Speed Limits for Vans and Pickups in the UK

If you’re thinking of hiring a van or pickup, are you aware of the specific speed limits you must stick to? You could face a fine of up to £2,500 if you’re caught speeding in one, so it’s important that you know the speed restrictions.

The speed limits displayed on roads apply to all cars, but don’t always apply to other vehicles too. Similarly, not all vans are subject to the same speed limits either, it depends what class they fall into.

So, we’ve put together a short guide to help drivers understand the speed limits for vans and pickups to help you avoid receiving speeding fines and points on your licence.

Speed Limits for Vans (below 7.5 tonnes)

These restrictions will apply to vans with a maximum laden weight of 7.5 tonnes. This includes vehicles from our hire range like the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit.

By law, vehicles with a gross weight of between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes must be fitted with a speed limiter of 56mph, so the maximum speed limits for this weight of vehicle are unachievable anyway, but drivers should still be aware of their speed in built up areas.

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Speed Limits for Vans (above 7.5 tonnes)

These restrictions will apply to vans exceeding a maximum laden weight of 7.5 tonnes (in England & Wales only). This includes vehicles from our hire range like the 7.5t Dropside, 7.5t Box Tail Lift and 7.5t Curtainside.

However, if you drive the same vehicle in Scotland, the limits change slightly to the following:

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Speed Limits for Vans Towing Trailers

Additionally, if you’re towing a trailer with your van, then the speed limit on motorways drops from 70mph to 60mph.

Speed Limits for Car-Derived Vans (CDV)

A CDV is a vehicle like a Ford Fiesta Van, which you can hire from us. They are classed as a ‘goods vehicles which are constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle and has a maximum laden weight not exceeding 2.0 tonnes’. Although these vehicles are technically vans, they are just cars that have had their windows replaced with blank panels. Therefore, the standard car speed limits apply:

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Speed Limits for Pickup Trucks

We also offer a range of Pickup Trucks for hire, so it’s important to be aware of any change in speed limits that may apply to you. Pickup Trucks are legally known as Dual-Purpose Vehicles. We explain more below:

What is a Dual-Purpose Vehicle?

The definition – a vehicle that is ‘constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and goods and designed to weigh no more than 2,040kg when unladen’.

To qualify, vehicles must have the following:

• Side window
• Rear window
• Additional row of seats behind driver
• Four-wheel drive OR Rigid roof

Although, if a Dual-Purpose Vehicle can seat more than eight people or it measures more than 12 metres long, then the lower van limits apply.

So, if you’re hiring a Ford Ranger for example, then the standard UK speed limits for cars will apply:

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Please Note

Although these are the set speed limits, drivers should not aim to achieve these speeds. Drivers should always drive at a speed that’s reasonable in accordance to the current road and weather conditions. Additionally, when driving a vehicle with a heavy payload, drivers should pay close attention to their driving style, taking care not to disturb their cargo.

As customers, we encourage you to contact us if you are at all unsure of what speed limits apply to the vehicle you are driving.

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NOTE - these particulars are merely a guide and drivers should seek confirmation of speed limits from an official source.

Images for illustration purposes only. Image credits to: autoexpress.co.uk