Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSpeed Limits on Motorways

Drivers on UK motorways must recognize how maximum speed rules vary across vehicle configurations and electronic gantry signals. Match each motorway scenario to its correct legal speed limit and status.

  • A solo motorcycle travelling on an unobstructed motorway without active electronic signsSubject to the national speed limit of 70 mph
  • A passenger car towing a lightweight camping trailerRestricted to a statutory maximum speed limit of 60 mph
  • An overhead gantry sign showing '50' enclosed within a solid red ringA mandatory and legally enforceable speed limit of 50 mph
  • An overhead matrix signal showing '30' accompanied by flashing amber lightsAn advisory recommended maximum speed of 30 mph

Answer

Solo motorcycle matches the national speed limit of 70 mph; car towing a trailer matches the statutory maximum limit of 60 mph; '50' in a red ring matches the mandatory enforceable limit of 50 mph; '30' with flashing amber lights matches the advisory recommended speed of 30 mph.
On UK motorways, cars and solo motorcycles are governed by the 70 mph national speed limit unless signs indicate otherwise. When towing a trailer, this limit reduces to 60 mph. On smart motorways and gantries, variable speed limits displayed within a red ring are legally mandatory, while matrix displays accompanied by amber flashing lights provide advisory guidance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine statutory baseline limits for specific vehicle classes under motorway national speed limit rules.
Cars and solo motorcycles can travel up to 70 mph, whereas vehicles towing any trailer are limited to 60 mph.
Vehicle configurations carrying or pulling additional loads have longer stopping distances and lower legal maximum speeds.
2
Differentiate between mandatory electronic variable speed limit signs and advisory motorway hazard warnings.
Signs displaying numbers inside red rings are mandatory; matrix signs displaying numbers with flashing amber corner lights are advisory recommendations.
Red circles dictate legal prohibitions and mandatory caps, while amber flashing lights warn of transient road conditions.
3
Pair each vehicle type and gantry signal description with its exact speed value and legal enforcement status.
All four pairs are uniquely matched.
Each scenario represents a distinct legal regulation defined in the Highway Code.

Key Concept

Motorway Speed Limits and Gantry Signage Distinctions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Speed Limits on Motorways

More questions from this topic