Great Britain and Northern Ireland: 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Ireland: 80 km/h (about 50 mph) on every road, motorways included. A lower posted limit always applies.
| Road | Great Britain | Northern Ireland | Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-up area | 30 mph (20 mph in Wales where set) | 30 mph | Posted limit |
| Single carriageway | 50 mph | 50 mph | 80 km/h |
| Dual carriageway | 60 mph | 60 mph | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 60 mph | 60 mph | 80 km/h |
Great Britain
The Road Traffic Regulation Act sets 60/60/50 mph for a car "drawing one trailer" (Schedule 6). On a motorway with three or more lanes you must not use the right-hand lane when towing (Highway Code rule 265).
Northern Ireland
The NI speed limits regulations set the same 60/60/50 (SR 1989/203; nidirect). Keeping out of the outside lane of a three-lane motorway is advice in NI, not law.
Ireland
"The ordinary speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour is prescribed in respect of all public roads for a combination of a mechanically propelled vehicle drawing another vehicle" (S.I. 255/2022). That includes motorways, where other traffic does 120 km/h.
Questions
- What is the speed limit for towing a caravan on a UK motorway?
- 60 mph in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- Can I tow at 100 km/h on an Irish motorway?
- No. Any car towing a trailer is limited to 80 km/h on every road in Ireland.
- Can I use the outside lane when towing?
- Not on a GB motorway with three or more lanes. In Northern Ireland it is advised against but not prohibited.
Sources
- Towing speed limits in Great Britain: Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Schedule 6, checked 3 November 2026.
- No towing in the outside lane of a 3-lane motorway: The Highway Code (GB), rule 265, checked 3 November 2026.
- Towing speed limits in Northern Ireland: nidirect, Towing safety information, checked 3 November 2026.
- NI speed limits regulations: Motor Vehicles (Speed Limits) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989, Schedule, checked 3 November 2026.
- Ireland: 80 km/h when towing: Road Traffic Act 2004 (Ordinary Speed Limits) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, S.I. No. 255 of 2022, checked 3 November 2026.
Guidance, not legal advice. Towsheet is independent and not connected with the DVLA, DVA, RSA or NDLS.