National speedUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
1. National speed
A national speed limit is a default maximum speed established by law for a particular type of road or vehicle when no lower or different local speed limit is indicated. National or general speed limits can differ according to whether the road is a motorway, rural road, built-up-area road or another road category.
Drivers should know the default speed limits that apply in the country or region where they are travelling and always obey any posted speed limit that overrides the general rule.
What is a national speed limit?
A national speed limit is a default maximum speed established by law for particular roads or vehicles when no different local restriction applies.
Is there always one national speed limit?
No. A country may have different general limits for motorways, rural roads and built-up areas, and some countries allow regional authorities to establish different default limits.
Can a traffic sign override the national speed limit?
Yes. A posted regulatory speed limit may impose a lower or, where legally permitted, higher maximum speed than the general limit for that road.
