Motorways

The types of vehicles not permitted to use the right hand lane on a motorway (which has three or more lanes) are:

• A goods vehicle having a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
• A goods vehicle having 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 passenger vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver the maximum laden weight of which exceeds 7.5 tonnes.
• A passenger vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver the maximum laden weight of which does not exceed 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
• A motor vehicle drawing a trailer.
• A vehicle which is a motor tractor, a light locomotive or a heavy locomotive.

There are exceptions to this rule which are:

• When it is necessary for the vehicle to be driven to enable it to pass another vehicle which is carrying or drawing a load of exceptional width.
• For a vehicle to change lane during a period when it would not be reasonably practicable for it to do so without involving danger of injury to any person or inconvenience to other traffic.

Top tips for motorway driving are:

• Keep to the left except when overtaking.
• Do not undertake.
• Keep a safe distance behind the car in front; general advice is the 2-second rule. Watch for the car in front to pass a stationary object, then start counting. If you pass it before you have counted to two, you are too close.
• Keep to speed limits.
• Use mirrors, but beware of 'blind spots'.
• Take regular breaks (every two hours at least).
• Plan your journey; make sure you know which exit you need.
• Make sure your tyres, petrol and windscreen wash are filled.
• Always bear in mind the possible actions of other drivers.
• Make preparations to leave the motorway in good time.
• There is no such thing as a fast lane, the middle and offside lanes are for overtaking only.

For night time driving on the motorway:

• Use dipped lights if there is oncoming traffic as a full-beam will dazzle other drivers.
• The night vision mode on the rearview mirror will prevent you from being dazzled (a small catch under the mirror that tilts it slightly)
• The cat's eyes on the edge of the motorway change colour as follows:
  • red - edge of the near side lane
  • amber - edge of the outside lane
  • white - the separation of the lanes
  • green - slip road, exit and entry

For more information, see the links in Related Information.

This is only based as a guide and common sense should be used at all times. The main issue to consider is the safety of you and your passengers.

• If you can, drive to the next exit and leave the motorway; Only in an emergency should you pull onto the hard shoulder, making sure you are as far left as possible.
• Switch on your hazard lights.
• Get out of your car from the passenger side.
• Walk up the verge away from the car.
• Do not attempt to do any repairs yourself, however simple.
• If possible use an emergency phone on the motorway as this is a free phone that connects to the police. If you do use your mobile phone make sure you know exactly where you are.
• Keep all children and animals under control.

If you cannot get your vehicle to the hard shoulder:

• Do not place any warning device (such as a warning triangle) in the carriageway.
• Switch on your hazards.
• Only leave the vehicle when it is safe to do so and you can get across the carriageway.

For more information see links in Related Information.

The national speed limit varies depending on what type of road you are on. The national speed limit is depicted by a white circular sign with a black stripe diagonally across it from right to left.

See the website in related information for the speed limits of different types of vehicles.

Remember that the type of vehicle you are driving may mean that you have to drive slower than if you were driving a car.