Only allow 2 digits in a string using regex -

i need regex allows maximum of 2 digits (or whatever desired limit actually) entered input field.

the requirements field follows:

i have managed put following regex based on several answers on so:

^(?:([a-za-z\d\s\.\-])(?!([a-za-z]*\d.*){3}))*$

the above regex close. works following:

but allows input of:

123 (but not 1234, it's close).

it needs allow input of 12 when only digits entered field.

i in finding more efficient , cleaner (if possible) solution current regex - must still regex, no js.

you may use negative lookahead anchored @ start make match fail once there 3 digits found anywhere in string:

^(?!(?:[^0-9]*[0-9]){3})[a-za-z0-9\s.-]*$  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

details:

^ - start of string
(?!(?:[^0-9]*[0-9]){3}) - negative lookahead failing match if 3 following sequences found:
- [^0-9]* - 0 or more chars other digits
- [0-9] - digit (thus, digits not have adjoining)
[a-za-z0-9\s.-]* - 0+ ascii letters, digits, whitespace, . or - symbols
$ - end of string.

Brent