It’s a common assumption that vans follow the same speed limits as cars, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, vans typically have lower legal speed limits, meaning the sign you see on the road might not always apply to the vehicle you’re driving.
Whether you’ve recently leased a new van or you’re simply looking for a refresh on speed limits in the UK, we’ve got you covered with the following guide. We’ll break down van speed limits in the UK by road type, explore the risks of getting caught speeding, and share some practical tips to help you stay safe on the roads.
What are the speed limits for vans in the UK?
Speed limit rules vary depending on your van’s classification, the road type, and your location in the UK.
Standard van speed limits by road type
The kind of road you’re driving on plays a big role in determining your speed limit, and in most cases, vans must stick to lower limits than cars. With this in mind, here’s a quick overview of standard van speed limits:
- Built-up areas: In towns and cities, vans can travel up to 30mph (the same as cars).
- Single carriageways: Vans are limited to 50mph on single carriageways marked with the National Speed Limit sign (cars can travel at 60mph).
- Dual carriageways: The speed limit for vans on a dual carriageway is 60mph (whereas cars can travel at 70mph).
- Motorways: On a motorway, vans under 3.5 tonnes (not towing) can travel up to 70mph. Heavier vans and those towing may be restricted to 60mph.
And don’t forget, some local councils implement different speed limits subject to government guidance. This is especially true in residential or high-risk areas.
Do speed limits for vans in the UK vary according to van size?
Yes, speed limits vary by van size. For most standard vans (up to 3.5 tonnes), the above limits apply. However, if you’re driving a car-derived van (weighing no more than two tonnes when fully loaded) or a dual-purpose vehicle (weighing no more than 2040kg when empty) you can travel at the same speed as a car.
When leasing a van, it’s important to confirm its classification so you’re able to stay within the correct limits.
What are the penalties for speeding in a van?
From hefty fines to points on your licence, speeding in a van can lead to serious consequences. Here’s a breakdown of the current UK speeding penalties:
- Band A offences (1-10mph over the limit): 3 points on your licence and a fine of between 25-70% of your weekly income.
- Band B offences (11-20mph over the limit): 4-6 penalty points, 7–28-day driving disqualification, and a fine of 75-125% of your weekly wage.
- Band C offences (21mph or above over the speed limit): 6 penalty points, 7-56-day ban, and a fine of 125-175%.
Repeat offences or excessive speeding can lead to longer bans and heavier fines too.
How to avoid speeding in a van
Whether you’re leasing a van for the first time or you’ve just bought a new model, here are some tips to help you stay within the legal speed limits. Sticking to these will help you protect yourself, others, and your van whilst out on the roads:
- Know your limits: We’d recommend committing the van-specific speed limits to memory, as well as double checking your van’s specification.
- Don’t solely rely on satnavs: Many navigation systems show car speed limits by default, and this might not reflect what’s legal for your van.
- Use built-in tech: Many modern vans come with speed limiters or cruise control to help you stay within the correct limits. To learn more, you can check out our guide on mandatory speed limiters on EU cars.
- Plan ahead: It’s crucial to plan your journey effectively, especially if you’re driving on unfamiliar roads. Make sure to factor in additional time, then there’ll be no need to rush.
- Look out for signs: As mentioned, national speed limits don’t always apply, so it’s important to pay close attention to road signs, especially in town centres and residential areas.
Hopefully our guide on van speed limits in the UK has been helpful. Whether you’re driving a leased, hired, or owned van, it’s important to understand that you’ll need to follow slightly different rules, especially on single and dual carriageways. And remember, putting the above tips into practice will help you stay safe and avoid costly penalties.
Looking for more insights? Head over to our blog where you’ll find our full guide to van leasing as well as van leasing fair wear and tear guidelines. Or if you’re thinking about leasing, you can browse our van leasing deals then contact us today.
Van speed limit FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about van speed limits in the UK, we’ve answered some of the most common queries below.
Why do vans have a lower speed limit than cars?
Vans are typically larger and heavier than most cars, so they pose a higher level of risk on the roads (especially when fully loaded). They take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, making it more difficult to perform emergency manoeuvres too.
Can I rely on a satnav for speed limits?
While satnavs are handy for getting from A to B, they may display out-of-date data when it comes to speed limits. Also, most systems are set up for cars by default, so you might see higher limits than what’s legally allowed for your vehicle.
How can I tell if my van is car-derived?
Car-derived vans look like small hatchbacks with the rear seats removed, and they typically weigh no more than two tonnes. If you’re at all unsure about the type of van you’re driving, it’s best to check your V5C logbook (specifically the body type section) or consult your manufacturer for quick confirmation.
Are leased or hired vans subject to the same rules?
Yes, whether you’re leasing a van for business or hiring one for personal use, the same van-specific speed limits apply.
What are the speed limits for vans with side windows?
There are no specific speed limits for vans with side windows in the UK. What matters is the van’s classification, including whether it’s car-derived as well as its maximum weight. Be sure to check your vehicle’s specifications if you’re unsure which rules apply.
