Make sure you understand these motorway rules

You can’t travel far in Britain without coming across a motorway, and if you’ve ever driven on one, you’ll know that they are quite different to the rest of the nation’s road network! As highways built specifically for fast travel over a long distance, they come with their own set of rules; how much do you know about the rules of a motorway?

First things first, there are a few vehicle types prohibited from using motorways. For example, agricultural and slow-moving vehicles, mobility scooters, and cyclists are among the road users unable to venture onto them. It perhaps goes without saying that pedestrians and horse riders are also unwelcome! 

So what are the rules for those that are permitted to travel via motorway? 

Entering a motorway

In general, you’ll join a motorway via a slip road from the left-hand side, and all motorists should give priority to the vehicles that are already travelling on the motorway. Using the slip road, accelerate to fit the speed of the moving traffic to merge safely into the left-hand lane. 

Some other rules to remember when you’re heading onto a motorway: 

• Don’t use the hard shoulder to enter a motorway.

• Don’t cross any solid white lines that separate the lanes.

• It’s best to stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane.

Driving on a motorway 

The main rules to adhere to when you’re travelling via motorway are as follows: 

• Always keep a distance of 2 seconds from the vehicle in front of you, at least doubling this when conditions are wet, foggy or icy.

• Never exceed 70mph, and always stick to any lower limits put in place for roadworks, hazards, or to help traffic flow. Keep an eye on those overhead signs!

• It’s safe to say that if you feel tempted to cross the central reservation or drive against traffic flow, these are also big no-nos! 

Middle lane hogging is a huge bone of contention on the UK’s motorways, and the Highway Code’s official line on the subject is that ‘you should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.’ 

Stopping

Due to the sheer volume and speed of traffic, stopping anywhere on a motorway is dangerous. You must not stop on any carriageway, slip road, central reservation, verge or hard shoulder unless there is an emergency (such as a breakdown), or you’re asked to do so by a police or traffic officer, or an emergency sign.

Travelling on a motorway soon? It’s good practice to plan ahead (particularly the junctions you need to take), leave yourself plenty of time, and reacquaint yourself with the rules.