Reference · Legal limits
Speed limits for cars in the UK and France
The standard UK motorway limit for cars is 70 mph. France lists 130 km/h on motorways in normal conditions and 110 km/h in rain on sections with a normal 130 km/h limit.
Sources checked
- 01United Kingdom
Motorway, car without trailer · 70 · mph Source 1
- 02United Kingdom
Single carriageway, car without trailer · 60 · mph Source 1
- 03England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Lit built-up roads unless signs show otherwise · 30 · mph Source 1
- 04Wales
Lit built-up roads unless signs show otherwise · 20 · mph Source 1
- 05France
Motorway, normal conditions · 130 · km/h Source 2
- 06France
Motorway in rain where normal limit is 130 km/h · 110 · km/h Source 2
Each figure applies to the condition in its row. The comparison keeps the official speed units.
What changes the default
UK guidance gives different limits for cars with trailers and for goods vehicles. The built-up default differs in Wales. Local limits can be set and signposted. Source 1
France separates weather and road type
The French table distinguishes road classes and conditions. Rain can reduce the limit. The guidance also has separate rows for limited visibility and probationary drivers. Source 2
Compare the units carefully
UK signs use miles per hour and France publishes kilometres per hour. Read the original unit before comparing values across the two countries. Source 1 Source 2
Check whether the condition still applies
Read the actual road sign and the category for your vehicle before using a national default. In France the weather and visibility can affect the general limit. In the UK the local authority can sign a different limit. Source 2 Source 1