks in with most cases, but it doesn’t always mean the maximum limit is safe.
Here is a guideline of the national UK speed limits to refresh your memory – some of us probably can’t remember reading the highway code!
| Types of vehicle | Built-up areas mph (km/h) | Single carriageways mph (km/h) | Dual carriageways mph (km/h) | Motorways mph (km/h) |
| Cars and vehicles (including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes max laden weight) | 30 (48) |
60 (96) |
70 (112) |
70 (112) |
| Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car-derived vans and motorcycles) | 30 (48) |
50 (80) |
60 (96) |
60 (96) |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (not more than 12 metres overall length) | 30 (48) |
50 (80) |
60 (96) |
70 (112) |
| Goods vehicles (not more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 (48) |
50 (80) |
60 (96) |
70 (112) if articulated, or, towing a trailer, limit is 60 (96) |
| Goods vehicles (more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 (48) |
40 (48) |
50 (80) |
60 (96) |
So, if you have been speeding, there are various options for the authorities to warn, fine or ban drivers – depending on the severity of the driving offences.
For example, a driving ban will be handed to you for driving dangerously whilst breaking the speed limit. Where as if you just break the speed limit you are more likely to just receive points on your licence and a fine.
There are guidelines published by The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), but these must be treated as a guideline for the police officer’s decision on issuing his driving offence penalty.
This system is in place to stop drivers endangering the public and breaking the law, but without punishing innocent members of the public that have just make a mistake of because of a laps of concentration.
A typical penalty in the UK for speeding is a fine of up to £2,500 and a 3-6 penalty points on your licence, or disqualification for 7-56 days (or higher).
Depending on the offence the court will decide on your sentencing and also any driving disqualifications or speeding fines that they wish to hand out. Persuading the court to reduce your punishment for speeding offence is best left to the specialist motoring lawyers who can ensure the best outcome for you, for example, speed limit signage may not have been identifiable, or speed detection devices weren’t operating correctly. Therefore, it is advisable to seek out a motoring offence solicitor to defend your case.
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