UK Road Laws
A guide to help you understand them
A Guide to Road Laws and Rules on UK Roads
This guide is designed to help you understand the roads you’re driving on and the laws that you should be aware of. Some of these will be obvious to you, we hope, but there are some other less-known ones that we think you also need to know as well.
In this piece we'll look at the documents required to drive, what you should keep in the car, road signals and signs, general laws to know, rules on speed, rules on parking, laws around other road users, laws for vehicle maintenance, laws for accidents, and driving etiquette rules.
Documents you need for driving
There are a number of documents you’ll need before you can drive a car on the UK roads and these are:
- A driving licence – if you're on a provisional licence then you'll also need to have a passenger who has held a qualified licence for more than 3 years in the vehicle with you. If you have a driving licence for an automatic vehicle then you can't drive a manual car.
- Insurance – the vehicle will need to be insured for a minimum of third-party cover though most drivers opt for a comprehensive cover. The driver of the vehicle will need to be a named party on the insurance policy or have their own policy which also includes cover for driving other cars.
- MOT – for any vehicle that's over 3 years old you'll need to have a valid MOT.
- Road tax – we might not have the physical tax discs to put on our windscreens any more but you still need to ensure the vehicle's taxed before you drive it. Tax is no longer transferable between owners, so you'll need to tax the vehicle as soon as you become responsible for it. For lease vehicles, this will be paid by your funder for the duration of the lease.
Equipment you should keep in the car
Unlike other countries, the UK doesn't currently have a law for essential items that you should keep in your car, but it's recommended you keep a few key belongings there like a warning triangle and high-vis jacket which are both useful in the event of an accident.
For a more detailed breakdown of what we recommend keeping in your vehicle, take a look at this article of our top 10 essentials to keep in the car.
Road signs and signals
There are a number of different types of road signs and signals that you need to be aware of when driving.
In the UK there are 3 main style of road signs that are based on the shape of the sign.
Circular signs
Circular signs give orders that legally must be followed. If they have a red border around them then it's something you mustn't do. If it's a blue circle then it'll give an instruction, like turn left ahead. Speed limits are also shown in a circle.
Triangular signs
Triangular signs give warnings and they tend to have a red border around the edge to highlight the danger they are warning of.
Rectangular signs
Rectangular signs give you information. On motorways these signs will be blue, on primary roads they’ll be green and on minor roads they'll be white. Rectangular signs are also used to indicate bus lanes, cycle lanes or areas where restrictions are in place, for example, congestion charge zones.
For a more comprehensive look at the road signs you’ll encounter in the UK just click here to see our guide on them.
There are also a number of signals on the road you'll need to obey.
In the UK most traffic lights have a red, amber and green. You must slow down and stop when it's an amber light unless it's unsafe to do so and come to a complete stop when it's a red one. Sometimes, an amber light will show alongside a green or red light to indicate that it's changing, as pictured above.
Some traffic lights might also have directional arrows for turning traffic, or a separate box for bikes and buses. You should only follow these lights if they apply to your vehicle and lane of traffic and be careful not to follow another light.
Traffic lights can be used at pedestrian crossings, junctions, and on larger roundabouts.
You might also encounter a railroad crossing, which doesn't have the traditional 3 lights but instead has a rectangular sign with 3 flashing lights, the top 2 will usually be red and the bottom amber. When these are flashing and the barrier's coming down across the road you must stop.
As smart motorways become increasingly common, we're seeing more and more versatile lane control signs that use lights and signals to indicate a lane closure or variable speed limit change across the carriageway.
When you're learning to drive you'll be taught about road signs and signals that you'll encounter but it doesn’t hurt to refresh your knowledge on these.
You can find the most common and the rules that relate to them in the Highway Code.
General rules of the road
UK road laws cover a wide and extensive range of areas of driving, road and vehicle usage which is why there are so many of them. In this guide we’re going to look at a few areas to give you an insight into a selection of these but it's not a comprehensive guide to them all.
Some key laws you should be aware of are:
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- Obey all road signs and lights.
- Seatbelts must be worn by all drivers and their passengers, unless they have an exemption, and for those under 14 years old, you as the driver will be responsible for them wearing the correct restraints.
- If you have children in the car, you as the driver are also responsible for ensuring they're using the correct car seat where appropriate. For more information on car seats take a look at this guide.
- Give way to emergency vehicles but obey road lights and signs when doing so.
- Obey pedestrian crossing rules. For more information on these take a look at the pedestrian section below.
- Don't use your mobile phone when driving.
Laws on speed
There are a number of laws on speed in the UK as every road has a speed limit that must be obeyed.
A maximum speed limit isn't a target or always an achievable speed depending on driving conditions, which includes the road condition, weather, and other road users to name a few factors.
