Motorist convinced ‘99% of drivers’ don’t know what this sign means

It's a common sight on roads across the UK, but one motorist is convinced that few drivers actually know what one certain road sign means.

The UK has a lot of rules governing people who use the network of roads, but that doesn't stop everyone from thinking that they know best.

There are also the equally annoying drivers (and we all know what cars they drive) who insist on overtaking you despite you driving at the speed limit. What's the rush, fellas?

Given that a theory test is a prerequisite of being able to drive a car, you would think that few motorists would have trouble identifying a very common road sign. However, one motorist took to Reddit to express their frustration, believing that many motorists would not be able to correctly say what the sign means.

paul ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

The incredibly common sign is a white backdrop with a single black stripe through the middle at a 45 degree angle, with the Reddit poster saying: "I'm convinced 99% of drivers don't know what this sign means."

So, what does it mean?

People took to the Reddit thread to offer their guesses, and jokes, with one quipping: "National speed limit, but what that limit is depends on what you’re driving. For example if you’re driving a BMW it’s 100mph and excuses you from using indicators."

Another said: "There's a road near me with this sign and if you're averaging more than 30 down it you're either a complete plank or suicidal."

A third shared the rather worrying anecdote: "One of the girls at my old hairdressers genuinely thought it meant 'go whatever speed you want'."

So, what does the sign actually mean?

The RAC website explains, saying: "A white circular sign with a single black diagonal stripe through it tells you that the national speed limit applies on the upcoming stretch of road. It supersedes any previous speed limit signs you may have had to adhere to, such as passing through temporary roadworks."

paul ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

It adds: "Of course, even when the national speed limit applies, it might not always be safe to drive at that speed, so use your common sense on this."

This means you drive either at the speed limit, or the speed of the traffic on the road. Looking at you, drivers who weave between cars down the motorway.

But what is the national speed limit? Well, it actually depends on the road you are driving on and the vehicle you're driving.

In a built up area with street lights, the speed limit is 30mph unless otherwise stated. On a single carriageway it's 60mph for cars, and 50mph for vans and anything bigger, as well as if you're in a car towing something.

And on a dual carriageway and motorway, it's 70mph but 60mph for goods vehicles and cars carrying trailers or caravans.

So now you know, there are no excuses.

Topics: Cars, Driving, News, Reddit

Kit Roberts

Kit joined LADbible Group in 2023 as a community journalist. They previously worked for StokeonTrentLive, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Star.