Many drivers are not aware that you can legally ignore one type of motorway speed limit sign – but it’s not an invitation to put your foot down on the accelerator
Motorists have been left gobsmacked after discovering there’s a motorway speed limit sign that you can actually ignore without breaking the law. Navigating the motorways has become a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, with drivers constantly on alert for overhead gantry signs, average speed checks – and long-range speed cameras all ready to pounce on any lapse in concentration.
Yet, many drivers are blissfully unaware that one particular type of motorway speed limit carries no legal enforcement and is purely advisory. A Reddit user by the handle BevvyTime shared their eye-opening moment while driving on the M2 in Kent, recounting: “On the M2, big crash on the other side with a guy being intubated in an ambulance.
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“Big Amber 50 signs flashing for about two miles beforehand, yet I appeared to be the only person adhering to this?” They continued, perplexed: “Had to speed up to 60 in the end to avoid causing any danger to myself/wife/others – but what is the actual rule here?
“I was pretty sure it wasn’t an optional speed limit.” Contrary to what many believe, amber speed limit signs on motorways are indeed just suggestions and not legally binding – although it’s always wise to take them seriously.
Another Reddit user, U/Federal-Lemonade, chimed in with some wise advice from a past experience: “If I recall correctly, from a speed awareness course I did a few years back, they said that amber speed limit signs are advisory, but if you get into an accident and you’re over that limit you’re leaving yourself open to a dangerous driving charge.”
u/spicy-sausage1 weighed in on the conversation about traffic advisories, saying: “But the amber advisory is not a speed limit and no camera can enforce an advisory.
“If the flashing amber says 50mph and you’re doing 70mph the police or camera cannot do you for speeding. If they deem your speed to be unsafe, they could take you to court for driving without due care and attention or similar but would need to prove what you were doing was unsafe.
“If it was a straight road with great visibility and minimal traffic you could probably argue the charge away.”
Corroborating this view, PassMeFast also remarked: “Sometimes advisory speed limit signs are used on motorways. These display a number, with amber lights flashing in the corners of the sign.
“Although not enforceable by law, you should still take note of advisory speed limits. They reflect conditions on the road, and potential hazards that you need to be aware of.”
These insights come amid concerns that many drivers may misinterpret the amber signals as a cue to accelerate, especially as such warnings are most commonly deployed during heavy congestion, harsh weather conditions, or dense fog – where disregarding them could increase the risk factor for both the driver and fellow motorists significantly.
Additionally, PassMeFast stressed that these advisories should not be mistaken for red circle speed limits which represent strict regulations that must be adhered to, reports the Express.
They are usually found on smart motorways and typically accompanied by speed cameras perched on top of gantries, poised to issue fines instantaneously upon any infringement of the set speed limit.