Highway Code Rule 253
Prohibited vehicles. Motorways MUST NOT be used by pedestrians, holders of provisional motorcycle or car licences, riders of motorcycles under 50 cc, cyclists, horse riders, certain slow-moving vehicles and those carrying oversized loads (except by special permission), agricultural vehicles, and powered wheelchairs/powered mobility scooters (see Rules 36 to 46 inclusive)
From 4 June 2018 provisional licence holders may drive on the motorway if they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor and are driving a car displaying red L plates (D plates in Wales), that’s fitted with dual controls.
Laws
- Highways Act 1980: Sections 16, 17 & Schedule 4
- The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982: Regulations 3(d), 4 & 11
- The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
- Roads (Scotland) Act 1984: Sections 7, 8 & Schedule 3
- Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Sections 17(2) & (3)
- The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995: Regulations 10
Highway Code Rule 254
Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less time to react. It is especially important to use your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than you would on other roads.
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: General (rules 253 to 254)Highway Code Rule 255
Motorway signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’) are used to warn you of a danger ahead. For example, there may be an incident, fog, a spillage or road workers on the carriageway which you may not immediately be able to see.
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: Motorway signals (rules 255 to 258)Highway Code Rule 256
Signals situated on the central reservation apply to all lanes. On very busy stretches, signals may be overhead with a separate signal for each lane.
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: Motorway signals (rules 255 to 258)Highway Code Rule 257
Amber flashing lights. These warn of a hazard ahead. The signal may show a temporary maximum speed limit, lanes that are closed or a message such as ‘Fog’. Adjust your speed and look out for the danger until you pass a signal which is not flashing or one that gives the ‘All clear’ sign and you are sure it is safe to increase your speed.
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: Motorway signals (rules 255 to 258)Highway Code Rule 258
Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal and a red “X” is showing, you MUST NOT drive in the lane shown as closed beyond the signal. This applies until you pass another signal indicating that the lane is no longer closed, by displaying the word “End” or a speed limit sign and you are sure that it is safe to proceed.
Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or on the side of the road and lane closed sign is showing, you MUST NOT go beyond the signal in any lane.
Laws
- Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 36
- The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002: Regulation 3 and Schedule 15
Highway Code Rule 259
Joining the motorway (rule 259)
Joining the motorway. When you join the motorway you will normally approach it from a road on the left (a slip road) or from an adjoining motorway. You should
- give priority to traffic already on the motorway
- check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane
- not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or use the hard shoulder
- stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway
- remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking.
Highway Code Rule 260
When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should
- drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit (see the Speed limits table)
- keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog (see Rules 126 and 235).
Highway Code Rule 261
You MUST NOT exceed 70 mph (112 km/h), or the maximum speed limit permitted for your vehicle (see Speed limits table). If a lower speed limit is in force, either permanently or temporarily, at road works for example, you MUST NOT exceed the lower limit. On some motorways, mandatory motorway signals (which display the speed within a red ring) are used to vary the maximum speed limit to improve traffic flow. You MUST NOT exceed this speed limit.
Law
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: On the motorway (rules 260 to 263)Highway Code Rule 262
The monotony of driving on a motorway can make you feel sleepy. To minimise the risk, follow the advice in Rule 91.
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: On the motorway (rules 260 to 263)Highway Code Rule 263
You MUST NOT reverse, cross the central reservation, or drive against the traffic flow. If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit.
Laws
- The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982: Regulations 6, 8 & 10
- The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995: Regulations 4, 5, 7 & 9
Highway Code Rule 264
You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past. Slow-moving or speed-restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking. You MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers in uniform or by signs.
Laws
- The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982: Regulations 5, 9 & 16(1)(a)
- The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995: Regulations 4, 8 & 14(1)(a)
- Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 35 & 186 as amended by Traffic Management Act Section 6
Highway Code Rule 265
The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes MUST NOT be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving
- any vehicle drawing a trailer
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
Laws
- The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 Regulations 12
- The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
- The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995: Regulations 11
- The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2004
Highway Code Rule 266
Approaching a junction. Look well ahead for signals or signs. Direction signs may be placed over the road. If you need to change lanes, do so in good time. At some junctions a lane may lead directly off the motorway. Only get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated on the overhead signs.
Section: Motorways (rules 253 to 273) Subsection: Lane discipline (rules 264 to 266)Highway Code Rule 267
Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right. You should
- check your mirrors
- take time to judge the speeds correctly
- make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind
- take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror
- remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly. Check all your mirrors carefully. Look out for motorcyclists. When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out
- ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken
- be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.