Road signs, Minimum speed

What does a blue circle with a number mean?

Minimum speed limit. You must not drive slower than the speed shown unless it is unsafe to do so.

By VikasReviewed by VikasMethodologySources
Minimum speed30

A blue circle with a white number, for example 30.

What you must do

Keep at or above the minimum speed where it is safe.

Where you will see it

Some tunnels and fast roads where slow vehicles cause danger.

Easy to confuse with: Speed limit

Speed limit30

A red ring sets a maximum speed; a blue circle sets a minimum. See the speed limit sign.

Test yourself

The theory test asks you to recognise signs like this one. Try the road and traffic signs quiz (with an easy and a hard set), or read the signs revision notes. Source: Know Your Traffic Signs.

Other common road signs

National speed limitNational speed limitSpeed limit30Speed limitNo entryNo entryStopSTOPStopGive wayGive wayNo waitingNo waitingNo stopping (clearway)No stopping (clearway)Ahead onlyAhead onlyTurn left aheadTurn left aheadTurn right aheadTurn right aheadOther danger!Other dangerNo U-turnsNo U-turnsNo left turnNo left turnNo right turnNo right turnNo overtakingNo overtakingWeight limit7.5TWeight limitNo motor vehiclesNo motor vehiclesKeep leftKeep leftKeep rightKeep rightMini-roundaboutMini-roundaboutCrossroads aheadCrossroads aheadT-junction aheadT-junction aheadRoundabout aheadRoundabout aheadBend aheadBend aheadTwo-way trafficTwo-way trafficTraffic signals aheadTraffic signals aheadRoad narrowsRoad narrowsSlippery roadSlippery roadPedestrians in roadPedestrians in roadParkingPParkingBend to the leftBend to the leftDouble bendDouble bendSide roadSide roadStaggered junctionStaggered junctionSteep hill downwards10%Steep hill downwardsSteep hill upwards10%Steep hill upwardsUneven roadUneven roadHump bridgeHump bridgeRoad humpsRoad humpsLevel crossing with barrierLevel crossing with barrierLevel crossing without barrierLevel crossing without barrierSchool or children crossingSchool or children crossingZebra crossing aheadZebra crossing aheadCycle route aheadCycle route aheadHorse ridersHorse ridersWild animalsWild animalsFarm animalsFarm animalsQueues likelyQueues likelyNo vehiclesNo vehiclesNo cyclingNo cyclingNo pedestriansNo pedestriansHeight limit5.0mHeight limitGive priority to oncomingGive priority to oncomingTurn leftTurn leftRoute for cycles onlyRoute for cycles onlyOne-way trafficOne-way trafficNo through roadNo through roadHospitalHHospital

Meaning based on Know Your Traffic Signs and The Highway Code under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The sign image is our own simplified rendering for learning. Always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.