Van speed limits in the UK explained

Speed limits aren’t always straightforward when you’re driving a van in the UK. Unlike cars, vans often have lower limits, so the number on the roadside sign might not always apply to you. The rules depend on several factors, including your van’s size, the type of road you’re on, and even which part of the UK you’re driving through.

Whether you’ve hired a van for a few days use a van for your business, it’s worth brushing up on the regulations. Anyone with a full category B licence can drive a van under 3,500kg, yet the speed limits aren’t always obvious. It’s your responsibility to know what speed applies to your vehicle and safety should always come first, especially when you’re in charge of a larger vehicle.

In this guide we'll cover the different van speed limits in the UK, as well as for other vehicle types, so you can stay safe on the road and steer clear of unexpected speeding tickets. Ready? Let's dive in.

What’s covered

• Do vans have different speed limits in the UK?
• What's the speed limit for a 3.5 tonne van in the UK?
• Van speed limits in the UK 2025
• Speed limits by road type
• Speed limits by vehicle type and weight
• What happens if you’re caught speeding in a van?
• 5 tips to help you avoid speeding
• How far away can a speed camera catch you in the UK?
• FAQs

Do vans have different speed limits in the UK?

Yes, speed limits differ for vans compared to other vehicles, and the national speed limit changes depending on your van’s size and weight, the type of road you’re on, and the region of the UK you’re travelling through. Most vans in the UK have lower speed limits than cars on certain roads. As a general rule of thumb:

• On main roads, vans usually travel about 10mph slower than cars, though in towns and cities the limit is often 30mph, the same as a car.

• On single carriageways, the typical limit for vans is 50mph,

• On dual carriageways the typical limit for vans is 60mph.

• On motorways, the speed limit for vans is usually up to 70mph, the same as a car.

What's the speed limit for a 3.5 tonne van in the UK?

All conventional vans (from small, medium to larger vans) weighing up to 3.5 tonnes have the same national speed limit in the UK. Let's take a look:

It should be noted speed limits can vary in specific regions, as you can see with Wales above. Also, some local councils will set their own local speed limits, so make sure you check any speed limit signs indicating this as you drive.

There are also a few exceptions that you should be aware of:

Car-derived vans (CDVs)

Car derived vans are goods vehicles based on a passenger car design, with a maximum laden weight of no more than 2 tonnes. Examples include the Ford Fiesta van and Vauxhall Corsavan. They have the same speed limits as cars.

Dual-purpose vehicles

Dual-purpose vehicles are built to carry both passengers and goods and have an unladen weight of no more than 2,040 kg. They include features such as rear seats, windows, or four-wheel drive, such as pick-up trucks. They also have the same speed limits as cars.

Towing a trailer or caravan

For vehicles towing a trailer or caravan (vans or any other vehicles), the maximum speed limit is generally reduced to 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 mph on single carriageways.

Also read: What is the speed limit for a car towing a caravan?

Van speed limits in the UK 2025

The table below outlines the speed limits for each vehicle type on different kinds of roads in the UK, according to GOV.UK.

*Reduced to 60 mph if towing a trailer.

Speed limits by road type

As we've seen, van speed limits in the UK change depending on the type of road you’re driving on. Let's break down the different speed limits for each type of road:

What's the speed limit for a van on single carriageways?

• 60 mph limit (except Scotland): Applies to car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles (e.g. pick-up trucks), motorhomes, campervans, motor caravans, and vans up to 3.05 tonnes unladen weight.

• 50 mph limit (except Scotland): Applies to car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles or vans towing a caravan or trailer, all minibuses, caravans and vans over 3.5 tonnes laden weight.

• 40 mph limit (Scotland only): Applies to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes laden weight.

What's the speed limit for a van on a dual carriageway?

• 70 mph limit (except Scotland): Applies to car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles (e.g. pick-up trucks), motorhomes, campervans, motor caravans, and vans up to 3.05 tonnes unladen weight.

• 60 mph limit (except Scotland): Applies to car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles or vans towing a caravan or trailer, all minibuses, caravans and vans over 3.5 tonnes laden weight.

• 50 mph limit (Scotland only): Applies to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes laden weight.

What's the speed limit for a van on the motorway?

• 70 mph limit: Applies to car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles (e.g. pick-up trucks), motorhomes, campervans, motor caravans, and vans up to 7.5 tonnes laden weight, plus minibuses shorter than 12 metres.

• 60 mph limit: Applies to car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles or vans towing a caravan or trailer, minibuses over 12 metres long, and vans exceeding 7.5 tonnes laden weight.

