Debunking the 10% Plus Two Speeding Rule: Understanding Speed Limits and Tolerances

The Truth About Speeding Tolerances in the UK

Many drivers in the UK have heard of the '10% plus two' rule when it comes to speeding. This supposed rule suggests that there's a built-in tolerance for speeding, allowing drivers to exceed the speed limit by 10% plus an additional 2 mph before facing any consequences. However, this widely believed 'rule' is actually a myth. Let's delve into the facts about speed limits, tolerances, and enforcement in the UK.

Understanding the '10% Plus Two' Myth

The '10% plus two' concept is not an official rule or law. It's merely a guideline that has been misinterpreted and spread among drivers, and sometimes even law enforcement officers. This misunderstanding has led many to believe that they have a legal buffer zone when it comes to speeding.

In reality, the strict letter of the law states that driving even 1 mph over the speed limit is technically an offense. For instance, driving at 21 mph in a 20 mph zone or 71 mph in a 70 mph zone could, theoretically, result in prosecution.

Speed Limits and Typical Tolerances

While the '10% plus two' rule isn't official, there are some tolerances in place when it comes to speed enforcement. These tolerances are based on guidance from the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and vary depending on the speed limit. Let's break down the typical tolerances for different speed limits:

20 mph zones

• Speed limit: 20 mph
• 10% allowance: 22 mph
• 10% plus 2 mph: 24 mph

30 mph zones

• Speed limit: 30 mph
• 10% allowance: 33 mph
• 10% plus 2 mph: 35 mph

40 mph zones

• Speed limit: 40 mph
• 10% allowance: 44 mph
• 10% plus 2 mph: 46 mph

50 mph zones

• Speed limit: 50 mph
• 10% allowance: 55 mph
• 10% plus 2 mph: 57 mph

60 mph zones

• Speed limit: 60 mph
• 10% allowance: 66 mph
• 10% plus 2 mph: 68 mph

70 mph zones

• Speed limit: 70 mph
• 10% allowance: 77 mph
• 10% plus 2 mph: 79 mph

It's important to note that these tolerances are not legally binding. They serve as guidelines for law enforcement and are subject to change or interpretation by individual police forces.

The Impact of Speed Differences

While these tolerances might seem small, the difference in speed can be quite noticeable on the road. For example, a vehicle traveling at 77 mph will feel noticeably faster when passing a vehicle moving at 70 mph. The sensation is even more pronounced when the speed difference increases to 9 mph (79 mph vs 70 mph).

This perception of speed difference is one reason why adhering strictly to speed limits is crucial for road safety. Even small increases in speed can significantly impact stopping distances and the severity of potential accidents.

Device Tolerance and Speed Detection

Another factor to consider in speed enforcement is device tolerance. This refers to the accuracy of speed detection devices used by police, not the speedometer in your vehicle. According to information gathered from various Police Services across the UK, there's typically a device tolerance of 2 mph for speeds up to 70 mph, and up to 3 mph for speeds over 70 mph.

It's worth noting that arguments about the accuracy of your vehicle's speedometer generally don't hold much weight in court. The focus is on the accuracy of the police's speed detection equipment.

Speed Awareness Courses and Prosecution

When drivers are caught speeding, they may be offered the option to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving points on their license. The availability of this option depends on several factors, including the speed at which they were caught and whether they've attended a course recently.

Let's look at some examples:

20 mph zone

• Speed awareness course option: 24-31 mph
• Fixed penalty or court summons: 32 mph and above

30 mph zone

• Speed awareness course option: 35-42 mph
• Fixed penalty or court summons: 43 mph and above

40 mph zone

• Speed awareness course option: 46-53 mph
• Fixed penalty or court summons: 54 mph and above

50 mph zone

• Speed awareness course option: 57-64 mph
• Fixed penalty or court summons: 65 mph and above

60 mph zone

• Speed awareness course option: 68-75 mph
• Fixed penalty or court summons: 76 mph and above

70 mph zone

• Speed awareness course option: 79-86 mph
• Fixed penalty or court summons: 87 mph and above

If a driver is caught speeding within the range for a speed awareness course, they may be offered this option if they haven't taken one recently and if the police believe it would be beneficial. The driver would need to pay for the course, but it allows them to avoid points on their license.

