Introduction

In 2015, England and Wales increased speed limits for HGVs on certain roads.
Scotland did not adopt those changes, meaning lower limits still apply north of the border.

This regularly catches drivers out, particularly on cross-border routes.
While the Scottish Government has indicated that changes are being planned,
the law has not changed.

This guide explains the current legal limits, how Scotland differs from the rest of the UK,
and what operators need to know about proposed changes.

What Counts as an HGV?

For speed-limit purposes, an HGV is any goods vehicle with a
maximum authorised mass over 3.5 tonnes.

• 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes
• Over 7.5 tonnes

This article focuses on vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, as these are subject to
lower national speed limits.

HGV Speed Limits in England and Wales

Since 2015, the legal speed limits for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales have been:

• 30 mph in built-up areas
• 50 mph on single carriageways
• 60 mph on dual carriageways
• 60 mph on motorways

Source: The Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limits) Regulations 2015

HGV Speed Limits in Scotland (Current Law)

Scotland chose not to follow the 2015 changes made in England and Wales.
As a result, the current legal limits for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes in Scotland remain:

• 30 mph in built-up areas
• 40 mph on single carriageways
• 50 mph on dual carriageways
• 60 mph on motorways

Source: The Motor Vehicles (Speed Limits on Roads) Regulations 1996

Proposed Changes to HGV Speed Limits in Scotland

The Scottish Government has confirmed that it is progressing plans to increase HGV speed limits
as part of its National Speed Management Review.

Current proposals indicate that:

• Single carriageway limits may increase from 40 mph to 50 mph
• Dual carriageway limits may increase from 50 mph to 60 mph

These changes are not yet law. Until legislation is formally amended and a
commencement date is confirmed, the existing lower Scottish limits still apply.

Speed Limiters and Overspeed Events

Most HGVs over 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with a speed limiter set to
56 mph (90 km/h).

An overspeed event is recorded when that limit is exceeded for more than
60 seconds.

Overspeeding, tachograph use, and driver responsibility are core topics covered in

Driver CPC training
.

Why Overspeeding Matters to Operators

Repeated overspeed events can indicate weak driver control, faulty speed limiters,
or poor transport management systems.

These issues can negatively affect an operator’s
Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) and may lead to DVSA enforcement
or Traffic Commissioner action.

Operator responsibilities in this area are a key focus of

Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT)
.

Driving Across the Border

Drivers moving from England into Scotland must reduce speed immediately.
A limit that is legal in England may result in a speeding offence once the border is crossed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Scotland increased the speed limit for HGVs?

No. Scotland has not yet increased the legal speed limits for HGVs.
Although changes are being planned, the existing limits remain in force.

What are the current HGV speed limits in Scotland?

For HGVs over 7.5 tonnes, the limits are 30 mph in built-up areas,
40 mph on single carriageways, 50 mph on dual carriageways, and 60 mph on motorways.

Can DVSA take action if an HGV exceeds its speed limiter?

Yes. Exceeding the limiter for more than 60 seconds records an overspeed event and
may result in DVSA enforcement action, even if the posted road speed limit was not exceeded.