Motorways (253 to 274)

Rules for motorways, including rules for signals, joining the motorway, driving on the motorway, lane discipline, overtaking, stopping and leaving the motorway. A number of the rules for motorways also apply to other high-speed roads.

A number of the rules for motorways also apply to other high-speed roads. Many other Rules apply to motorway driving, either wholly or in part: Rules 46, 57, 83 to 126, 130 to 134 , 139, 144, 146 to 151, 160, 161, 219, 221 to 222, 225, 226 to 237, 274 to 278, 280 and 281 to 290.

General (rules 253 to 254)

Rule 253

Prohibited vehicles. Motorways MUST NOT be used by pedestrians, holders of provisional motorcycle licences, riders of motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW), 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).

Provisional car licence holders MUST NOT drive on the motorway unless they are accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and are driving a car displaying red L plates (or D plates in Wales) with dual controls.

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.

Motorway signals (rules 255 to 258)

Rule 255

Signs and signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’) are used to warn you of hazards ahead. For example, there may be an incident, fog, a spillage or road workers on the carriageway which you may not immediately be able to see.

Rule 256

A single sign or signal can display advice, restrictions and warnings for all lanes.

Lane specific signs and signals can display advice, restrictions and warnings that apply to individual lanes.

Rule 257

Amber flashing lights. These signals warn of a hazard ahead. You should

reduce your speed
be prepared for the hazard
only increase your speed when you pass a signal that is not flashing, or a sign displaying a national speed limit or the word ‘END’, and you are sure it is safe to do so.

Rule 257: Signal warning of a hazard

Rule 258

Red flashing light signals and a red ‘X’ on a sign identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are present. You

MUST follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane
MUST NOT drive in a closed lane. A sign will inform you when the lane is no longer closed by displaying a speed limit or the word ‘END’.

Rule 258: signals and signs indicating lane closures

Rule 258: signals and signs indicating lane closures

Be aware that

there can be several hazards in a closed lane
emergency services and traffic authorities use closed lanes to reach incidents and help people in need
where the left lane is closed at an exit slip road, this means that the exit cannot be used.

Where red flashing light signals and closure of all lanes are shown on a sign, the road is closed. You

MUST NOT go beyond the sign in any lane or use the hard shoulder to avoid the road closure unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer.

Rule 258: signals and signs indicating lane closures

Lane and road closures indicated by red flashing lights are enforced by the police.

Joining the motorway (rule 259)

Rule 259

Joining the motorway. When you join the motorway you will normally approach it from a road on the left (a slip road) or from an adjoining motorway. You should

give priority to traffic already on the motorway
check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane
not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or use the hard shoulder
stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway
remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking.

On the motorway (rules 260 to 263)

Rule 260

When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should

drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit (see Rule 124 and the Speed limits table)
keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog (see Rules 126 and 235).

Rule 261

You MUST NOT exceed

a speed limit displayed within a red circle on a sign
the maximum speed limit for the road and for your vehicle (see Rule 124).

Speed limits are enforced by the police (see Rule 124).

Rule 262

The monotony of driving on motorways and other high-speed roads can make you feel sleepy. To minimise the risk, follow the advice in Rule 91 about ensuring you are fit to drive and taking breaks.

Service areas are located along motorways to allow you to take breaks and to obtain refreshments. Refreshment and rest facilities on the local road network may also be accessible from motorway exits.

Rule 263

Unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer, you MUST NOT

reverse along any part of a motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas
cross the central reservation
drive against the traffic flow.

If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit.

Lane discipline (rules 264 to 266)

Rule 264

Keep in the left lane unless overtaking.

If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so (see also Rules 267 and 268).
Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. If you are driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles.

Rule 265

The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes MUST NOT be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving

any vehicle drawing a trailer
a goods vehicle with 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 goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes
a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver
a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.

Rule 266

Approaching a junction. Look well ahead for signals, signs and road markings. Direction signs may be placed over the road. If you need to, you should change lanes well ahead of a junction. At some junctions, a lane may lead directly off the road. Only get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated by signs or road markings.

Overtaking (rules 267 to 268)

Rule 267

Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right. You should

check your mirrors
take time to judge the speeds correctly
make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind
take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror
remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly. Check all your mirrors carefully. Look out for motorcyclists. When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out
ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken
be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.

Rule 268

Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.

Hard shoulder (rule 269)

Rule 269

Hard shoulder (where present). You MUST NOT use a hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign.

Hard shoulder (where used as an extra lane). The hard shoulder is used as an extra lane on some motorways during periods of congestion. A red ‘X’ or blank sign above the hard shoulder means that you MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency.

You can only use the hard shoulder as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown above the hard shoulder.

Where the hard shoulder is being used as an extra lane, emergency areas are provided for use in an emergency (see Rule 270).

Stopping (rules 270 to 271)

Rule 270

Emergency areas are located along motorways with no hard shoulder or where the hard shoulder can be used as an extra lane (see Rule 269) and MUST only be used in an emergency.

They are marked by blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol and may have orange surfacing.

Rule 270: emergency area

Rule 270: sign indicating distance to next emergency area

Follow the requirements and advice in

Rule 277 if your vehicle develops a problem on the motorway
Rule 278 to rejoin the carriageway from an emergency area.

Rule 271

You MUST NOT stop on any carriageway, emergency area, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge except in an emergency, or when told to do so by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign or by red flashing light signals.

Do not stop on any part of a motorway to make or receive mobile telephone calls, except in an emergency.

Rule 272

You MUST NOT pick up or set down anyone, or walk on a motorway, except in an emergency.

