Command sign · R101
Minimum speed sign (R101)
The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
What does the minimum speed sign mean?
The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
What should you do?
Maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
| Sign code | R101 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Command signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the minimum speed sign
A blue circle with a white number. It looks like a speed limit but is blue, not red-bordered.
Where you will see it
Roads where slow vehicles would otherwise disrupt the flow of traffic.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Do not drive slower than the number shown, in km/h, where conditions allow.
- Never speed up into danger to satisfy it.
The common mistake
Blue means “at least”, red-bordered means “no more than”. This sign is the one most often misread in tests.
About command signs
Command signs tell you what you must do, such as keeping left or using a minimum speed. They are blue circles with white symbols. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the minimum speed sign (R101) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: command signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Speed signs and mandatory directions.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the minimum speed sign with these:
Vehicles over indicated mass only (R102)A blue circle with a mass figure in tonnes (the sample artwork shows 10 t).
Keep left (R103)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the left.
Keep right (R104)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the right.Test yourself: Minimum speed sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
- This route is for pedal cycles.
- You may not park on this section of road.
Show the answer
Answer A: The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
Maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
Memory tip: R101 · Minimum speed
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Keep motor vehicles out of the cycle route.
- Find a permitted parking place. No parking and no stopping are different restrictions.
- Maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
Show the answer
Answer C: Maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
Minimum speed: The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
Memory tip: Maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
All vehicle codes
Minimum speed sign: quick questions
What does the minimum speed sign (R101) mean?
The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
What should you do at the minimum speed sign?
Do not drive slower than the number shown, in km/h, where conditions allow. Never speed up into danger to satisfy it.
Where will you see the minimum speed sign?
Roads where slow vehicles would otherwise disrupt the flow of traffic.
What is the common mistake with the minimum speed sign?
Blue means “at least”, red-bordered means “no more than”. This sign is the one most often misread in tests.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.