MotorwayUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
2. Motorway
A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.
Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Andrew Abbott • CC BY-SA
How can I distinguish a UK motorway from an ordinary dual carriageway?
Motorway regulations begin at the motorway sign with the white bridge-and-carriageways symbol on a blue background. A dual carriageway has separated carriageways but does not acquire motorway restrictions merely because of that layout.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 253,258,261,263–264,269
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: motorway signs signals and road markings (Great Britain)
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK: national speed limits, including the Welsh default
What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in the United Kingdom?
For an ordinary car without a trailer, the motorway maximum is normally 70 mph. Follow lower posted or variable limits. Cars towing a trailer and some other vehicle classes have lower limits; UK speed limits are expressed in mph.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 253,258,261,263–264,269
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: motorway signs signals and road markings (Great Britain)
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK: national speed limits, including the Welsh default
Which lane should I normally use on a UK motorway?
In Great Britain, keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking or following signs directing you into another lane. After overtaking, return left when safe. Do not remain in a middle lane unnecessarily.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 253,258,261,263–264,269
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: motorway signs signals and road markings (Great Britain)
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK: national speed limits, including the Welsh default
Can I use the hard shoulder to pass a queue on a UK motorway?
In Great Britain, use a hard shoulder as a traffic lane only when signs specifically open it or an authorised officer directs you to do so. A red cross means the lane is closed. Never use a closed lane or shoulder to bypass a queue.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 253,258,261,263–264,269
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: motorway signs signals and road markings (Great Britain)
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK: national speed limits, including the Welsh default
