England and Wales
Over 7.5t: 50 mph on single carriageways; 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Built-up defaults are 30 mph in England and 20 mph in Wales. Follow lower applicable signs.
Scotland: current limits
Over 7.5t: 40 mph on single carriageways, 50 mph on dual carriageways and 60 mph on motorways. The built-up default is 30 mph. Check signs and route-specific exceptions.
Scotland change watch
Transport Scotland is progressing 50 mph on single and 60 mph on dual carriageways for HGVs over 7.5t. The checked sources do not confirm national commencement; the table retains current limits.
A9 exception: specified single-carriageway sections between Perth and Inverness have a higher HGV limit. Follow route signs and official guidance; this does not apply across Scotland.
Single or dual carriageway?
A central reservation separates opposing traffic on a dual carriageway. Lane count alone is not decisive: two lanes in your direction can still form part of a single carriageway.
Motorways and 7.5-tonne vehicles
Motorways: 60 mph above 7.5t; up to 7.5t, 70 mph or 60 mph if articulated or towing. Use maximum laden weight to select the category, even when travelling empty.
Signed limits and speed limiters
Follow the lower applicable road or vehicle limit, including mandatory variable limits. A limiter may restrict speed further. Slow down for weather, visibility, traffic and the load; the maximum is not a target.
Plan a workable HGV journey
Allow for loading, delivery windows, congestion and breaks. Check drivers’ hours and extra time or mileage before accepting a return load. Speed limits do not guarantee journey times.
