Do They Use MPH In The UK? Exploring Speed Limits, Units, And Everything In-Between

Claudie Kuhn 09 May 2025

Let’s get real for a second—do they use MPH in the UK? If you’ve ever driven on British roads or watched a British cop show, you might’ve noticed some speed signs that look familiar but also slightly confusing. The UK has a long history with imperial units, and while the rest of the world is busy measuring speed in kilometers per hour (KPH), the Brits still roll with miles per hour (MPH). But is it really as simple as that? Stick with me, and we’ll break it all down.

You’re probably thinking, “Why does this even matter?” Well, if you’re planning a road trip to the UK, moving there, or just curious about how their systems work, understanding speed limits and measurement units is crucial. Imagine driving down the M25 and seeing a sign that says 70 MPH. You might think, “Piece of cake!” But hold on—what about the other rules of the road? And why does the UK still cling to imperial units while most of the globe has gone metric? Let’s dive in.

Now, before we hit the gas (or should I say petrol?), let’s make one thing clear: this article isn’t just about MPH. It’s about the broader context of how the UK handles speed limits, road signs, and even the cultural significance of sticking to tradition in a rapidly globalizing world. So buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a journey through the lanes of British driving etiquette—and yes, we’ll answer that burning question: do they use MPH in the UK?

Understanding the Basics: What Is MPH?

First things first—what exactly is MPH? For those of you who might’ve skipped science class that day, MPH stands for miles per hour. It’s a unit of speed that measures how many miles you can travel in one hour. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Well, it gets a little tricky when you start comparing it to other units like KPH.

Here’s the deal: while most countries have adopted the metric system, the UK still uses imperial units for certain things, including speed limits. This means that when you’re driving in the UK, you’ll see signs marked in MPH instead of KPH. But why does this matter? Let’s break it down further.

Why Does the UK Use MPH?

The UK’s love affair with imperial units goes way back. Back in the day, Britain was all about miles, yards, and feet. When cars first hit the road, it only made sense to measure speed in the same units people were already familiar with. Over time, even as the rest of the world switched to metric, the UK stuck with what they knew.

But it’s not just about tradition. There’s also a practical reason: changing everything to metric would be a massive undertaking. Think about it—every road sign, speedometer, and official document would need to be updated. That’s a lot of work, and let’s be honest, the UK isn’t exactly in a rush to change things unless they absolutely have to.

Do They Use MPH in the UK? The Short Answer

Yes, they do. MPH is the standard unit for speed limits in the UK. Whether you’re cruising down the motorway or navigating the narrow streets of London, you’ll see speed signs marked in MPH. But here’s the kicker—while MPH is the official unit, there’s a growing movement to switch to metric. Some people argue that going metric would make things easier for international drivers and align the UK with global standards.

However, don’t expect a sudden change anytime soon. The UK has a reputation for holding onto its traditions, and the use of imperial units is just one example of that. So for now, if you’re driving in the UK, you better get used to seeing signs like 30 MPH, 50 MPH, and yes, even 70 MPH on the motorways.

Key Differences Between MPH and KPH

Now that we’ve established that the UK uses MPH, let’s talk about the differences between MPH and KPH. If you’re used to driving in countries that use KPH, switching to MPH might take some getting used to. Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences:

Conversion Rate: 1 MPH is approximately 1.609 KPH. So, if you’re driving at 60 MPH, that’s roughly 96 KPH.
Signage: In the UK, you’ll see speed signs marked in MPH. In most other countries, you’ll see signs marked in KPH.
Car Speedometers: Most cars in the UK have speedometers that display both MPH and KPH, but the emphasis is usually on MPH.
Public Perception: For many Brits, MPH is just what they know. Switching to KPH might feel foreign, even if it’s technically easier to understand.

So, if you’re planning to drive in the UK, make sure you know how to convert between MPH and KPH. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of headaches—and potentially some speeding tickets.

Speed Limits in the UK: A Closer Look

Now that we’ve covered the basics of MPH, let’s talk about speed limits in the UK. Unlike some countries where speed limits are more of a suggestion, the UK takes its speed limits very seriously. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of roads and their corresponding speed limits:

Motorways

On motorways, the standard speed limit is 70 MPH. This applies to most vehicles, but there are some exceptions. For example, cars towing trailers or large goods vehicles (LGVs) have a lower speed limit of 60 MPH. Always check the signs, as some sections of motorways may have reduced speed limits due to roadworks or other factors.

