Drivers only just learning you can legally ignore specific motorway sign
Motorists have been stunned to learn that a certain motorway speed limit sign can be disregarded without any legal consequences. The art of driving on the nation's motorways has evolved into an intense game, with drivers sharply watching for gantry signs, average speed checks, and far-reaching speed cameras seeking to catch them off-guard. However, countless drivers are unaware that a specific motorway speed indicator is entirely advisory and has no force of law.
Capturing the surprise of many, a Reddit user going by BevvyTime shared an enlightening experience while on the M2 in Kent, saying: "On the M2, big crash on the other side with a guy being intubated in an ambulance. "Big Amber 50 signs flashing for about two miles beforehand, yet I appeared to be the only person adhering to this?" they questioned further: "Had to speed up to 60 in the end to avoid causing any danger to myself/wife/others - but what is the actual rule here?"
A busy motorway at rush hour (Image: Getty Images)
"I was pretty sure it wasn't an optional speed limit."
In a striking revelation, amber motorway speed limits are indeed just guidance - although motorists are encouraged to consider them earnestly, reports the Mirror[1]. Another Reddit user, U/Federal-Lemonade, shared a nugget of wisdom based on their previous experience, writing: "If I recall correctly, from a speed awareness course I did a few years back, they said that amber speed limit signs are advisory, but if you get into an accident and you're over that limit you're leaving yourself open to a dangerous driving charge." u/spicy-sausage1 added their perspective to the discourse regarding traffic advice, stating: "But the amber advisory is not a speed limit and no camera can enforce an advisory.
"If the flashing amber says 50mph and you're doing 70mph the police or camera cannot do you for speeding. If they deem your speed to be unsafe, they could take you to court for driving without due care and attention or similar but would need to prove what you were doing was unsafe. "If it was a straight road with great visibility and minimal traffic you could probably argue the charge away."
Get breaking news in Yorkshire straight to your phone
Get all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here[2].
If you don't like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here[3]. Lending weight to this viewpoint, PassMeFast said: "Sometimes advisory speed limit signs are used on motorways.
These display a number, with amber lights flashing in the corners of the sign. "Although not enforceable by law, you should still take note of advisory speed limits. They reflect conditions on the road, and potential hazards that you need to be aware of."
These insights arise amid worries that numerous drivers might misconstrue the amber signals as a prompt to speed up, particularly as these warnings are most frequently used during heavy traffic, severe weather conditions, or thick fog - where ignoring them could significantly heighten the risk for both the driver and other road users. Moreover, PassMeFast emphasised that these advisories should not be confused with red circle speed limits which signify strict rules that must be followed, according to reports from the Express. These are typically found on smart motorways and are often paired with speed cameras mounted on gantries, ready to issue fines immediately upon any breach of the established speed limit.
Get all the latest and breaking news in Yorkshire by signing up to our newsletter here.[4]
References
- ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ by clicking here (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Read our privacy notice here (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ signing up to our newsletter here. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)