Don't Get Caught Out, Know About Van Speed Limits
If you’re not already aware, it is important know that speed limits for certain vans differ to that of regular cars.
Indeed, while we are all taught to learn about speed limits in certain areas on our driving test, should you go on to drive a van of a certain size and weight, these limits can be different so as to maintain safety on the road.
These different limits don’t apply across all vans with smaller models adhering to the same laws as regular cars, but if your business is dependent on driving, it is crucial to understand where the variables apply to ensure you don’t get caught out.
Here, Vansdirect lays out the law simply to ensure your driving licence is protected.
UK Van Speed Limits
| Built-Up Areas* | Single Carriageways | Dual Carriageways | Motorways | |
| Cars, Motorcycles, Car-derived Small Vans | 30mph | 60mph | 70mph | 70mph |
| Cars, Motorcycles, Car-derived Small Vans Towing | 30mph | 50mph | 60mph | 60mph |
| Vans not more than 7.5 tonnes GVW | 30mph | 50mph | 60mph | 70mph |
| Vans more than 7.5 tonnes GVW ** | 30mph | 50mph | 60mph | 60mph |
* speed limits apply to built-up areas in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland. In Wales, the speed limit is 20mph
** speed limits apply to England and Wales. In Scotland, single carriage is 40mph limit, dual-carriageway is 50mph, motorway is 60mph
Car-derived Vans and Dual-Purpose Vans
Car-derived Vans
A car-derived van is defined as: "A goods vehicle which is constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle and which has a maximum laden weight not exceeding 2 tonnes."
Prime examples of this type of van are the Vauxhall Corsavan and Ford Fiesta Van, though these are not available to purchase new anymore.
However, the rules do apply to many small vans at least as these are often based on the architecture of family hatchbacks. This would include models as the Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo and Ford Transit Courier.
A car-derived van must be:
- Designed to weigh no more than two tonnes
- Based on car designs or the vehicle is built on the platform of a car by the same manufacturer
- There will be no rear seats
- There will be a payload area with a floor panel
- There are no side windows in the rear of the vehicle
As stated above, a car-derived van is subject to the standard national speed limits (eg. 70mph on a motorway)
Dual-purpose Vans
A dual-purpose van is defined as: "A vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and of goods and designed to weight no more than 2,040kg when unladen."
The van must either have four-wheel drive or a rigid roof and at least one row of passenger seats behind the driver, with side and rear windows and the correct ratio of passenger space to load area.
Pick-up Trucks and Camper Vans
Most pick-up vans and camper vans are considered as dual-purpose vans and hence can be driven with the second set of speed limits. However, do check the GVW is under 2040kg as most pick-up trucks are subject to speed limit restrictions.
If the GVW is higher than this figure, then they will have to abide by the first set of speed limits.
Single cab pick-up vans without four-wheel drive are also not thought of as dual-purpose and have to abide by the first set of speed limits.
Crew Vans and Kombi Vans
It is this area where the most confusion can arise over speed limits. They should qualify as dual-purpose vans (if GVW is under 2,040kg), however their van like appearance can mean areas of confusion amongst police enforcement.
Towing a trailer
Any van towing a trailer on dual carriageways or motorways has to abide by a speed limit of 60mph, regardless of the prior category that the van falls into.
UK Speeding Fines, Penalties and Disqualification
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
You can be disqualified from driving if you accumulate 12 points (the equivalent of four fines) within a three-year period, though points will be removed after three years have elapsed.
You can be fined for speeding if you are flashed by a fixed speed camera while over the speed limit, stopped by police or captured by a mobile speed camera.
You will receive a fixed penalty notice in the post, which will provide evidence of your offence, from which you must decide whether to reply and admit fault (plead guilty) and therefore pay the fine before the points are also applied.
You also have the option to avoid getting points on your licence by taking a speed awareness course, but the fine will remain.
If you plead not guilty, you will need to go to court. If you are then found guilty, you could be fined £1000 or up to £2500 if the offence was committed on a motorway. You may also be disqualified from driving or have your licence suspended.
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