Urban Areas

In built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 30 MPH. However, some areas have lower limits, such as 20 MPH zones, which are becoming increasingly common in residential areas. Always keep an eye out for signs, as they can change unexpectedly.

Rural Roads

On rural roads, the speed limit is typically 60 MPH unless otherwise stated. However, this doesn’t mean you should always drive at 60 MPH. Many rural roads are narrow and winding, so it’s important to adjust your speed based on the conditions.

Remember, speed limits are there for a reason—to keep everyone safe. Exceeding the limit can result in hefty fines and even points on your license, so it’s always best to play it safe.

Why Is MPH Still Relevant in the UK?

At this point, you might be wondering why the UK hasn’t made the switch to KPH. After all, most of the world has already embraced the metric system. So why does the UK cling to imperial units? Let’s explore some of the reasons:

Tradition: The UK has a long history with imperial units, and many people are simply used to them. Changing to metric would mean re-educating an entire population, which is no small feat.
Cost: Updating all the road signs, speedometers, and official documents to metric would be incredibly expensive. The UK government has estimated that the cost could run into the billions.
Cultural Identity: For many Brits, using imperial units is part of their cultural identity. It’s a way of preserving their heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Of course, there are arguments for switching to metric as well. Some people believe it would make things easier for international drivers and align the UK with global standards. But for now, the UK seems content to stick with what they know.

Common Misconceptions About MPH in the UK

There are a few common misconceptions about MPH in the UK that I want to clear up. First, some people think that the UK is the only country that uses MPH. While it’s true that the UK is one of the few holdouts, it’s not the only one. The United States also uses MPH, as do a few other countries.

Another misconception is that all UK road signs are in MPH. While most are, there are some exceptions. For example, some newer signs display both MPH and KPH, and some areas are experimenting with fully metric signage. However, these are still the exception rather than the rule.

Is MPH Easier to Understand Than KPH?

Some people argue that MPH is easier to understand than KPH because it’s what they’ve grown up with. However, when you look at the math, KPH is actually simpler. For example, if you’re driving at 100 KPH, you’re traveling 100 kilometers in one hour. With MPH, you have to do a conversion to figure out how far you’re actually traveling.

Ultimately, whether you prefer MPH or KPH comes down to personal preference. But if you’re planning to drive in the UK, it’s important to get comfortable with MPH, as it’s the standard unit of measurement.

Driving in the UK: Tips for International Drivers

If you’re an international driver planning to hit the roads in the UK, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Know the Speed Limits: Familiarize yourself with the different speed limits for motorways, urban areas, and rural roads. And don’t forget to check for any special zones, like 20 MPH areas.
Stay on the Left: In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road. It might take some getting used to, but it’s crucial for staying safe.
Watch Out for Roundabouts: The UK loves its roundabouts, so be prepared to navigate them. Always give way to traffic coming from the right.
Be Aware of Pedestrians: In the UK, pedestrians have the right of way at zebra crossings. Always stop and let them cross before proceeding.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to navigating the UK’s roads like a pro. Just remember to keep an eye on those speed signs—they’re all in MPH!

Future Trends: Will the UK Switch to Metric?

So, what does the future hold for speed limits in the UK? While there’s no immediate plan to switch to metric, there are some signs that things might be changing. For example, some newer cars now have fully metric speedometers, and some areas are experimenting with metric road signs.

However, don’t expect a full-scale switch anytime soon. The UK has a long history with imperial units, and many people are resistant to change. That said, as the world becomes more interconnected, it’s possible that the UK will eventually embrace metric units to align with global standards.

Conclusion: Do They Use MPH in the UK?

In conclusion, yes, they do use MPH in the UK. While there’s a growing movement to switch to metric, for now, MPH remains the standard unit for speed limits. Whether you’re a local or an international driver, it’s important to understand how speed limits work in the UK and to always drive safely.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the UK, make sure you brush up on your MPH knowledge and familiarize yourself with the different speed limits. And remember, when in doubt, always check the signs—they’re there to keep you safe.

Got any questions or comments? Drop them below, and let’s keep the conversation going. And if you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Safe travels, everyone!

Maximum speed limit sign (60 mph) Theory Test

Choosing an MPH Specialization MPH Online

What is an MPH Degree? MPH Online

Newsure