Urgent warning over popular speed limit myth that could see drivers slapped with fine & points
DRIVERS have been warned over a popular speed limit myth that could see them slapped with a hefty fine.
For years, motorists believed that they could go ten per cent over the speed limit and get away with it – but it might not be the case.
There isn’t a specific amount of miles per hour that you can exceed the speed limit by, in fact you shouldn’t ever be breaking the limit.
But there is a common “10 per cent plus 2mph rule” which suggests that drivers will be given leeway if they are going just over the speed limit.
For example, if the speed limit on the road is 30mph, the idea is that you will be ok if you travel at under 35mph, as 10 per cent of 30 is 3mph, and adding the 2mph makes 35mph.
A motor expert has now debunked the popular belief, saying that this guideline originated from the strategy formerly used by UK police when enforcing speed limits.
In reality, drivers could find themselves in hot water as it is up to an officer’s discretion whether to punish them for going over the limit or not.
Andrew Jervis, CEO of ClickMechanic, said: “Speeding costs lives and should never be encouraged, regardless of whether it can land you in trouble or not.
“Speed limits are not arbitrary figures; they are carefully determined based on factors such as road design, traffic flow, and pedestrian activity.
“The misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines and/or points on their licence, but can cause fatal road traffic collisions.
“As road users, we all have a responsibility to drive with consideration for others to ensure our highways are safe for all to use.”
Mr Jervis explained that the 10 per cent myth spread from speed enforcement guidance by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
The rule took into account that speed guns used by the police aren’t 100 per cent accurate all the time.
“In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces – and not a rule for members of the public,” Mr Jervis added.
The guideline also states that it “cannot replace a police officer’s discretion”, meaning it is a risky gamble that could land you in trouble.
If you’re caught speeding, you can be fined £100 and get three penalty points.
It is also possible that you could be prosecuted for exceeding the limit by just 1mph.
What are the UK speed limits?
These are the speed limits for every type of road vehicle in the UK.
- Built-up areas
The speed limit for all types of vehicles in built-up areas is 30mph.
Be it a car, a motorcycle, a bus or a heavy vehicle, across the UK, you can only drive at 30mph in such roads.
- Single carriageways
The speed limits in single carriageways vary between vehicles.
In such a road, the speed limits for:
- A car, a motorcycle, a car-derived van or a dual-purpose vehicle is 60mph.
- A car, a motorcycle, a car-derived can or a dual-purpose vehicle when towing a caravan or a trailer is 50mph.
- A motorhome or motor caravan that is not more than 3.05 tonnes is 60mph.
- A motorhome or motor caravan that is more than 3.05 tonnes is 50mph.
- All buses, coaches and minibuses, be it if they are under 12 metres long or over, is 50mph.
- Goods vehicles that do not carry more than 7.5 tonnes, is 50mph.
- Good vehicles that carry more than 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales, is 50mph.
- Goods vehicles that carry more than 7.5 tonnes in Scotland, is 40mph.
- Dual carriageways
The speed limits in dual carriageways vary too, depending on the type of vehicle.
The speed limit for:
- A car, a motorcycle, a car-derived can or a dual-purpose vehicle is 70mph.
- A car, a motorcycle, a car-derived van or a dual-purpose vehicle towing a caravan or a trailer is 60mph.
- A motorhome or a motor caravan carrying less than 3.05 tonnes is 70mph.
- A motorhome or a motor caravan carrying more than 3.05 tonnes is 60mph.
- Buses, coaches and minibuses is always 60mph, no matter whether they are longer than 12 metres or not.
- A goods vehicle carrying less than 7.5 tonnes is 60mph.
- A goods vehicle carrying more than 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales is 60mph.
- A goods vehicle carrying more than 7.5 tonnes in Scotland is 50mph.
- Motorways
On a motorway, the speed limits depends on what vehicle you are driving too.
The speed limit for:
- A car, a motorcycle, a car-derived van or a dual-purpose vehicle is 70mph.
- A car, a motorcycle, a car-derived van or a dual-purpose vehicle towing a caravan or a trailer is 60mph.
- A motorhome or a motor caravan carrying less or more than 3.05 tonnes is 70mph.
- A bus, a coach or a minibus that is shorter than 12 metres is 70mph.
- A bus, a coach or a minibus longer than 12 metres is 60mph.
- A goods vehicle carrying less than 7.5 tonnes is 70mph, but if it is towing a trailer, then it must be driven at 60mph.
- A good vehicle carrying more than 7.5 tonnes in England, Wales or Scotland is 60mph.
It’s good to note some following changes that may be applied to how your vehicle is classified while driving:
- If your van is loaded with less than two tonnes, then it is considered as a car-derived van or dual-purpose vehicle.
- If your motorhome or motor caravan is either carrying goods for exhibition or used as a workshop or to keep storage, then they are classified as a goods vehicle.