Severe Speeding Offenses

For more serious speeding offenses, the consequences become more severe. For instance:

• Driving at 35 mph or above in a 20 mph zone
• Reaching speeds close to 100 mph on a 70 mph motorway

In these cases, drivers are likely to be directed to court immediately. Speeds over 100 mph almost certainly lead to court appearances and serious penalties.

The Importance of Adhering to Speed Limits

While there may be some tolerance in speed enforcement, it's crucial to remember that speed limits are set for a reason. They are designed to ensure road safety for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Exceeding the speed limit, even by a small amount, can have serious consequences:

1. Increased stopping distance: Higher speeds require longer distances to come to a complete stop, reducing the driver's ability to react to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic.

2. Reduced reaction time: At higher speeds, drivers have less time to process information and react to potential hazards.

3. Increased severity of accidents: The force of impact in a collision increases exponentially with speed. Even small increases in speed can significantly increase the severity of injuries in an accident.

4. Legal consequences: As we've discussed, exceeding the speed limit can result in fines, penalty points, or even loss of license in severe cases.

5. Insurance implications: Speeding convictions can lead to increased insurance premiums.

Tips for Staying Within Speed Limits

To avoid unintentional speeding and potential legal consequences, consider the following tips:

1. Be aware of speed limits: Pay attention to speed limit signs, especially when entering new areas or different types of roads.

2. Use cruise control: On long stretches of road with consistent speed limits, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed.

3. Allow extra time for journeys: Rushing often leads to speeding. Plan your trips with some buffer time to reduce the temptation to speed.

4. Be mindful of changing conditions: Adjust your speed according to weather, traffic, and road conditions.

5. Regularly check your speedometer: Don't rely solely on the flow of traffic to gauge your speed.

6. Be aware of speed cameras: Many roads have speed cameras. Knowing their locations can help you stay alert to your speed in these areas.

7. Consider using a GPS with speed alerts: Some GPS devices can alert you when you exceed the speed limit.

The Role of Technology in Speed Enforcement

Advances in technology have significantly impacted how speed limits are enforced. Here are some of the key technologies used:

1. Fixed speed cameras: These are stationary cameras that capture images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

2. Mobile speed cameras: These can be set up temporarily in different locations, often in vans or at the roadside.

3. Average speed check systems: These calculate a vehicle's average speed between two points, often used in roadwork areas or on longer stretches of road.

4. Police radar guns: Handheld devices used by police officers to measure the speed of passing vehicles.

5. In-car speed detection systems: Some police vehicles are equipped with systems that can measure the speed of other vehicles while the police car is moving.

These technologies have made speed limit enforcement more accurate and widespread, further emphasizing the importance of adhering to posted speed limits.

The Future of Speed Limits and Enforcement

As vehicle technology continues to advance, we may see changes in how speed limits are set and enforced. Some potential developments include:

1. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): This technology, which is becoming mandatory in new cars in the EU, can alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit or even limit the vehicle's speed automatically.

2. Variable speed limits: More roads may adopt variable speed limits that change based on traffic conditions, weather, or time of day.

3. Connected vehicle technology: Future vehicles may communicate with road infrastructure to receive real-time updates on speed limits and road conditions.

4. Automated enforcement: As autonomous vehicle technology develops, we may see more automated systems for detecting and reporting speed limit violations.

Conclusion

The '10% plus two' rule is a myth that has persisted among UK drivers for years. While there are some tolerances in speed enforcement, these are guidelines rather than hard-and-fast rules. The legal speed limit remains exactly that - a limit, not a target.

Understanding the realities of speed enforcement, including the use of speed awareness courses and the consequences of more severe speeding offenses, can help drivers make informed decisions on the road. Remember, speed limits are set with safety in mind, and adhering to them is crucial for protecting all road users.

Ultimately, the best approach is to always aim to drive within the posted speed limits. This not only ensures compliance with the law but also contributes to safer roads for everyone. By staying informed about speed limits, being aware of your speed, and using available technologies responsibly, you can help create a safer driving environment for all road users.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/Vv2BOr59SZc