Speed limits by vehicle type and weight

Speed limits can also vary depending on vehicle size, type and weight. Let's take a look at the following speed limits for each vehicle category defined by GOV.UK:

Speed limits for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles including pickup trucks:

Speed limits for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles when towing trailers or caravans:

Speed limits for vans and other goods vehicles 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight:

*Reduced to 60 mph if towing a trailer

Speed limits for vans and other goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight:

Speed limits for motorhomes or motor caravans up to 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight:

Speed limits for motorhomes or motor caravans over 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight:

What happens if you’re caught speeding in a van?

If you're caught speeding in a van or commercial vehicle, you can face serious consequences including fines, points on your licence, or even a driving ban, depending on the severity of the offence. Penalties tend to be stricter than for cars because vans usually have lower speed limits and are more dangerous due to their size and weight. There are three different speeding offence bands:

• Band A (1–10 mph over the speed limit): 3 penalty points and a fine between 25% and 70% of your weekly income.

• Band B (11–20 mph over the speed limit): 4–6 penalty points or a driving ban of 7–28 days, plus a fine between 75% and 125% of your weekly income.

• Band C (21 mph or more over the speed limit): 6 penalty points or a driving ban of 7–56 days, plus a fine between 125% and 175% of your weekly income.

Also read: Van insurance for convicted drivers: everything you need to know

5 tips to help you avoid speeding

Staying within the speed limit requires concentration, especially when you’re driving a van with different rules to cars. So, here are some practical tips to help you keep your speed in check and drive safely:

1. Use cruise control

Cruise control is a simple way to maintain a steady speed, particularly on motorways. Once you reach the legal limit for your vehicle, switch it on and let the system do the work. It reduces the need to constantly press the accelerator, making long journeys less tiring. Just remember to watch for speed limit changes and adjust accordingly.

2. Don’t rely on your sat nav

Many sat navs and apps display speed limits, but they’re not always accurate. More importantly, most sat navs assume you’re driving a car, not a van, so they may show the wrong limit. Always trust road signs over technology.

3. Install a speed limiter

Speed limiters prevent your vehicle from exceeding a set speed, no matter how hard you press the pedal. They’re ideal for drivers who spend a lot of time on motorways and struggle to maintain consistent speeds. Some advanced GPS-based systems even adjust the limit based on the road you’re on, though these tend to cost more.

If you have a speed limiter fitted, make sure you inform your insurer to avoid invalidating your policy.

4. Pay attention to speed cameras

Modern average speed cameras can tell the difference between a car and a van, so don’t assume you’ll slip under the radar. Keep an eye out for camera signs and stick to the correct limit for your vehicle type.

5. Know your van’s limits

The most effective way to avoid speeding is to memorise the rules. Vans often need to travel 10 mph below car limits on single and dual carriageways, so make sure you know where those restrictions apply. Roadside signs are your best guide, so don’t rely on sat nav, Google Maps, Waze, or in-built detectors, as they’re not guaranteed to be accurate.

How far away can a speed camera catch you in the UK?

The distance a speed camera can catch you from in the UK varies significantly by the type of camera used. There are several types of speed cameras on UK roads, and each works in a slightly different way:

Gatso cameras

These rear-facing cameras monitor vehicles as they pass and can capture motorcycles, cars, vans, and trucks. They work within the immediate vicinity of the camera and are commonly seen on UK roads.

Truvelo cameras

Unlike Gatso cameras, Truvelo cameras face forward, making it easier to photograph number plates and identify drivers. However, they’re less effective for motorcycles because most don’t have front plates. These cameras also operate in the immediate vicinity.

Average speed cameras (SPECS)

These systems use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to record your vehicle at two points, then calculate your average speed between them. They can monitor distances from 75 metres up to 20 kilometres and often appear in sequence on motorways, spaced at least 200 metres apart.

Also read: ANPR Cameras: all you need to know

Mobile speed cameras

Found in vans or operated by officers, these use laser or radar technology. Laser guns can measure speed from up to a mile away on straight roads, while radar guns typically work within 300 yards. Their locations change frequently, making them harder to predict.

Also read: Mobile speed cameras: What to know

The bottom line is you won’t know which type of camera you’re approaching until it’s too late to slow down. The safest way to avoid being caught? Stick to the correct speed limit for your vehicle at all times!

Sources:

• Speed limits - GOV.UK

This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is intended for general guidance only and is accurate at time of publication.

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