DRIVERS have been warned over a popular speed limit myth that could see them slapped with a hefty fine.
For years, motorists believed that they could go ten per cent over the speed limit and get away with it – but it might not be the case.
There isn’t a specific amount of miles per hour that you can exceed the speed limit by, in fact you shouldn’t ever be breaking the limit.
But there is a common “10 per cent plus 2mph rule” which suggests that drivers will be given leeway if they are going just over the speed limit.
For example, if the speed limit on the road is 30mph, the idea is that you will be ok if you travel at under 35mph, as 10 per cent of 30 is 3mph, and adding the 2mph makes 35mph.
A motor expert has now debunked the popular belief, saying that this guideline originated from the strategy formerly used by UK police when enforcing speed limits.
In reality, drivers could find themselves in hot water as it is up to an officer’s discretion whether to punish them for going over the limit or not.
Andrew Jervis, CEO of ClickMechanic, said: “Speeding costs lives and should never be encouraged, regardless of whether it can land you in trouble or not.
“Speed limits are not arbitrary figures; they are carefully determined based on factors such as road design, traffic flow, and pedestrian activity.
“The misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines and/or points on their licence, but can cause fatal road traffic collisions.
“As road users, we all have a responsibility to drive with consideration for others to ensure our highways are safe for all to use.”
Mr Jervis explained that the 10 per cent myth spread from speed enforcement guidance by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
The rule took into account that speed guns used by the police aren’t 100 per cent accurate all the time.
“In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces – and not a rule for members of the public,” Mr Jervis added.
The guideline also states that it “cannot replace a police officer’s discretion”, meaning it is a risky gamble that could land you in trouble.
If you’re caught speeding, you can be fined £100 and get three penalty points.
It is also possible that you could be prosecuted for exceeding the limit by just 1mph.
These are the speed limits for every type of road vehicle in the UK.
The speed limit for all types of vehicles in built-up areas is 30mph.
Be it a car, a motorcycle, a bus or a heavy vehicle, across the UK, you can only drive at 30mph in such roads.
The speed limits in single carriageways vary between vehicles.
In such a road, the speed limits for:
The speed limits in dual carriageways vary too, depending on the type of vehicle.
The speed limit for:
On a motorway, the speed limits depends on what vehicle you are driving too.
The speed limit for:
It’s good to note some following changes that may be applied to how your vehicle is classified while driving:
