What Is the Speed Limit for a 3.5 Tonne Van?

If you’re a van driver that likes to test the speed limits of your vehicle, you might want to keep your numbers in check.

Van speed limits are lower than for cars and if you go over the speed limit, the penalties are often much higher than for car drivers.

But, what is the speed limit for a 3.5 tonne van?

Let’s find out.

Van speed limits in the UK

The speed limit for vans on UK roads varies depending on the weight of the vehicle, the type of vehicle, and where you’re driving it. 

The 3.5-tonne van speed limits in the UK are:

•  Built-up areas: 30mph
•  Single carriageway: 50mph
•  Dual carriageway: 60 mph 
• Motorway: 70mph; 60mph if you’re towing a trailer

The speed limit for vans on a motorway is the same as that for a car. Only the single and dual carriageway limits are slower, compared to cars and dual-purpose vehicles. 

The 3.5 tonne van speed limits apply to all vans that weigh up to 7.5 tonnes.

The tricky part about speed limits is that they are subject to further restrictions. City or town councils, as well as different localities and neighbourhoods, can set tighter speed limits in certain areas. 

For example, the speed limit for vans on a dual carriageway with sharp bends can go down to 40mph and there might be a 20mph speed limit imposed in areas that are near a school.

Another thing to keep in mind is that variable speed limits are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise of “smart motorways.” These motorways monitor traffic and set different speed limits to ease congestion. 

Limits for car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles

Car-derived vans are vans based on standard cars. Unlike regular cars, they usually feature a load platform instead of rear seats and solid panels instead of rear side windows. They typically weigh up to 2 tonnes when fully loaded.

The speed limits for vans with side windows and dual-purpose vehicles are the same as those for regular cars:

•  Built-up areas: 30mph
•  Single carriageway: 60mph
•  Dual carriageway: 70mph
•  Motorway:70mph

Limits for pickup trucks

The speed limit for pickup trucks depends on their weight. Some pickups, especially the newer ones that weigh more than 2,040kg are too heavy to be classified as ‘dual-purpose vehicles” and are thus, subject to standard LCV speed limits which are 10mph slower than those for cars on single and dual carriageways. 

• Built-up areas: 30mph
• Single carriageway: 50mph 
• Dual carriageway: 60mph
• Motorway:70mph

Limits for large vans

If a van weighs more than 7.5 tonnes (maximum laden weight), you’re required to drive 10mph slower than regular vans on carriageways and motorways in England and Wales.

• Built-up area:30mph
• Single carriageway: 50 mph
• Dual carriageway: 60mph
• Motorway: 60mph

The speed limits for single and dual carriageways in Scotland are slower. 

• Built-up area:30mph
• Single carriageway: 40 mph
• Dual carriageway: 50mph
• Motorway: 60mph

Limits for campervans

Campervans are classified into two categories: campervans under 3.05 tonnes and campervans over 3.05 tonnes. 

The speed limits for campervans that are under 3.05 tonnes are:

• Built-up areas:30mph
• Single carriageway:60mph
• Dual carriageways:70mph
• Motorway:70mph

The speed limits for campervans that are over 3.05 tonnes are the following:

• Built-up areas:30mph
• Single carriageway: 50mph
• Dual carriageway: 60 mph
•  Motorway:  70 mph

Limits for double-cab-in-vans

The typical double-cab-in-van has two sets of passenger seats, two/three seats in the front, and three seats in the back, with a fixed glazed bulkhead that separates the second row from the loadspace.

 The transit van speed limits in the UK  for these types of vehicles are:

• Built-in area:30mph
• Single carriageway:50mph
• Dual carriageway:60mp
• Motorway:70mph

The towing speed limits in the UK

The speed limits for car-derived vans, dual-purpose vehicles, and cars are similar to UK speed limits for vans:

• Built-in areas: 30mph
• Single carriageway: 50mph
• Dual carriageway:60mph
• Motorway:60mph

Speeding fines and tips on how to avoid speeding

The minimum penalty for speeding in the UK is 3 points added to your licence and a £100 fine. As a matter of fact, more than 20% of the road accidents that occur in the UK are due to exceeding the speed limit.

However, you can be fined up to 6 penalty points and £1,000 for exceeding the speed limit for vans on single and dual carriageways and up to £2,500 on motorways.

If you build up a minimum of 12 points in 3 years, you’ll automatically be disqualified from driving for 6 months. 

The best way to avoid penalty points on your licence is to attend a speed awareness course. The cost of the speed awareness course is similar to the minimum speeding fine, but no points will be added to your driving licence.

You can also steer clear of fines and penalty points by:

• Using an in-car device that will alert you when you break the speed limit
• Regularly checking the speedometer 
• Setting up cruising control to maintain a steady speed limit
• Switching to manual transmission (if possible) to have more control over the speed

Bottom Line

While regular drivers of vans are well aware of different speed limits, those renting a larger vehicle for the day could face a hefty fine if they’re not careful. If you’re in the latter group, make sure you double-check the speed limit for the van you’re driving to avoid any trouble with the law and on the road.