Stopping distances in the UK
A stopping distance combines thinking distance and braking distance. The Highway Code’s typical dry-road total rises from 12 metres at 20 mph to 96 metres at 70 mph. Choose a speed and condition below to see the distance in scale.
Choose a speed
30mph
203040506070
Road condition
Illustrated stopping space
23 metres
Thinking
9m
9m
Braking
14m
14m
Official typical stopping distance in good conditions. Real stopping distance also changes with tyres, brakes, load, gradient and your alertness.
Typical is not guaranteed.
Thinking distance
How far the car travels while you notice the hazard, decide and begin braking. Tiredness, distraction and substances can make this longer.
Braking distance
How far the car travels after braking begins. Speed, tyres, brakes, weight, road surface and gradient all matter.
The dry-condition figures are the Highway Code’s typical values. Wet and icy views illustrate the Code’s following-gap guidance, not a promise of an exact stopping distance.