UK Stopping Distances Explained (With the Highway Code Table)
Stopping distances are a favourite theory test topic. The Highway Code gives typical figures for a car in good conditions, split into thinking distance and braking distance.
| Speed | Thinking | Braking | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 6 m | 6 m | 12 m |
| 30 mph | 9 m | 14 m | 23 m |
| 40 mph | 12 m | 24 m | 36 m |
| 50 mph | 15 m | 38 m | 53 m |
| 60 mph | 18 m | 55 m | 73 m |
| 70 mph | 21 m | 75 m | 96 m |
How to use these numbers
- Thinking distance is how far you travel before you react. It rises in a straight line with speed.
- Braking distance rises much faster. Double the speed and braking distance roughly quadruples.
- On wet roads, stopping distances are at least double. On ice they can be up to ten times greater.
- The two-second rule is the minimum gap in good conditions. Leave at least double in the wet.
These are typical figures. Tyres, brakes, load and the driver all change the real distance.
Rules and fees change. Check GOV.UK for the latest information.
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