Maximum motorway speed limit is less than 70mph for drivers in eight vehicles
The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions, the DVSA has warned. Motorists have been told to keep an eye on the speed limit
09:34, 04 Jun 2025
Certain vehicles are restricted to less than 70mph on motorways(Image: Getty Images)
The DVSA has issued a stark warning to motorists[1] to follow a crucial speed limit, stressing that it is "not always safe". The government organisation has warned drivers: "You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle.
"The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions." Even though the motorway speed limit stands at 70mph, it drops to 60mph for cars[2], motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles when they are towing caravans or trailers.
Buses, coaches and minibuses (over 12 metres in length), as well as goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes, also face a reduced speed limit of 60mph in England and Wales.
In built-up areas across England, Scotland[4], and Northern Ireland, the speed limit for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, and dual-purpose vehicles is set at 30 miles per hour (48km/h), while in Wales, it's 20 miles per hour (32km/h).
When towing caravans or trailers, the speed limit for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, and dual-purpose vehicles remains at 30mph.
Article continues belowSimilarly, motorhomes or motor caravans (not exceeding 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) and those over this threshold must also adhere to a 30mph limit, reports Birmingham Live[5].
In England, Wales and Scotland, the speed limit for buses, coaches and minibuses (regardless of their overall length), as well as goods vehicles (whether they weigh more than or less than 7.5 tonnes when fully loaded) is set at 30mph.
Vehicles with more than eight passenger seats, such as buses, minibuses, coaches, and stretch limousines, are required to have a speed limiter fitted.
Article continues belowThis rule also applies to goods vehicles that have a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
Speed limiters are safety devices designed to prevent accidents by limiting a vehicle's top speed through restricting the fuel supply to the engine.
However, having a speed limiter installed could mean that your vehicle may not be able to reach the speed limit.
References
- ^ motorists (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ cars (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Luxury hotel offering Elemis spa treatment with a free GBP101 beauty gift (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Scotland (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Birmingham Live (www.birminghammail.co.uk)