Motorway Driving Rules and Guidance

This excerpt from the UK government's Highway Code provides detailed rules and guidance for driving on motorways. It begins by explaining the website's use of cookies before listing various government services and activities. The primary focus is on motorway regulations, covering aspects such as prohibited vehicles, the importance of being alert due to higher speeds, understanding various motorway signals, the correct procedure for joining and driving on the motorway, maintaining lane discipline, proper overtaking techniques, the limited use of the hard shoulder, designated emergency areas, and guidelines for stopping and leaving the motorway. Specific rules are referenced throughout, along with relevant legal citations.

​1. What types of vehicles and individuals are prohibited from using motorways?Motorways are subject to specific restrictions regarding who and what can use them. Generally, pedestrians, holders of provisional motorcycle licences, riders of motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW), cyclists, horse riders, certain slow-moving vehicles, vehicles carrying oversized loads (without special permission), agricultural vehicles, and powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters are not allowed on motorways. Provisional car licence holders are only permitted if accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in a dual-controlled car displaying L plates (or D plates in Wales).
2. How should drivers react to motorway signals?Motorway signals, including amber and red flashing lights and red 'X' signs, are used to warn drivers of hazards or indicate lane closures. Amber flashing lights signify a hazard ahead, requiring drivers to reduce speed and be prepared. Speed should only be increased when a non-flashing signal or a sign indicating a national speed limit or 'END' is passed, and it is safe to do so. Red flashing lights and a red 'X' indicate a closed lane, which drivers MUST NOT enter. Drivers MUST follow signs in advance of closed lanes to move to an open lane. If red flashing lights and closure of all lanes are shown, the road is closed, and drivers MUST NOT proceed beyond the sign in any lane or use the hard shoulder unless directed by police or a traffic officer.
3. What is the correct procedure for joining a motorway?When joining a motorway, typically from a slip road on the left or an adjoining motorway, drivers should prioritize traffic already on the motorway. It is crucial to check the flow of traffic on the motorway and adjust your speed to merge safely into the left-hand lane. Drivers should NOT cross solid white lines separating lanes or use the hard shoulder when joining. If the slip road continues as an extra lane, drivers should stay on it. After joining, drivers should remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking.
4. What are the key rules for driving on the motorway itself?While driving on the motorway, it is important to maintain a steady cruising speed appropriate for conditions and within speed limits, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and increasing this distance in poor conditions. Drivers MUST NOT exceed displayed speed limits or the maximum speed limit for the road and their vehicle. It is also essential to be aware of potential fatigue and take breaks as advised. Reversing, crossing the central reservation, or driving against the traffic flow on any part of the motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders, and emergency areas, is strictly prohibited unless directed by police or a traffic officer. If an exit is missed, drivers should continue to the next one.
5. What is the correct lane discipline on a motorway?Drivers should primarily stay in the left lane unless overtaking. After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane when it is safe. When driving in the left lane and approaching stopped vehicles or people on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area, drivers should move into the adjacent lane if safe to create more space. On motorways with three or more lanes, certain vehicles, such as those drawing trailers or larger goods/passenger vehicles (often those required to have speed limiters), MUST NOT use the right-hand lane, except in prescribed circumstances. When approaching a junction, drivers should look ahead for signs and road markings and change lanes well in advance if necessary.
6. What are the rules and best practices for overtaking on a motorway?Overtaking should only be attempted when it is safe and legal. Overtaking on motorways should only be done on the right. Before overtaking, drivers should check mirrors, judge speeds accurately, ensure the target lane is clear ahead and behind, perform a quick check of blind spots, and be aware of rapidly approaching traffic. Once safe, drivers should signal in plenty of time and move out, being careful not to cut in after overtaking. Extra caution is needed at night and in poor visibility. While overtaking on the left is generally prohibited, in congested conditions where adjacent lanes are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left lanes may pass traffic in the lane to the right without weaving between lanes.
7. When can the hard shoulder be used, and what are emergency areas?The hard shoulder should NOT be used except in an emergency or when directed by police, traffic officers, or a traffic sign. On some motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as an extra lane during congestion; this is indicated by a speed limit sign above it. A red 'X' or blank sign above the hard shoulder means it is closed and MUST NOT be used except in an emergency. Emergency areas are designated stopping points on motorways without hard shoulders or where the hard shoulder is used as an extra lane. They are marked by blue signs with an orange SOS symbol and may have orange surfacing. Emergency areas MUST only be used in an emergency.
8. How should drivers prepare for and execute leaving a motorway?When leaving a motorway, drivers will usually use a slip road on the left, unless signs indicate otherwise. It is important to watch for signs indicating the approach to the exit and move into the left-hand lane well in advance. Drivers should signal left in good time and reduce speed on the slip road as needed. It is crucial to remember that speed on slip roads and link roads can feel slower than it is (e.g., 50 mph may feel like 30 mph), so checking the speedometer and adjusting speed for potential sharp bends is essential. Stopping on any part of a motorway (carriageway, emergency area, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation, or verge) to pick up or set down anyone, walk, or make/receive mobile calls is prohibited except in an emergency or when directed by authorities or signals.