Can I get a fine if I drive BELOW the speed limit?

EVERYONE knows that UK roads have speed limits to ensure the safety of all road users.

Did you know that some roads also have speed limit signs? Here we explain the reasons for this and the consequences of ignoring them.

1

Is it illegal to drive too slowly?

There is no specific law against speeding, but this could be considered as not driving “with due care and attention”.

Driving slowly can be dangerous in a scenario where the speed limit is much higher.

This is an offense that carries substantial fines of up to £5,000 and between three and nine penalty points.

However, slow-moving people are unlikely to receive the maximum penalty.

This low-level careless driving is more often dealt with at the side of the road, with either advice or a £100 three-point fine.

What is the minimum speed?

The UK does not have a blanket minimum speed limit that applies to all roads.

Certain roads have minimum speed limits, but these are very rare.

On the few roads that have speed limits, the lowest expected speed is shown as a white number on a blue circle.

Motorists should pay attention to this sign to ensure safety.

These signs are often seen at the entrances to bridges and tunnels to help maintain an even flow of traffic.

Is there a minimum speed on the Autobahn?

There is no minimum speed limit on the Autobahn unless indicated by the blue mandatory signs.

However, driving far below the speed limit here can endanger you and other drivers.

For example, if you drive at 50 km/h and everyone else at 110 km/h, you are likely to cause a dangerous obstacle.

Drivers who endanger other road users risk being stopped and either fined or prosecuted, depending on the severity of the offence.

What if I’m slowing down in the middle lane?

Lanes on the Autobahn are a source of confusion for many motorists.

There is no “slow” or “fast” track. Motorists should drive in the left lane or lane one unless overtaking.

Rule 264 of the Highway Code states that when the road ahead is clear, you should drive in the left lane.

Driving in lanes two and three without overtaking can result in a fine of £100 and three penalty points.

You may need to take a driving awareness course.

Since 2013 it has been forbidden to drive in the middle lane unless you are overtaking.

Can I report someone who is driving too slowly?

If you see someone driving dangerously or carelessly, you should report the driver to the police.

You can report dangerous or careless driving directly to your local police.

This usually requires you to upload video evidence and provide the suspect’s license plate number and information about independent witnesses.

You may also need to be prepared to appear in court to give evidence.

If a person’s driving is so dangerous that they pose an imminent threat to the safety of themselves or others, they should call 999.

Visit the local police website for more information.

Is it dangerous to drive too slowly?

Around 1,700 people die on Britain’s roads each year, with many of these tragedies attributed to speeding.

Although less common, slow drivers have been the cause of a number of fatal accidents and many other injuries.

If you drive slower than other drivers might expect, you are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident.