Speed limitWorldwide
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
7. Speed limit
A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It may be established by general traffic law or indicated by fixed, variable or temporary traffic signs.
A speed limit is a maximum, not a target speed. Drivers must travel more slowly whenever traffic, visibility, weather, road conditions, vulnerable road users or the condition of the vehicle make the maximum permitted speed unsafe.
Wikimedia.org • Kirchenfan • CC0
What is a speed limit?
A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It does not require drivers to travel at that speed.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126 and 146, road and vehicle limits and safe speed; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 3, speed and conditions
How can you recognise a speed limit?
A speed limit is commonly displayed as a number on a regulatory traffic sign. General limits may also apply automatically because of the country, road category, vehicle type or surrounding area, even when no speed-limit sign is present.
Start of a speed limit.
End of the speed limit.
Is the speed limit a recommended driving speed?
No. It is the highest speed legally permitted under suitable conditions. Drivers must reduce their speed whenever travelling at the limit would be unsafe.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 3, speed and conditions
Can you drive more slowly than the speed limit?
Yes. Drivers should travel more slowly when required by traffic, weather, visibility, road conditions or nearby vulnerable road users. Driving unnecessarily slowly may nevertheless be prohibited when it obstructs normal traffic.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 3, speed and conditions; 🔗 law.lis.virginia.gov • Virginia General Assembly, Code Section 46.2-877, minimum speeds and safety exceptions
Does the same speed limit apply to every vehicle?
Not always. Limits can differ for heavy vehicles, buses and vehicles towing trailers. Follow both the road limit and the applicable vehicle limit; a higher road limit does not cancel a lower vehicle limit.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126 and 146, road and vehicle limits and safe speed; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 3, speed and conditions

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