A driving instructor has issued a warning about a common mistake that could land motorists with a £1,000 fine and penalty points. The rule many drivers forget is that the National Speed Limit only applies after passing the sign, not upon seeing it.
The Mistake Explained
TikTok user @auh.driving, an automatic driving instructor, reminded drivers that accelerating before reaching a National Speed Limit sign is illegal. “National speed limit starts AFTER the sign, not when you see it,” they said. “You are still in a 30 zone until you physically pass the sign.”
The National Speed Limit is 70mph on dual carriageways and 60mph on single carriageways. Drivers may only accelerate to the new limit once they are level with the sign and it is safe to do so.
Penalties for Speeding
According to the UK government, driving 40mph over the limit is a high-severity offence. Offenders bypass a Fixed Penalty Notice and face a court summons, a driving ban of 7 to 56 days, and a means-tested fine of up to £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways). The fine is calculated as 75% to 175% of weekly earnings, depending on the road and speed.
The RAC notes that magistrates can impose an instant driving disqualification for extreme speeding. If a ban is avoided, drivers receive 4 to 6 points on their licence, according to MoneyHelper.
Advice for Drivers
The instructor urged drivers to wait until they are level with the National Speed Limit sign before accelerating. “The new limit only applies from the exact point where the sign is positioned,” they stressed. Ignoring this rule can result in severe financial and legal consequences.
