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Question

Difficulty: MediumSpeed Limits on Motorways

Under standard UK driving conditions on a three-lane motorway with no temporary roadworks or active variable speed signs, how does the maximum legal speed limit apply across the individual traffic lanes for a passenger car?

  1. A
    The right-hand lane permits up to 80 mph to allow vehicles to complete overtaking manoeuvres rapidly.
  2. The maximum speed limit of 70 mph applies equally to all open lanes across the motorway.Answer
  3. C
    The left-hand lane has a reduced legal limit of 60 mph to facilitate smoother merging for entering vehicles.
  4. D
    The speed limit increases progressively across each lane, from 50 mph in the left lane to 70 mph in the right lane.

Answer

The maximum speed limit of 70 mph applies equally to all open lanes across the motorway.
Under the UK Highway Code, the national speed limit for a standard passenger car on a motorway is 70 mph. When no variable speed limits, lane-specific gantry signals, or temporary roadwork restrictions are in effect, this limit applies equally across every lane of the carriageway.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the statutory national speed limit for a passenger car on a UK motorway.
The national speed limit for standard cars and motorcycles on motorways is 70 mph.
Rule 124 of the UK Highway Code defines the standard vehicle-class speed limits.
2
Determine whether lane position alters the maximum permitted speed in the absence of variable signs.
The 70 mph limit applies uniformly across all lanes.
Overtaking lanes do not grant exemptions to exceed the national speed limit, nor do standard running lanes impose lower mandatory speed limits on passenger cars.

Key Concept

Uniform application of the national speed limit across all motorway lanes for passenger cars
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Speed Limits on Motorways

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