Caravan owners risk driving ban for breaking lesser known speed limit rule

Caravan owners could be at risk of facing a potential driving ban if they're not aware of speed rules specific to their vehicle. Most cars and motorcycles can go up to 60mph on a single carriageway and 70mph on a dual carriageway and motorway.

This is referred to as the national speed limit, and is indicated on the road by a white circular sign with a single black line going through it diagonally. However, the national speed limit sign doesn't mean that all vehicles are permitted to go at speeds as high 60mph or 70mph.

In fact, vehicles that are towing a caravan are obliged to go much slower than other vehicles. Vehicles towing a caravan are instead able to go up to 50mph on a single carriageway and 60mph on a dual carriageway and motorway.

If you're not used to towing a caravan regularly, you may be unaware that this lower speed limit applies to you. However, this won't be a sufficient excuse if you are stopped by police for speeding.

Penalties for speeding

According to government guidance, if you are stopped by police for speeding, they can issue a variety of penalties. This can range from a minor verbal warning to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or order you to go to court.

While fines can vary depending on the severity of the offence, there is a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points added onto your licence. Keep in mind that if you build up 12 or more penalty points on your licence within a three-year period, you could face a driving disqualification.

If you do attend court, you could face a fine of £100 and three penalty points or the option to attend a speed awareness course, as long as you plead guilty. However, if you plead not guilty to the offence but are later found guilty by the court, you could face a much higher fine.

How much you are fined in this situation largely depends on what the speed limit was and how much you were going over it. Generally, the fine will be a percentage of your weekly income up to a maximum of £1,000 or £2,500 if the offence was committed on a motorway.

Government guidance also warns that, in this scenario, you could be disqualified from driving or have your licence suspended.