What Is The Speed Limit In A Van & How To Avoid A Ticket In 2023?

Did you know that different types of vehicles are subject to their own individual speed limits on UK roads? While many assume the numbers posted on speed limit signs apply to all vehicles, they actually only pertain to passenger cars because they make up the majority of traffic on the road. This begs the question, what is the speed limit in a van?

Vans and other light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have a lower speed limit than cars. This makes sense because they weigh considerably more. As a result, their stopping distance is longer, and they can cause more damage to other vehicles.

Table Of Contents

1 Van Speed Limits
2 How To Avoid A Speeding Ticket
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 Conclusion

Van Speed Limits

The speed limit of a van varies based on the road you’re driving, the type of van and the weight of the van. Vans have the same speed limit as cars on motorways and in built-up areas. However, the speed limit is lower on single and dual carriageways. Below you’ll find the speed limit for vans between 2 and 7.5 tonnes across various roads:

Built-up areas: 30 mph (The same as cars)
Single carriageway: 50 mph (10 mph less than a car)
Dual carriageway: 60 mph (10 mph less than a car)
Motorway: 70 mph (The same as cars)

Note: UK van speed limits further drop when you’re towing.

Variable Speed Limits

In addition to standard van speed limits, variable speed limits (VSLs) are becoming more common in the UK. Variable speed limits monitor traffic flow and other situations and make adjustments to reduce congestion. For example, a VSL can introduce a temporary speed limit to slow down traffic and minimise congestion further ahead on the road. Variable speed limits may also be imposed when there is roadwork or a damaged vehicle on the road.

Most UK roads use fixed speed limits. You can identify them by a number within a red circle. The national speed limit sign, on the other hand, has a varied speed limit. The speed depends on the vehicle you’re driving and the road you’re on.

Note: Van speed limits apply to all vehicles that weigh more than 2 tonnes.

Campervan Speed Limits

The speed limit for campervans in the UK depends on the vehicle registration document (V5C). The Volkswagen California and the Mercedes V Class Marco Polo are the only two campervans available brand new. The Volkswagen California is classified as a “motor caravan”, while the Marco Polo is classified as a multipurpose vehicle. You can drive both of these models as fast as a regular car.

Note: If you’re using a converted campervan, check the vehicle registration to see if it has been changed to a motor caravan. If it hasn’t, you’ll be restricted to the speed of the van on which it is based.

Limits For Car-Derived Vans & Dual-Purpose Vehicles

Speed limits for car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles differ from those for regular vans. These commercial vehicles have the same speed limits as cars. Their speed limits on various roads can be seen below:

30 mph on built-up areas
60 mph on single carriageway
70 mph on dual carriageway
70 mph on motorway

Car-Derived Van

A car-derived van refers to a small van that is based on the design of a car. They are classified as goods vehicles that are derivatives of passenger vehicles.

Note: To be able to drive your car-derived van at the same speed limit as cars, the V5C of the vehicle must list the vehicle body type as a CDV, and the gross vehicle weight must not exceed 2 tonnes.

Dual-Purpose Vehicle

Unlike car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles can carry both passengers and goods. To qualify as dual-purpose, a vehicle must meet the following criteria:

The unladen weight of the vehicle must not exceed 2,040 kg.
Behind the driver, it must have at least one row of passenger seats with side and rear windows.
It must have the appropriate ratio of passenger space to load area.
It must be either a 4-wheel drive or a rigid roof.

Examples of dual-purpose vehicles include double cab vans and double cab pickup trucks.

Limits For 3.5 Tonnes Vans

It’s important to note that not all vehicles have the same speed limit. A van that has a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes is subject to the following speed limits:

30 mph in built-up areas
50 mph on single carriageways
60 mph on dual carriageways
70 mph on motorways

The Luton van is an excellent example of a popular van in this weight class.

Note: Technically, the speed restriction is the same for all van drivers for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. However, to drive a van over 3.5 tonnes, you must have a B+E classification on your licence.

Speed Limits When Towing

The legal limit drops from 70 mph to 60 mph when you’re pulling a trailer or a caravan, regardless of what kind of vehicle you’re driving. Speed limits for vans and all other vehicles towing a load on single carriageways also drop to 50 mph.

How To Avoid A Speeding Ticket

If you’re driving in the UK, you should be aware that travelling over the speed limit is a serious offence and can land you with an expensive fine. Anyone who exceeds the speed limit will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which carries both 3 points on your licence and a £100 fine.

The following tips can help you avoid speeding tickets when driving in the UK:

Use Cruise Control

Cruise control is a feature that comes in handy to control vehicle speed limits. It allows you to set your vehicle to a specific speed and take your foot off the accelerator. Set the cruise control to a speed below the maximum speed of the road you’re driving on.

Use A Speed Limiter

You can use a speed limiter to reduce the top speed of your vehicle. Speed limiters are safety devices that prevent vehicles from exceeding a pre-set speed limit.

Note: In the UK, you can only use speed limiters on goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes and vehicles with seats for more than eight passengers.

Don’t Rely On Your Satnav Or Dashboard Displays

Avoid relying on your satnav or dashboard displays to determine the speed limit in certain areas. The indicator may be incorrect sometimes due to inaccurate data from the map it uses.

Whether you need a small van for a simple task or you’re seeking large van rental services for your business, reach out to SDVH today. We cater to various rental demands in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Variable Speed Limit?

A variable speed limit is a flexible restriction on the maximum speed that motorists can drive on a road. The speed limit varies according to road conditions and other environmental factors. VSLs, for example, change in increments of 5 or 10 mph to slow traffic flow. The current speed limit will be displayed on an electronic traffic sign.

Can Average Speed Cameras Detect Vans?

Yes, average speed cameras detect vans. An average speed camera tracks how long it takes your vehicle to get from one point to another and calculates your average speed based on that information. Average speed cameras are often mounted on top of long poles at one side of the road. They work for vans, cars and other types of vehicles.

How Far Away Can A Speed Camera Van Catch You?

A speed camera can catch you from around 300 metres away. These devices are designed to spot vans that are a fair distance away. Some mobile speed cameras can even catch vehicles that are up to a mile away. As long as the camera operator can target your vehicle, it can get your speed reading.

Why Are Vans Limited To 56mph?

Vans are restricted to 56 mph in order to avoid serious damage in the event of an accident. Since vans weigh more and have a higher centre of gravity than cars, their stopping distance is greater. Therefore, they can inflict serious damage to other vehicles and their occupants. In fact, the law mandates that vans that exceed 3.5 tonnes have speed limiters.

Is 10 Over Speed Limit Allowed?

No, 10 over speed limit is not allowed. According to the law, you will get a fine for driving 1 mph over the speed limit if the police officer considers it appropriate. Although many police officers will not charge you for going slightly above the speed limit, it’s best to avoid breaking the law.

Conclusion

We hope this article has answered your question, “What is the speed limit in a van?”. Van speed limits depend on various factors, such as the weight of the van, vehicle attachments and the road you’re on. To avoid breaking the law, ensure that you’re fully aware of the speed limit for your vehicle before getting on the road.

What Is The Speed Limit In A Van?