Are UK speedometers in mph?

Speedometer Display in UK Vehicles

In the United Kingdom, speedometers must display speeds in both kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph). This dual display became mandatory in 1977, following the adoption of the metric system by the country.

Legal Requirement for Dual Display

All new vehicles registered in the UK after 1977 are required by law to have speedometers that display both km/h and mph. This requirement applies to domestic and imported vehicles.

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions to the dual display requirement:

• Foreign-registered vehicles: Vehicles registered outside the UK are not required to have mph displays. However, they must have a speedometer that is calibrated in one of the units compatible with the UK system (i.e., km/h or mph).
• Pre-1977 vehicles: Vehicles registered before 1977 are not subject to the dual display requirement. However, if they are still in use, it is recommended to have them upgraded with a dual display speedometer for safety reasons.

Benefits of Dual Display

The dual display of speeds in km/h and mph provides several benefits:

• Improved safety: It helps drivers to be aware of both metric and imperial speed limits, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Convenience: It allows drivers to easily convert between different speed units without having to perform mental calculations.
• Compliance with metric system: It supports the UK’s adoption of the metric system and ensures that vehicles are compatible with other countries that use kilometers as the primary unit of measurement for speed.

Enforcement

The police in the UK are responsible for enforcing the dual display requirement. Vehicles that do not have mph displays may face fines or other penalties.

Conclusion

Since 1977, all new vehicles registered in the UK must display speeds in both km/h and mph. This dual display requirement enhances safety, convenience, and compliance with the metric system. While foreign-registered vehicles are not required to have mph displays, they must still be calibrated in a compatible unit.