A speed limit is usually a maximum speed but there are some places where a minimum limit will also be in place, for example, in a long tunnel where it would be dangerous to be for a longer time period and going slowly creates more emissions in the enclosed space.
A minimum speed limit will be signposted differently, with white numbers on a blue background and when the minimum limit ends there will be another but with a red diagonal line through it to indicate the limit no longer applies.
In general, unless otherwise signposted, speed limits in the UK are up to 30 mph in built up areas, 60 mph in non-built up areas and up to 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways.
You might see a national speed limit sign and depending on the road you're driving on when you see this, the above limits will apply.
These are the maximum speed limits for vehicles travelling on the road but you should be aware that some may be subject to lower limits. Those towing a caravan for example are not legally able to reach 70 mph.
Speeding
Vehicles can often travel faster than the maximum speed limit and so you'll need to keep an eye on the speedometer when driving at fast speeds.
Some vehicles have a cruise control function and so can keep you below the speed limit, these can be helpful to use but we recommend only using them when you aren't in heavy traffic.
To find out more about how you can reduce your speed and stay safe, take a look at this article.
In the UK if you go one mile over the speed limit then you're technically speeding and can be held legally accountable. However, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) advises a 10% plus 2 guideline.
This is only a guideline though and the police can use their discretion, so it's best not to go over the limit at all.
If you're caught speeding, then the minimum penalty is usually a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence.
In some areas, for minor speeding offences the police may offer you a speed awareness course instead, though you'll have to pay for this yourself and the cost is typically between £80 and £100. To be accepted on the course you'll need to admit to driving the speeding vehicle.
Taking a course will mean you won't get the points on your driving licence but you'll need to have completed it within 12 weeks of the offence.
If you've previously attended a speed awareness course in the past 3 years then you won't be able to do another one, even for a minor speeding offence.
For more serious speeding offences you might get a court summons, and you can also decide not to accept a fixed penalty and take your case to court. In the event that you end up in court then the magistrate will have to follow sentencing guidelines which are divided into 3 bands:
- Band A
- Band B
- Band C
These penalty bands depend on the offence and mitigating circumstances but in general will fall into the categories below.
You're likely to receive a higher penalty for speeding in poor weather, near a school, in a highly pedestrianised area or heavy traffic, if you’re towing a trailer or caravan, if you have passengers, if you’re driving a lorry, bus or taxi and if you have previous offences.
The magistrate will also take into account factors like whether you had a genuine emergency that forced you to drive faster, a clean driving record, and if you show clear remorse and good character.
There are cases when you may be able to dispute the ticket in court; these include if there are obscured signs on the road, you can prove you weren’t driving or there are missing details on the ticket.
A speeding offence might also lead to a change in your insurance costs and you'll need to notify your insurance provider if you're given points on your licence.
Driving too slowly
Not only is speeding an offence but driving too slowly can also be classed as one.
Under driving without due care and attention, if you're driving slow enough that your speed could be deemed a risk that endangers other drivers then you can get an on the spot fine of £100 and 3 points on your licence, and if you’re taken to court this can rise to a £5000 fine and 9 points on your licence.
There are very few cases of drivers being fined for driving too slowly, and they are usually on motorways, dual-carriageways and fast-moving B-roads.
Rules on parking your car
When you’re not driving, your car is in a stationary parked position, which is why there are a number of rules and regulations in UK law that cover parked vehicles as well as moving ones.
We think it's important to know the laws around parking your car.
In this section we’re going to explore some of the most important ones in 3 areas; where you can park, parking at night and sleeping in a parked vehicle.
Where you can park
Around the UK there are a number of different places you can park. These are:
- Designated car parks.
- Parking bays or lanes on the side of roads.
- On the road where no restrictions apply, and you aren't causing a hazard to other road users.
- On the pavement in areas where it's legal and no restrictions apply, and you aren't causing a hazard to other road users (see below).
- On verges where no restrictions apply, and you aren't causing a hazard to other users.
- Driveways or off-road parking on private property.
When parking there are a few general rules you should obey. Whilst not all law, it's considered good practice to follow these:
- Use a designated bay where possible and park inside the lines.
- Don't park in a disabled bay unless you have a valid blue badge permit.
- Don't park in a parent and child bay unless you have young children.
- If parking on the road try to park as close to the pavement as possible and don’t face oncoming traffic.
- Obey any road signs advising of time or vehicle size restrictions.
- Don’t park in a loading bay unless you're loading / unloading the vehicle.
- Don’t park on a corner, turn or at a junction where you're blocking visibility at a crucial point.
- Don’t park over a drive entrance or dropped curb outside a property that isn't your own and blocks another vehicle’s exit.
Parking on the pavement
The Government is set to bring in a nationwide pavement ban.
