A driving instructor has issued a warning that drivers who accelerate before passing a National Speed Limit sign risk fines and penalty points. The reminder comes from TikTok user @auh.driving, who specializes in automatic car driving lessons and mock tests.
What Is the Rule?
“National speed limit starts AFTER the sign, not when you see it,” the instructor stated in a video. Drivers often mistakenly speed up upon sighting a National Speed Limit sign, but the new limit only applies once the vehicle is level with the sign. Before passing it, the previous speed limit—such as 30mph in a built-up area—remains in effect.
On dual carriageways, the National Speed Limit is 70mph, and on single carriageways, it is 60mph. Drivers can legally accelerate to these speeds the moment they pass the sign, provided it is safe to do so.
Penalties for Speeding
According to the UK government, being caught driving 40mph over the speed limit is classified as a high-severity offence. Offenders bypass a standard Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) and are summoned to court, where they risk a driving ban of between seven and 56 days and a means-tested fine. Fines can reach £1,000, or up to £2,500 if the offence occurs on a motorway.
The RAC notes that magistrates can issue an instant driving disqualification for extreme speeding. MoneyHelper adds that if a ban is avoided, drivers receive four to six penalty points on their licence. Fines are calculated as a percentage of weekly income, typically ranging from 75% to 175%, depending on the road and speed recorded.
Practical Advice
To avoid penalties, drivers should wait until they are level with a National Speed Limit sign before accelerating. The instructor emphasized that you are “still in a 30 zone” until you pass the sign. Speeding up prematurely could lead to costly consequences.
