What are the correct UK stopping distances?
22nd December 2025
Stopping distances are one of those things most drivers learn for their theory test, then quietly forget. Yet they play a huge role in everyday road safety, especially when conditions are less than perfect.
Knowing the correct UK stopping distances is not just about passing an exam. It helps you judge safe following distances, react properly in traffic, and understand how factors like tyres, brakes, weather, and speed can dramatically affect how quickly your car comes to a halt.
What Is a Stopping Distance?
Stopping distance is the total distance your car travels from the moment you notice a hazard to the moment the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It is made up of two parts.
Thinking distance is how far your car travels while you react to a hazard. Braking distance is how far the car travels once the brakes are applied.
Even small changes in speed or reaction time can significantly increase the overall stopping distance.
Typically, the stopping distance is calculated using the following formula:
Thinking Distance + Braking Distance = Stopping Distance
What is thinking distance?
Thinking distance is defined as the distance travelled in the time taken to activate the car’s brakes to avoid the hazards ahead of you. If the vehicle ahead of you suddenly brakes, the thinking distance would be calculated from the car in front braking to when you start to brake.
According to the UK Highway Code, the thinking distance for an average vehicle (of approximately 4 m in length) would be calculated like this:
Source: RAC
Reaction time and driver awareness
Thinking distance depends entirely on the driver. Tiredness, distractions, mobile phone use, stress, and alcohol all slow reaction times.
Even a delay of half a second can add several metres to your stopping distance, especially at higher speeds. Staying alert and focused is just as important as maintaining your vehicle.The Official UK Highway Code Braking Distances
The braking distance starts when you apply the brakes and ends when you come to a stop or take your foot off the brake pedal. Typically, the braking distance would begin from the second you apply the brakes to the second you stop. The Highway Code sets out braking distances, based on a 4 m car:
What is braking distance?
The braking distance starts when you apply the brakes and ends when you come to a stop or take your foot off the brake pedal. Typically, the braking distance would begin from the second you apply the brakes to the second you stop.
The Highway Code sets out braking distances, based on a 4m car:
Source: RAC
How brakes influence stopping distance
Brakes convert motion into heat through friction. If brake pads, discs, or fluid are worn or degraded, the system becomes less effective.
Signs such as squealing, vibrations, or a spongy brake pedal can indicate reduced braking performance. Ignoring these warnings can lead to longer stopping distances and increased risk on the road.
How do I calculate my vehicle’s stopping distance?
Our stopping distance calculations below are based on an average family-sized vehicle driven by an attentive driver in good weather conditions.
Multiply the first 20 mph by 2 to calculate your stopping distance in feet (40 feet). For every additional 10mph, add 0.5 to the multiplier, as seen here:
- 20 mph x 2 = 40 feet (12 metres or 3 car lengths)
- 30 mph x 2.5 = 75 feet (23 metres or 6 car lengths)
- 40 mph x 3 = 120 feet (36.5 metres or 9 car lengths)
- 50 mph x 3.5 = 175 feet (53 metres or 13 car lengths)
- 60 mph x 4 = 240 feet (73 metres or 18 car lengths)
- 70 mph x 4.5 = 315 feet (96 metres or 24 car lengths)
The role of tyres in stopping distances
Tyres are one of the biggest factors in how quickly a car can stop. Worn tread, incorrect tyre pressure, or unsuitable tyres for the season can all increase braking distances.
Even at low speeds, poor tyre condition can add valuable metres to your stopping distance. At higher speeds, the difference can be the length of several car lengths.
Regular tyre checks and choosing the right tyres for the conditions help maintain grip and improve braking performance.
Why speed makes such a big difference
As speed increases, your car covers more ground during your reaction time, before you even touch the brake pedal. At the same time, the braking distance increases because the car has more momentum to slow down. This is why higher speed limits demand greater awareness and longer following distances, particularly on motorways and dual carriageways.
How weather and road conditions affect stopping distances
The Highway Code figures are based on dry conditions. In the real world, stopping distances are often much longer.
In wet conditions, stopping distances can double. On icy roads, they can be up to ten times longer than normal. Rain, frost, loose gravel, oil on the road, and fallen leaves can all reduce tyre grip.
This is why slowing down and increasing the gap to the vehicle ahead is essential during poor weather.
Do stopping distances affect your MOT?
While stopping distances themselves are not directly measured during an MOT, the condition of tyres and brakes is assessed. Faults in either area can lead to a failure and, more importantly, unsafe driving conditions.
Regular servicing helps ensure both systems are working as they should.
How to reduce your stopping distance
There are things you can do to reduce your car’s stopping distance:
- Not driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
- Don’t drive when you are tired or ill.
- Regularly checking your car’s condition – worn brake pads or tyres can increase your stopping distance.
- Don't be distracted by using your mobile phone or satellite navigation system while driving.
Knowing the correct stopping distances ensures you avoid tailgating other drivers and ensures you avoid being involved in an accident. Are you looking to decrease your vehicle’s stopping distance? Replace your brakes with new ones with our friendly brake experts by visiting your local Merityre branch today.
How Merityre Can Help You Stay Safe on the Road
At Merityre, we know that safe stopping starts with the right tyres and reliable brakes. Our tyre checks, brake inspections, and servicing help ensure your vehicle can stop effectively when it matters most.
If you are unsure about tyre tread depth, brake performance, or overall vehicle safety, booking a professional check can give you confidence every time you drive.