Van speed limits - do you know them?

In the UK, speed limits apply to all vehicles on the road, including vans. Vans are subject to the same speed limits as cars and other vehicles, although there are some specific rules that apply to larger vans and commercial vehicles when driving along certain types of roads. As the UK’s most reliable supplier of van hire, car hire and minibus hire services here at Intack Self Drive, you can trust us to keep you ‘up to speed’ on the differences. 

The main speed limits that van drivers need to be aware of

It’s important to note that there are different speed limits for different types of roads in the UK. These are set out in the Highway Code. With that in mind, here are the main speed limits that apply to vans in the UK:

• On a motorway or dual carriageway, the maximum speed limit for vans weighing up to 7.5 tonnes is 70mph. Vans weighing more than 7.5 tonnes have a maximum speed limit of 60mph on these types of roads.
• On a single carriageway road, the maximum speed limit for vans weighing up to 7.5 tonnes is 60mph. Vans that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes have a maximum speed limit of 50mph on these types of roads.
• In built-up areas, the maximum speed limit for vans is 30mph. However, there may be lower speed limits in some areas, such as around schools or in residential areas.

It’s worth remembering that these are maximum speed limits, and drivers should always adjust their speed to the conditions of the road and the weather. In addition, there may be temporary speed limits in place due to roadworks or other factors, so you’ll always need to keep a particular eye out for any signage indicating a change in the speed limit (this is especially true on smart motorways!). 

What happens if I don’t keep to these speeds? 

It's worth noting that exceeding the speed limit can result in penalties such as fines and points on driving licences, and can even lead to disqu­ali­fica­tion in some cases. It doesn’t matter what vehicle it is, whether it’s a van hired from us, or a personal vehicle, Drivers must stick to the speed limits laid out in the Highway Code for your their own safety, and the safety of those around them.   

All in all, vans in the UK have to adhere to the same speed limits as other vehicles on the road, barring some specific changes to the rules for larger vans and commercial vehicles in certain locations. So, if you’re thinking about renting a van with us here at Intack Self Drive, be sure to brush up on the rules regarding van speed limits before you get caught out accidentally!

All of our rental vehicles here at Intack Self Drive can be rented through daily hire, or our outstanding Flexi hire service, so wherever your intended destination, we’ll have a vehicle that suits your requirements. We’ve got almost half a century of car hire, minibus hire, and van hire experience under our belts here at Intack, and we’re always here to help. Ready to get started? You can browse the best hire deals right here on our site, or give us a call on 0125457811!