A driving instructor has warned people that they could be making a mistake when out on the roads, but if you’re caught, it could lead to a hefty punishment. It’s something that some drivers may do when they get overexcited after seeing a National Speed Limit sign, but if the speed limit was significantly lower before the sign, it’s really important that you continue to drive at the prior speed limit initially.
On TikTok, @auh.driving, who specialises in automatic car driving lessons and mock tests, shared something that many drivers may have forgotten, especially if it’s been a little while since they took their test. “National speed limit starts AFTER the sign, not when you see it,” the driving instructor reminded people.
It’s important to remember that you’re “still in a 30 zone” before you actually pass the sign saying that you can go the National Speed Limit, which is 70mph on dual carriageways, and 60mph on single carriageways. You can legally accelerate to 70mph the exact moment you pass a National Speed Limit sign on a motorway or dual carriageway, provided that it is safe to do so.
This means that you should not accelerate to 70mph beforehand, because if you do, and you’re caught, it could spell trouble for you. Especially if the speed limit was 30mph prior.
It’s important that you do not speed up before passing the sign. The new limit applies right where the sign stands.
According to the UK government, being caught speeding 40mph over the limit is considered a high-severity offence. You will bypass a standard Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) and go straight to court via a court summons, and could risk a driving ban of between seven and 56 days and a means-tested fine that can reach £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways).
When caught driving 40mph over the limit, your fine depends on the specific circumstances and how the court classifies your speed. In the UK, this extreme level of speeding falls under severe bands. If you were speeding by a very high percentage, magistrates can issue an instant driving disqualification, according to the RAC.
MoneyHelper shares that if you manage to avoid a full ban, you will receive four to six points on your driving licence. They also highlight that, rather than a flat rate, your fine will be calculated as a percentage of your weekly income, typically ranging from 75 to 175 per cent, depending on the exact road and the speed recorded.
So, when you next see a National Speed Limit sign, make sure that you wait until you’re level with it before putting your foot down.