Temporary maximum speed advised signal: what it means
A speed shown on a motorway signal without a red ring is the maximum speed advised for the conditions. A number in a red ring is a speed limit you must obey.
What does the temporary maximum speed advised signal mean?
Know your traffic signs says that where a variable speed limit is shown in a red circle, it is mandatory; speeds not shown in a red circle are the maximum speeds advised for the conditions.
This signal has no red ring, so it is advice.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- An advised speed for the conditions, not a limit.
- Maximum speed 50 mph.
- A lane is closed ahead: move over in time.
Show answer
A. An advised speed for the conditions, not a limit. A speed without a red circle is the maximum speed advised (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 261, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 255, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On motorway signals, often before congestion, an incident or road works.
What should you do?
Slow down to the advised speed. Something may be happening ahead that you cannot see yet.
What do people get wrong?
Ignoring it because it is advice. It is shown because there is a reason to slow down.
Common questions
Is 50 in a red ring different?
Yes. A speed limit in a red ring is mandatory, and rule 261 says you must not exceed it.
Why would the motorway advise a lower speed?
Rule 255 says signals warn of hazards you may not be able to see yet, such as an incident or fog.
Compare with
50 mph speed limit signMaximum speed 50 mph.
Lane closed ahead signalA lane is closed ahead: move over in time.
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 (motorway signs, signals and road markings) and The Highway Code rules 261 and 255.
- Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 261, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 255, 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.