End of minimum speed limit sign: what it means
The blue circle with a number and a red bar means the end of a minimum speed limit. From here that minimum speed no longer applies.
What does the end of minimum speed limit sign mean?
Know your traffic signs describes the blue circle with a number as the minimum speed permitted, unless it is impracticable or unsafe to comply. The red bar across it marks the end of that minimum speed requirement.
It does not tell you the maximum speed. Look for the speed limit signs with a red ring.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Go at least this fast, if it is safe.
- Maximum speed 30 mph.
- The minimum speed no longer applies.
Show answer
C. The minimum speed no longer applies. The red bar across the blue circle marks the end of the minimum speed requirement (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 124, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
At the end of a stretch of road with a minimum speed limit, such as after a tunnel or a bridge.
What should you do?
Carry on at a speed that suits the road and keep to the maximum speed limit.
What do people get wrong?
Reading it as the end of a 30 mph limit. A speed limit is a red ring; a blue circle is a minimum.
Common questions
Is this the end of a 30 mph speed limit?
No. Blue circles show a minimum speed. The end of a maximum limit is shown by a sign for the new limit.
What is the maximum speed after this sign?
The sign does not say. Look for the speed limit signs, and remember the national limits.
Compare with
Minimum speed limit signGo at least this fast, if it is safe.
30 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 30 mph.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (speed limit signs) and The Highway Code rule 124.
- Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 124, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.