SP20 — Exceeding a Vehicle-Type Speed Limit
Towing a trailer or caravan lowers your limits. SP20 is the code that enforces them.
SP20 covers exceeding the speed limit that applies to a particular class of vehicle, other than goods vehicles (SP10) and passenger vehicles (SP40). The classic example is a car towing a trailer or caravan: the limit drops to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Like other speeding codes it starts at £100 and 3 points, with court prosecution for higher speeds. The offence depends entirely on the vehicle-and-load classification being right — the same speed with no trailer attached would often be perfectly legal — so the details on the ticket matter.
Common SP20 situations
- Car towing a caravan or trailer: 50mph single carriageway, 60mph dual carriageway and motorway.
- Motorhomes over 3.05t unladen follow lower limits on non-motorway roads.
- Fixed penalty: £100 and 3 points; court fines are means-tested.
- Course offers are possible for marginal speeds, at force discretion.
- Points stay on the driving record for 4 years.
I was towing at 65 on the motorway — what happens?
Towing vehicles are limited to 60mph on motorways, so 65 is an SP20. At that margin a fixed penalty or course offer is the likely outcome — but have the paperwork checked before accepting, especially the vehicle description.
The camera can’t know I was towing — can it?
The evidence photos usually show the trailer, which is how the lower limit is applied. If the photos don’t support the towing allegation, that’s a genuine ground to challenge.
What should I send for a review?
The NIP, the Section 172 notice, and any photo evidence you’ve been given, plus your details — you’ll get a written assessment of your options within 24–48 hours.
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