End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit

End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit

If you’ve ever flicked through the Highway Code and thought “those two signs look almost the same!” — you’re not alone. The End of Goods Vehicle Restriction sign and the National Speed Limit sign are among the most confused signs in the theory test. Let’s clear it up.

National Speed Limit Applies

End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit
  • What it looks like: A white circle with a single thick black diagonal stripe from top right to bottom left.
  • What it means: The national speed limit for the type of road and the type of vehicle applies from this point.
national speed limit sign
  • Cars:
    • 60mph on single carriageways
    • 70mph on dual carriageways & motorways
  • Goods vehicles, vans, and trailers: lower limits apply (e.g. 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on duals).
  • Where you’ll see it: Often after leaving a built-up area, or where a speed limit restriction ends.
End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit

Easy memory aid: One stripe = one rule for all traffic: the national speed limit.

End of Goods Vehicle Restriction đźšš

End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit
  • What it looks like: A white circle with five thin black diagonal stripes running across it.
End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit
  • What it means: This marks the end of a restriction that previously applied only to goods vehicles (such as lorries or HGVs).
    • It does not mean “no speed limit.”
    • It simply tells drivers of goods vehicles that any special ban (like a weight, speed, or access restriction) has now ended.
  • Where you’ll see it: After zones where lorries were restricted — for example, areas with a lorry ban or lower lorry speed limit.

Easy memory aid: Lots of stripes = the end of a restriction (usually for lorries).

Quick Way to Teach It

  • One thick stripe = National Speed Limit (applies to everyone).
  • Five thin stripes = End of Goods Vehicle Restriction (applies only to lorries/HGVs).

Why This Matters

Mixing these signs up could cause big problems:

  • For a car driver, mistaking the lorry sign for the national speed limit could mean breaking the law.
  • For a professional driver, getting it wrong could mean a roadside fine or penalty points.

On the theory test, it’s one of those “spot the detail” moments — and examiners know it!

End of Goods Vehicle Restriction vs National Speed Limit

  • Thick single stripe = national speed rules kick in.
  • Thin multiple stripes = end of goods vehicle restrictions.

Get that clear in your head, and you’ll never fall for the trick question again.