These Regulations introduce variable speed limits to the M3 Motorway from junctions 2 to 4a and on associated slip roads and linking carriageways.

Regulation 3 provides for variable speed limits to have effect on the roads specified in the Schedule. Where variable speed limit signs are in operation a vehicle may not be driven at a speed above the maximum indicated by each speed limit sign passed by the vehicle until it passes a sign indicating that the national speed limit applies or the vehicle leaves the roads covered by the regulation. Where a speed limit changes less than ten seconds before a vehicle passes the sign and the sign had indicated a higher speed limit, the regulation allows the driver to proceed at a speed up to the maximum applicable before the change. Where the speed limit sign indicates a speed limit when it is passed by a vehicle but less than ten seconds previously it was either giving no indication of a speed limit or that the national speed limit applied, the sign is to be taken as giving no indication of a speed limit to the vehicle passing it.

Regulation 4 makes a changes to the definition of the westbound carriageway of the M3 in the M3 and M25 (Thorpe Interchange) (Speed Limit) Regulations 2009 which links with the scheme for the M3 at junctions 2 to 4a.

Contravention of these Regulations is an offence under section 17(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.