The Scottish Government have already brought in nationwide legislation outlawing pavement parking to make their pavements safer. Local authorities can give fines of £100 to drivers parking on pavements and blocking access for pedestrians, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh have the bans already in place.
Wales is currently under a period of consultation, however, there are some pavement parking ban trials underway in Cardiff on certain roads. In England pavement parking is already banned across London.
If you do need to park on the pavement to avoid being an obstacle for road traffic, then we advise first checking if it's legal in your area and leaving enough room for a pedestrian to still use the footpath.
Please note that some pedestrians may be upset if you block their way, even if you leave space for a person to pass by your vehicle, as those using a wheelchair or pushchair require a wider space and may not be able to utilise unpaved space on the other side of the path in the same way as those on foot.
Parking at night
There are some slightly different rules on parking at night as darkness reduces visibility for all drivers.
Rule 248 of the Highway Code says that you mustn't park on the side of a road facing against the direction of the traffic, unless you're in a recognised parking space as you won't be as easy for oncoming drivers to see because your rear reflectors won't be facing their direction and therefore your car will be a potential hazard for other road users. If in breach of this rule, can receive a fine of up to £1,000 with the penalty increasing up to a potential £2,500 if you're taken to court.
Sleeping in a parked car
It's not always illegal to sleep in a parked car but there are circumstances when it is.
You can't sleep in a parked car anywhere, even if the key isn't in the ignition and you aren't in the driver’s seat, when you're intoxicated or high on drugs. This is because you can still be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle, which results in a large fine and up to 10 points.
Otherwise, you can sleep in your vehicle if it's legally parked in a safe location, where it doesn't cause a hazard for other road users.
Safe locations include a service station or legal roadside rest area, a street without restrictions or a car park. However, you should be aware of some restrictions that might be in place at these locations like a free parking time limit at motorway service stations or gates on car parks.
Where avoidable we recommend not sleeping in your vehicle, but there are times when you shouldn't continue driving due to tiredness and you have no other option. A few recommendations we have if you do need to sleep in your vehicle are:
- Park in a legal location
- Park in a well-lit area where possible
- Park in an area with other vehicles and pedestrian traffic if you're able to
- Ensure the vehicle is locked from the inside
- Leave a window open a crack to ensure some airflow
You might also find it useful to keep a bottle of water, torch, snack and blanket in the vehicle in case you do need to take a rest break.
Rules of the road around other road users
Cars aren't the only road users and so if you're driving then you should also be aware of other road users and not just those in cars.
There will be larger vehicles like lorries, buses and tractors who may not be able to achieve the same speeds as you and will have a wider turning circle and larger blind spots.
There will also be pedestrians, cyclists, and even horses that you may encounter. Again, you'll need to make accommodations for these users which involve slowing down, passing with plenty of space and turning down your radio.
There are laws and regulations for all road users but as a driver you'll usually be the one in charge of the faster or larger vehicle and need to make accommodations for them.
Not everyone is aware of or follows the rules for other road users either and so you shouldn’t always assume that they're going to act according to these.
Pedestrians:
You should always give pedestrians plenty of room when passing them, and slow down when you do so.
Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right hand side of the road for the direction they are travelling in so will usually be in the lane of oncoming traffic to increase their visibility to traffic. With this in mind you should also slow down when approaching them on the road.
The majority of the time though, pedestrians will be on a footpath alongside the road, it’s only when this isn't available that they'll be walking on the road.
You should be cautious on wet days as splashing a pedestrian by driving too fast through a puddle can lead to a £100 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence as it’s an offence under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for driving without reasonable consideration for other persons. In certain cases the fine can be as much as £5,000.
Cyclists:
Legally, cyclists should be using the road and not the footpath, unless it's a bridleway, and they have the same rights as any other road user. This is applicable to all aged cyclists so even children should technically be riding on the road.
Some roads have a cycle lane and it's an offence to drive in a mandatory cycle lane, marked by a solid white line, and you might be fined up to £130 for doing so, or £160 in London.
Cyclists are entitled to use the full width of the road, and many will sit towards the centre of the lane as this helps them avoid opening doors on parked cars and drains, and to make it easier to take a right turn. They're also allowed to cycle 2 abreast, though it’s recommended they cycle in single file on busier roads and around bends.
You should give them the same consideration as you would any other vehicle when they're using the road and not get annoyed if they're doing any of the above, giving way to them at junctions and roundabouts as you would anyone else. Lane splitting and weaving in and out of lanes to overtake, is legal for cyclists to do and so you should be aware that they may approach from either the left or right hand side of your vehicle.
You might also find this article useful, as it’s full of tips to help you stay safe around other road users and ways that you can help them to remain safe as well.
