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)