Highway Code Rule 133
If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance to make sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed. When it is safe to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear, move over.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 134
You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 135
Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the road markings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction
- use the middle lane only for overtaking or turning right. Remember, you have no more right to use the middle lane than a driver coming from the opposite direction
- do not use the right-hand lane.
Highway Code Rule 136
Where a single carriageway has four or more lanes, use only the lanes that signs or markings indicate.
Dual carriageways
A dual carriageway is a road which has a central reservation to separate the carriageways.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 137
On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. After overtaking, move back to the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 138
On a three-lane dual carriageway, you may use the middle lane or the right-hand lane to overtake but return to the middle and then the left-hand lane when it is safe.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 139
Climbing and crawler lanes. These are provided on some hills. Use this lane if you are driving a slow-moving vehicle or if there are vehicles behind you wishing to overtake. Be aware of the signs and road markings which indicate the lane is about to end.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 140
Cycle lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.
Law
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 141
Bus lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs that indicate which (if any) other vehicles are permitted to use the bus lane. Unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation. You may enter a bus lane to stop, to load or unload where this is not prohibited.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 142
High-occupancy vehicle lanes and other designated vehicle lanes. Lanes may be restricted for use by particular types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the time. The operating times and vehicle types will be indicated on the accompanying traffic signs. You MUST NOT drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is permitted (see ‘Traffic signs‘).
Vehicles permitted to use designated lanes may or may not include cycles, buses, taxis, licensed private hire vehicles, motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs).
Where HOV lanes are in operation, they MUST ONLY be used by
- vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs
- any other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants.
Laws
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)Highway Code Rule 143
One-way streets. Traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use
- the left-hand lane when going left
- the right-hand lane when going right
- the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead. Remember – traffic could be passing on both sides.