Rules on towing
In the UK, there are speed restrictions for any vehicle that's towing and they're restricted to 10 miles below the national speed limit, to 50 mph on single carriageways outside of built up areas and 60 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway.
They also can't use the outside lane of a motorway if there are 3 or more lanes of traffic and must stick to the 2 left hand lanes. If you're caught using the third lane then you can be fined up to £2,500 and receive 3 points on your driving licence.
Vehicle maintenance laws
You must keep your vehicle maintained in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines and regularly serviced in line with these too.
Your vehicle must have a valid MOT and if you're caught driving a vehicle without one you'll be fined up to £1,000.
If your vehicle fails an MOT and is deemed dangerous by the MOT test results then you can be fined up to £2,500, receive 3 points on your licence and even be banned from driving.
For more information on how you can keep your vehicle road worthy take a look at this article.
Laws on road accidents
We have an entire article on what to do if you’re involved in an accident but we wanted to take a moment here to advise on 2 legal requirements.
You must stop if you're involved in a car accident, even if it's with a parked vehicle or road furniture like a fence.
You must also notify the police of any road traffic accident. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the accident this doesn't always need to be done at the scene but must be done within 24 hours.
If it's not an emergency, then you can call the police on 101 to notify them of the accident.
Road etiquette
This section will look at a few miscellaneous areas of law and rules for the road that we think it’s important for you to know.
Though you might not think swearing from your car is a crime, you can actually be fined up to £1,000 for road rage and swearing at other road users under the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998.
Similar to swearing, you might not think that your music can get you into trouble but if it’s loud enough to be considered a distraction to your driving then you could receive a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence.
If you’re asked to turn down the music and refuse then your car could also be seized by the police.
Similar to loud music, if you're stopped and are found to be eating or drinking while driving then you could receive a maximum penalty of £5,000, 3 to 9 points on your licence and a discretionary driving disqualification, if the police believe that it's distracted you from the road and constitutes careless driving.
We all know that unless you’re overtaking then you should be in the left-hand lane but there are many motorists who don't follow this rule. This isn’t just considerate road behaviour though, it’s actually a law. If you're caught unnecessarily staying in the middle lane when there's space on the left then you can receive a fine and up to 3 points on your licence for careless driving.
Tailgating is a term used to describe driving very closely to the vehicle in front of you and is a dangerous driving habit. If you're caught tailgating then the police may issue you with a fine and you could receive up to 3 points on your licence for careless driving. More serious cases can result in bans and even prison sentences.
Though it might seem like the nice thing to do you shouldn't warn approaching motorists of any speed traps.
If you're found to be warning others of an upcoming speed trap then you could be considered to be “wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty” which comes with a £1,000 fine.
We all know that when you hear an approaching siren or see blue flashing lights then you need to move in order for the emergency vehicle to get through the traffic as quickly as possible.
However, you shouldn't break any of the existing road laws in order to do so, this includes going into an active bus lane or through a red light. Despite the emergency vehicle, this is still considered to be breaking the laws of the road and you could be penalised for doing so.
Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that you should never sound your horn aggressively. You mustn't use your horn while stationary on the road, or when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am, except when another road user poses a danger.
If you're caught using your horn inappropriately then you can be fined up to £1,000.
Rule 229 of the Highway Code says that you must demist and clear all your mirrors, clean your lights, make sure your number plates are visible and that all windows are clear before you set off on any journey.
If it's been snowing and there's snow on your roof then this will also need to be cleared off before you can drive, as if it falls onto the windscreen it'll block your view endangering you and other road users. It might also fly off the roof if you're driving at speed and pose a danger to other road users. You could be stopped and charged with driving without due consideration or using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition which could result in a fine and 3 or more points on your driving licence, depending on the consequences.
It might surprise you to know that idling with your engine running unnecessarily is against the law.
Under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Rule 123 of the Highway Code you shouldn't leave your engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road.
If you’re caught then you could be fined £20, and if in certain parts of London this rises to £80.
This is only applicable on public roads and doesn’t include being stuck in traffic, although it’s not clearly defined whether running the engine to keep the car heated is necessary.
Pets in the car
Pets must be properly restrained when travelling to avoid them distracting you from the road, under rule 57 of The Highway Code.
Failure to comply with this could see you facing a charge of careless and inconsiderate driving, which could lead to an unlimited fine and 3 to 9 points on your licence. If your pet isn’t restrained and this is deemed to have caused an accident, you may find that your insurance also refuses to pay out.
If you're involved in an accident and your pet's in the vehicle then you need to be aware that you mustn't let them out unrestrained, and to wander around as this causes a potential hazard to other road users.
For more information on how to stay safe on the roads head back to our guides homepage or check out our blog for lots of great articles.