UK speed limit signs and what they mean

Know your traffic signs says a number in a red ring is the maximum speed, in miles per hour, at which traffic may travel, if it is safe to do so. A larger sign marks the start of a limit and smaller repeater signs remind you of it.

Where there are street lights and no signs, the limit is usually 30 mph in England and Scotland and 20 mph in Wales (rule 124). A speed limit is the absolute maximum, not a target (rule 125).

UK speed limit signs

• 20 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 20 mph.
• 30 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 30 mph.
• 40 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 40 mph.
• 50 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 50 mph.
• 60 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 60 mph.
• National speed limit signThe national limit for the road and vehicle applies.
• 20 mph zone signA 20 mph limit with traffic calming ahead.
• Minimum speed limit signGo at least this fast, if it is safe.
• Average speed check signCameras measure your average speed here.
• Speed camera signA speed camera is near, on a 30 mph road.
• End of minimum speed limit signThe minimum speed no longer applies.
• Maximum advised speed plateThe speed advised at a bend or hazard.
• Village speed limit signA speed limit starts at the town or village boundary.
• End of 20 mph zone signThe 20 mph zone ends and a 30 mph limit starts.

Test yourself

Three speed signs

Question 1 of 3

1. What does this sign mean?

   

   • A Maximum speed 30 mph Right
   • B Go at least this fast, if it is safe
   • C Watch for children near a school
   • D The national limit for the road and vehicle applies

   The right answer is A: Maximum speed 30 mph

   Why30 mph speed limit sign. The 30 mph sign means the maximum speed is 30 mph from that point. It is a limit, not a target, so drive slower when conditions need it.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 124, GOV.UK, The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: information signs, GOV.UK, The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK, Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

   Report this question

2. What does this sign mean?

   

   • A Maximum speed 30 mph
   • B The national limit for the road and vehicle applies Right
   • C Go at least this fast, if it is safe
   • D Motorway rules apply from here

   The right answer is B: The national limit for the road and vehicle applies

   WhyNational speed limit sign. The national speed limit sign means the national limit for that type of road and vehicle applies: for a car, 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on a dual carriageway.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 124, GOV.UK, The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK, The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK, Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

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3. What does this sign mean?

   

   • A Go at least this fast, if it is safe Right
   • B Maximum speed 30 mph
   • C The national limit for the road and vehicle applies
   • D Pass on the left of the island or bollard

   The right answer is A: Go at least this fast, if it is safe

   WhyMinimum speed limit sign. The minimum speed limit sign means you must travel at least the speed shown, unless that is unsafe or not practical. The blue circle shows it is something you must do.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 109, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: regulatory signs, GOV.UK, The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK, Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

   Report this question

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More signs and markings

• Regulatory signs
• Warning signs
• Level crossing signs
• Bus, cycle and tram signs
• Information signs
• Motorway signs and signals
• Road works signs
• Traffic lights and signals
• Road markings
• All road signs

Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against the GOV.UK pages below.

1. Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK
2. Know your traffic signs: traffic calming, GOV.UK
3. The Highway Code, rule 124, GOV.UK
4. The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK
5. 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.