Rules for Motorways

Reference: 🔗 Gov.uk - Rules for Motorways

Rule 253: Prohibited Vehicles on Motorways

  1. Motorways MUST NOT be used by pedestrians, provisional motorcycle licence holders, motorcycles under 50cc, cyclists, horse riders, slow-moving vehicles, oversized loads (except by permission), agricultural vehicles, and powered mobility scooters.
  2. Provisional car licence holders can drive only if accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in a car with red L plates (or D plates in Wales) and dual controls.

Rule 254: Higher Speed, Faster Reactions

  1. Traffic moves faster on motorways than other roads, requiring quicker reaction times.
  2. Use mirrors earlier and look further ahead compared to other roads.

Rule 255: Signs and Signals for Hazards

  1. Motorway signals warn of incidents, fog, spills, or roadwork ahead.
  2. Always pay attention to changing signs and signals.
  3. Visit - Light signals controlling traffic

Rule 256: Lane-Specific Signals

  1. Single signs apply to all lanes.
  2. Lane-specific signs provide warnings and restrictions for individual lanes. Lane-Specific Signals

Rule 257: Amber Flashing Lights – Warning of a Hazard

  1. When amber lights flash, you should:
  2. Reduce your speed
  3. Be prepared for hazards
  4. Resume normal speed only when passing a non-flashing signal or an ‘END’ sign, ensuring it is safe.
    Signal warning of a hazard

Rule 258: Red ‘X’ and Lane Closures

  1. Red flashing lights and a red ‘X’ indicate a closed lane. You:
  2. MUST move to an open lane before reaching the closure.
  3. MUST NOT drive in a closed lane.
  4. MUST NOT bypass a fully closed motorway section unless directed by police or traffic officers.
    signals and signs indicating lane closures

Rule 259: Joining the Motorway

  1. Use the left-hand slip road to enter the motorway.
  2. Give priority to motorway traffic.
  3. Match your speed to the traffic flow.
  4. Do not cross solid white lines or use the hard shoulder.
  5. Remain in the left lane long enough before considering overtaking.

Rule 260: Safe Cruising

  1. Drive at a steady speed within limits (Rule 124).
  2. Maintain a safe distance and increase gaps on wet/icy roads.

Rule 261: Speed Limits

  1. Obey all speed limits, including temporary ones.
  2. Speeding is enforced by the police.

Rule 262: Avoiding Fatigue

  1. Motorway driving can be monotonous—take breaks at service areas.
  2. Follow Rule 91 for driver fitness and rest.

Rule 263: Prohibited Actions

  1. MUST NOT reverse on any part of the motorway.
  2. MUST NOT cross the central reservation.
  3. MUST NOT drive against the flow of traffic.
  4. If you miss your exit, continue to the next one.

Rule 264: Stay in the Left Lane

  1. Use the left lane unless overtaking.
  2. Move left after overtaking when safe.
  3. Make space for emergency services and stopped vehicles.

Rule 265: Right-Hand Lane Restrictions

  1. The right lane is off-limits for:
  2. Vehicles towing trailers
  3. Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
  4. Passenger vehicles over 7.5 tonnes

Rule 266: Approaching a Junction

  1. Plan ahead and check signs early.
  2. Change lanes well before reaching a junction.
  3. Stay in dedicated exit lanes if applicable.

Rule 267: Safe Overtaking

  1. Overtake only on the right.
  2. Check mirrors and blind spots before overtaking.
  3. Do not cut back in too soon.

Rule 268: Do Not Overtake on the Left

  1. Only keep pace with traffic in congested conditions.
  2. Do not weave between lanes to overtake.

Rule 269: When to Use the Hard Shoulder

  1. MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency.
  2. Some motorways use the hard shoulder as an extra lane during congestion—obey overhead signs.
    NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency CAN use the hard shoulder except in an emergency

Rule 270: Emergency Areas Usage

  1. Emergency areas are found on motorways with no hard shoulder or where the hard shoulder is used as a lane.
  2. MUST only be used in an emergency.
  3. Marked by blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol and may have orange surfacing.
  4. Follow:
    • Rule 277 – If your vehicle breaks down.
    • Rule 278 – How to rejoin safely.

Emergency Areas

Rule 271: No Stopping Except in an Emergency

  1. MUST NOT stop on:
    1. Carriageway, emergency area, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation, verge
    2. Except in an emergency or when instructed by police, traffic officers, emergency sign, or red flashing lights.
  2. NO stopping for mobile phone calls except in an emergency.

Rule 272: No Walking or Picking Up Passengers

  1. MUST NOT
    1. Pick up/set down passengers
    2. Walk on a motorway
    3. Except in an emergency.

Rule 273: How to Exit Safely

  1. Use the left-hand slip road unless signs indicate otherwise.
  2. Watch for exit signs well in advance.
  3. Move into the left lane early before your exit.
  4. Signal left in good time.
  5. Reduce speed on the slip road as necessary.

Rule 274: Speed Awareness After Leaving Motorway

  1. Your speed may feel lower than it actually is after leaving a motorway.
  2. 50 mph can feel like 30 mph – Check your speedometer!
  3. Some slip roads have sharp bends – Slow down as needed.

Summary of Rules 253 to 274

  1. Restricted Access: Motorways must not be used by pedestrians, cyclists, slow vehicles, and certain provisional licence holders.
  2. Faster Traffic: Motorways have higher speeds, requiring quicker reactions and better anticipation of road conditions.
  3. Motorway Signs & Signals: Pay attention to warning signs, lane signals, and overhead gantries for speed limits, lane closures, and hazards.
  4. Red ‘X’ Rule: Do not drive in a lane with a red ‘X’—it indicates a closed lane. Move to an open lane before reaching it.
  5. Joining the Motorway: Use slip roads, match traffic speed, and merge smoothly without crossing solid white lines.
  6. Lane Discipline: Stick to the left lane unless overtaking. Middle and right lanes are for overtaking only.
  7. Right Lane Restrictions: Large vehicles and trailers cannot use the right-hand lane.
  8. Speed Limits: Always follow motorway speed limits, including temporary ones.
  9. Fatigue & Breaks: Long drives can be tiring—take regular breaks at service stations.
  10. Overtaking: Always overtake on the right unless in heavy traffic. No weaving between lanes.
  11. Hard Shoulder Use: The hard shoulder is for emergencies only, unless signs indicate otherwise.