Highway Code: speed limits and stopping distances
1,847 words · checked 2026-10-03 · Pro
Speed limits and stopping distances are among the most tested facts in council taxi and private hire knowledge exams. Rule 124 sets the national speed limits for each type of vehicle and road, Rule 125 explains that a limit is a maximum, not a target, and Rule 126 covers stopping distances and safe gaps. This note brings the three rules together, with the full tables you need to learn.
National speed limits (Rule 124)
Rule 124 begins with two legal rules. You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle. A speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20 mph (32 km/h) in Wales, generally applies to all roads with street lights (excluding motorways) unless signs show otherwise.
| Type of vehicle | Built-up areas, England and Scotland | Built-up areas, Wales | Single carriageways | Dual carriageways | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cars and motorcycles (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 (48) | 20 (32) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) | 70 (112) |
| Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car derived vans and motorcycles) | 30 (48) | 20 (32) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 60 (96) |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length) | 30 (48) | 20 (32) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) see note 1 |
| Goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 (48) | 20 (32) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) see note 2 |
| Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in England and Wales | 30 (48) | 20 (32) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 60 (96) |
| Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in Scotland | 30 (48) | 20 (32) | 40 (64) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) |
Speeds are in mph with km/h in brackets. Note 1: 60 mph (96 km/h) for buses, coaches and minibuses exceeding 12 metres in overall length. Note 2: 60 mph (96 km/h) for goods vehicles not exceeding 7.5 tonnes if articulated or towing a trailer.
Rule 124 also lists locally set limits that may apply:
- 20 mph (32 km/h) in some built-up areas in England and Scotland
- 30 mph (48 km/h) in some built-up areas in Wales
- 50 mph (80 km/h) on single carriageways with known hazards
- variable speed limit signs are used on some motorways and dual carriageways to change the maximum speed limit.
Key fact: Street lights normally mean 30 mph in England and Scotland, and 20 mph in Wales, unless signs show otherwise (Rule 124). Speed limits are enforced by the police.
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