A white circular sign featuring a bold diagonal black stripe indicates that the national speed limit applies.
Rather than displaying a specific number, this sign establishes speed limits determined by road type and vehicle classification.
What this sign means
The default national speed limit applies for your vehicle category on this road type.
For standard cars and motorcycles, the maximum speed limit is 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
- White circle with a diagonal black stripe.
- Single carriageways: 60 mph (cars/motorcycles).
- Dual carriageways & motorways: 70 mph (cars/motorcycles).
- Lower limits apply to vans, HGVs, and towing vehicles.
What to do when you see it
Accelerate smoothly up to a safe cruising speed appropriate for road and weather conditions, up to the maximum permitted limit for your vehicle.
Remember that a speed limit is a maximum ceiling, not a target speed if conditions are poor.
How this sign is tested
Theory tests heavily feature this sign, testing exact speed limits across different vehicle types and road configurations.
Questions often test the difference in limits between single and dual carriageways for cars towing caravans.
Common mistakes
Assuming the limit is always 60 mph or always 70 mph without considering whether the road is single or dual carriageway.
Forgetting that lower speed limits apply to vans, lorries, and vehicles towing trailers.
Test yourself on this one
Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.
Practise road sign questionsFrequently asked questions
What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway?
The limit is 60 mph for standard passenger cars and motorcycles.
What is the national speed limit for a car towing a trailer on a dual carriageway?
The limit is 60 mph (reduced from 70 mph due to towing).
How do I distinguish a dual carriageway from a single carriageway?
A dual carriageway features a physical central reservation (guardrail or grass strip) separating opposing traffic streams.