European Speed Limits

European Speed Limits

In Europe there are many different speed regulations in place. The speed limit depends on the country you are in and the type of road you are driving on. Some European countries also have different rules for learner drivers and newly qualified drivers.

The very first UK motorways did not have set speed limits but after the amount of crashes began to get ridiculous a speed limit of seventy miles per hour was introduced. There has been much debate as to whether to raise the limit to reach eighty miles per hour but as it stands the seventy miles per hour limit is the law.

French motorway systems have a slightly different system. Variable speed limits are put into play and they depend on the weather. In dry conditions the limit is usually eighty miles per hour but in wet conditions this is reduced to seventy. In 2002 the French government took steps to introduce some speed calming measures and the use of radar guns was implemented.

The Autobahns in Germany are famous for not having speed limits. There are speed limits enforced for buses, cars with trailers attached and trucks still. Traffic on the autobahns reaches speeds of 125 mph at times, although there is a recommended speed of eighty miles per hour in place. Under German law insurance payments can be decreased if the recommended limit of 80 is ignored. Not all autobahn areas are speed limit free, some built up or residential areas are under limits in order to reduce the sound of the traffic.

Italian highways are set at an upper speed limit of eighty miles per hour and a seventy miles per hour limit is imposed on windy roads and in bad weather. On new and clear, straight roads a limit of 95 miles per hour is imposed.

The Swiss Autobahns have an upper speed limit of seventy five miles per hour and the dual carriage way type roads (Autostrasse) generally have a lower speed limit of 65 miles per hour.

speeding offences are extremely serious whether you are a newly qualified driver or an experienced driver. A speeding solicitor will be able to help with any advice surrounding motoring offences.

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