Maximum advised speed plate: what it means
The Max speed plate shows the maximum speed advised at a bend or other hazard. It is advice, not a speed limit.
What does the maximum advised speed plate mean?
Know your traffic signs describes it as the maximum speed advised, in miles per hour, at a bend; the plate may be used with other warning signs.
This plate gives advice. A speed limit, which you must obey, is a number in a red ring.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- The speed advised at a bend or hazard.
- The road bends ahead, here to the right.
- Maximum speed 30 mph.
Show answer
A. The speed advised at a bend or hazard. The plate shows the maximum speed advised at a bend or other hazard (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
Under a bend, junction or other warning triangle, often on country roads.
What should you do?
Slow to the advised speed, or lower if the road is wet or you cannot see far ahead.
What do people get wrong?
Thinking it is a speed limit you can be fined for. It is advice, but going faster than the advised speed at a sharp bend can be dangerous.
Common questions
Is a Max speed plate the same as a speed limit?
No. Know your traffic signs calls it the maximum speed advised. A speed limit is a number in a red ring.
Can I go slower than the plate shows?
Yes. It is the most it advises. Go slower when the road or weather needs it.
Compare with
Bend ahead signThe road bends ahead, here to the right.
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 125.
- Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 125, 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.