A number inside a red ring is the maximum speed allowed in miles per hour. A blue circle with a number sets a minimum speed. A white disc with a black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies, which depends on the type of road and vehicle. Zone signs mark areas with a lower limit.
What does each speed limit sign mean?
Each sign is shown with its official meaning from the Department for Transport. Tap through to the quiz when you’re ready to test yourself.
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End of 30 miles per hour minimum speed limit -
End of 40 miles per hour minimum speed limit -
Maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour -
Maximum speed limit of 30 miles per hour -
Maximum speed limit of 40 miles per hour -
Maximum speed limit of 50 miles per hour -
Maximum speed limit of 60 miles per hour -
Minimum speed limit of 30 miles per hour -
Minimum speed limit of 40 miles per hour -
National speed limits apply -
Road works or temporary obstruction of the carriageway ahead -
Area in which cameras are used to enforce the speed limit regulations -
Commencement point of a newly imposed 30 miles per hour speed limit which is contiguous to an existing 30 miles per hour speed limit -
End of 20 miles per hour zone and start of 30 miles per hour zone -
End of restriction or prohibition conveyed by an associated sign -
Entrance to a 20 miles per hour speed limit zone -
Length of road where two cameras are used to measure the average speed of a vehicle between two points -
Maximum speed of 30 miles per hour advised at a bend or other hazard -
Reminder to drivers that traffic enforcement cameras are in use -
Speed camera ahead and reminder of 30 miles per hour speed limit -
Start of a 30 miles per hour speed limit at the boundary of a town or village -
Start of motorway regulations, including the national speed limit
Ready to test yourself on road signs?
The free road signs quiz uses the same official artwork, with an explanation for every answer. Revise the rules behind them in our Rules of the Road guide.
Start the road signs quizFrequently asked questions
How do you recognise speed limit signs?
A number inside a red ring is the maximum speed allowed in miles per hour. A blue circle with a number sets a minimum speed. A white disc with a black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies, which depends on the type of road and vehicle. Zone signs mark areas with a lower limit.
Do speed limit signs come up in the theory test?
Yes. Signs appear throughout the theory test, mainly in the Road & Traffic Signs topic and also in topics such as Rules of the Road. Practise with our free questions until you can read each sign from its shape and colour.
Which other road sign categories should you learn?
Traffic sign images: Crown copyright, Department for Transport. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Licence · Source.