Speeding & judging the real limit (new driver)?

Question

I would really appreciate some advice from a few experienced drivers on how they judge the true speed limit on UK roads, so that I don't find out the hard way.

I am 22 and have only had my license for 2 months - passed first time with just a couple of minors. I'm good at reading hazards before they arise and i'm very considerate of other road users.

I prefer to drive fast when it's safe, but how far can I bend the rules before I break them? In a 30 zone, people are doing 35-40, in a 40 zone they are doing 45-55... how do you know when you are going too fast? is getting caught speeding just pot luck?

Also, when there are no cars at all on a motorway, how fast can I go? Usually when it's empty i break 100 until i see the next car in the distance then slow down to an appropriate speed when overtaking. What are the odds of getting caught doing this? Perhaps a tad philosophical,but if i'm driving safely with no other cars for miles, should it matter one iota if i'm doing 60 or 120?

Answer 1

the law is the law and if you get caught they will screw you for it.

but yes i agree on the motorway if it is clear then 100 is fine as long as your car is safe and the weatehr is good, the only person you can hurt then is yourself.

I admit i often drive 50, 60 or even 70 on 40mph roads but i do make sure it is safe first and usually only late at night, 30mph areas are not really for speeding as there are usually a lot of people in these areas but i see no real harm in an additional 5 - 6 mph if everyone else is doing the same.
traffic police are only around at rush hour so stick to the limit then.
Speed cameras are then the main worry regarding geting caught and never speed through motorway roadworks as there is nearly always cameras.


also the temporary speed restrictions in motorway traffic are often ignored by other road users but i know many people getting caught out this way as this is one thing the police do loook out for.

generally you have to judge yourself what is safe as sometimes there really is no safety issue in breaking the limit.

still as a new driver i would be VERY careful as there is a lot you still need to learn... passing your test is just the start.

I remember having quite a few scary moments in the months after passing my test by thinking i was a better driver than i was so take it easy for now and allow plenty of time to get where your going.... dont be pressured into speeding by somebody behind you... if they hit your rear then its their insurance that pays out not yours and you really want to keep that no claims bonus.

Answer 2

Just try explaining it to the old bill that way when you get stopped. The real limit is whatever the law says it is and if you're measured at anything faster you can be cited.

It's been stated that the speed cameras are usually set to allow some room for speedometer error, typically 10% + 2 or 3 MPH. IF that's correct, you should be OK as long as you're doing less than 80 MPH indicated on the motorway.

Comparing the speed readout on my GPS unit (extremely accurate) to the speedometer on numerous rental vehicles bears out the claim that most indicate high -- you're actually going slower than indicated. Mercedes is an exception, they tend to be dead accurate.

Probably a more important question is "what is the maximum safe speed?" Conditions at the moment may dictate a maximum safe speed much lower than the legal limit. And yes, you can be cited for dangerous driving yet still be at or below the legal speed limit! Judging the maximum safe speed requires experience -- 2 - 3 years at least and often much more. With 2 months experience you may THINK you are a good driver but the truth is you are not. Sadly this will only be evident to you once you have 10 years or more experience.

If you absolutely MUST drive 100 MPH regularly, move to Germany and knock yourself out. If you do it regularly on UK motorways your statistical chances of getting nicked approach 100% with every mile.

Answer 3

its like a lottery , ive been driving for five years and got 3 points for doing 42 in a 30 ,3 yrs ago i drive for a living and do 85-90 al the time on motorways in the car got pulled up on m1,9 months ago doing 98 mph (very lucky) i was let of, with a little **** lickin they told me that it should have been banned for a year for driving above 96mph. but since ive been told by a magistrate you wont be prosecuted unless you are doing 10% +3 mph over the limit etc.
30mph zone =36 mph
40 mph zone =47 mph
50 mph zone =58 mph etc,etc
then you should only get a £60 fine and 3 penalty pointsif you get caught but be careful as you only get 6pts during the first 2 yrs
and i personally wouldnt do more than 95 mph or it could be youre licence gone and a re-test which is the last thing that you want , good luck and be careful

Answer 4

the best thing to get is a road angel, or if you dont want to spend money, then they usually let you off 10% of the limit so if you are doing 35 in a 30 they will give ya a hard time, but if you are doing 30 to 32 or 33 you will be fine. but i dont speed unless im on motorways and even then i do a maximum of 80, you dont wanna do more than that as you will look bad when you get pulled over by a beema ;)

Answer 5

on a emty motorway you can pretty much do wot u want. best not to top 100mph cos you get a disq for that. generally just slow down if u see gavvers intil u past them.
In towns just be sensible sticking to the limit is best but most people dont. If there kids around dont be a dick stay under 30 but otherwise go wot feels safe (unless u see a squad car)
Yes unfortunatly getting caught for speeding is pot luck but there r always warnig signs of cameras and watch out for the dashes in th middle of the lanes

Answer 6

getting caught is pot luck,

now on the interstate some officers are really drug task force, so if you match other profile areas, they will stop you for 3 or 4 miles over for a reason to stop you.

you start doing 100 ever and you won't have that license for long.

Normally you are safe not doing over 5 miles over. 10 at the max.

Answer 7

You admit to going 40 5 in a 40 so which you have no longer have been given any protection He would not ought to instruct his overhead lights on, they're activated to flow site visitors in an emergency He grants you a quotation on your mothers driveway. you could tell the choose something you prefer, state your case, the city attorney will state the officers case. Whoever the choose believes will win. you could desire to ask for a jury trial in case you prefer, then you somewhat ought to convince 6 or 8 or 12 human beings.

Answer 8

Purely pot luck ;)

Have been riding a motorcycle for almost 20 years and never been caught. Riding a superbike at 30/40 mph is Extremely difficult...

Hope you stay clean ;)

Answer 9

The best way to judge your speed is to look at the pretty little clock type thing in front of your eyes,,it's called a speedometer,,the rest is up to you

Answer 10

sebby Your story? Very interesting......
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