Leaving the motorway (rules 273 to 274)

Rule 273

Unless signs indicate that a lane leads directly off the motorway, you will normally leave the motorway by a slip road on your left. You should

watch for the signs letting you know you are getting near your exit
move into the left-hand lane well before reaching your exit
signal left in good time and reduce your speed on the slip road as necessary.

Rule 274

On leaving the motorway or using a link road between motorways, your speed may be higher than you realise - 50 mph may feel like 30 mph. Check your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly. Some slip-roads and link roads have sharp bends, so you will need to slow down.

Author's Explanation

Motorway Rules Explained (Rules 253–258)

Motorways are designed for fast-moving traffic, which means drivers have less time to react to hazards. Before joining a motorway, drivers must understand the rules about permitted vehicles, safe speeds and the importance of planning ahead.

Motorway signs and signals provide important warnings about hazards, lane restrictions and changing road conditions. Drivers should always check mirrors early, look further ahead and follow electronic signs or lane signals immediately.

Flashing amber lights warn drivers about hazards ahead, while red flashing lights and red X signals mean a lane is closed. Drivers must never enter a closed lane and should move safely into an available lane when instructed.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver checks motorway signs before joining and ensures their vehicle is suitable and legally allowed to use the motorway.

Example 2: A driver notices flashing amber lights ahead, reduces speed and prepares to react to a possible hazard on the road.

Example 3: A driver sees a red X above a lane and changes lanes safely instead of continuing through the closed lane.

Example 4: A driver regularly checks mirrors on a motorway because traffic may be approaching quickly from behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is not allowed to use a motorway?

Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, certain slow vehicles, agricultural vehicles and some other restricted users must not use motorways. Provisional car licence holders may only use a motorway with an approved driving instructor in a suitable vehicle.

Why do drivers need to look further ahead on motorways?

Motorway traffic travels at higher speeds, so hazards can appear quickly. Looking further ahead gives drivers more time to react safely.

What should drivers do when amber lights are flashing?

Drivers should slow down, prepare for possible hazards and only increase speed again when they have passed the warning and it is safe to continue.

What does a red X motorway signal mean?

A red X means the lane is closed. Drivers must not use that lane and should move into another lane when it is safe to do so.

Author's Explanation

Joining and Driving on Motorways Explained (Rules 259–263)

Joining a motorway requires careful planning because traffic is usually travelling at much higher speeds. Drivers should use the slip road to build up speed, check traffic conditions and join safely without forcing other vehicles to change direction or speed.

Once on the motorway, drivers should maintain a safe speed, keep a suitable distance from the vehicle ahead and remain alert to changing conditions such as weather, congestion or hazards.

Motorway journeys can become tiring because of long distances and repetitive driving. Taking regular breaks and avoiding stopping in unsafe places are important parts of staying safe.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver uses the slip road to match the speed of motorway traffic before joining the left lane safely.

Example 2: A driver joins a motorway and stays in the left lane until they have adjusted to the speed and flow of traffic.

Example 3: A driver increases the following distance during heavy rain because stopping distances are longer.

Example 4: A driver feels tired during a motorway journey and stops at a service area for a proper break instead of continuing while fatigued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has priority when joining a motorway?

Traffic already on the motorway has priority. Drivers joining must adjust their speed and find a safe gap in the left-hand lane.

Should you stop on a motorway slip road?

Drivers should normally continue along the slip road and join safely. Stopping should only happen in an emergency when it is unavoidable.

What speed should you drive on a motorway?

Drivers should travel at a safe speed that suits the road, traffic and conditions while staying within the legal speed limit.

Why are motorway breaks important?

Long motorway journeys can cause tiredness and reduced concentration. Regular breaks help drivers stay alert and reduce the risk of fatigue-related incidents.

Author's Explanation

Motorway Lane Discipline and Overtaking Explained (Rules 264–268)

Good lane discipline helps keep motorway traffic flowing smoothly and reduces unnecessary risks. Drivers should normally remain in the left lane unless they are overtaking another vehicle.

Before changing lanes or overtaking, drivers should check mirrors, assess the speed of other vehicles and check blind spots. Motorway traffic can approach quickly, so careful planning is essential.

Overtaking should only be carried out when it is safe and legal. After passing another vehicle, drivers should return to the left lane when there is enough space to do so safely.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver moves from the left lane to overtake a slower vehicle, checks mirrors and returns left after completing the manoeuvre.

Example 2: A driver notices traffic officers working on the hard shoulder and moves into another lane when it is safe to create extra space.

Example 3: A driver approaches a motorway junction early and changes lanes in good time instead of making a sudden move at the exit.

Example 4: A driver avoids overtaking on the left and keeps a steady position when traffic lanes are moving at similar speeds in congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lane should you normally use on a motorway?

Drivers should keep to the left lane unless they are overtaking or another situation requires a different position.

When should you return to the left lane after overtaking?

Return to the left lane when it is safe and there is enough space. Do not cut in closely in front of the vehicle you have overtaken.

What checks should you make before changing lanes?

Check mirrors, assess traffic speed, check blind spots and signal in good time before moving into another lane.

Is undertaking allowed on a motorway?

Drivers should not overtake on the left. However, in slow-moving congested traffic, vehicles may naturally pass others in adjacent lanes moving more slowly.

Author's Explanation

Motorway Hard Shoulder and Stopping Rules Explained (Rules 269–272)

The hard shoulder and emergency areas on motorways are designed for emergencies only. Drivers must not use these areas as normal driving lanes unless signs specifically allow it.

Stopping on a motorway is extremely dangerous because vehicles travel at high speeds and other drivers may not expect stationary vehicles. Drivers should only stop when there is an emergency or when instructed by police, traffic officers or motorway signs.

Motorways are not designed for pedestrians. Walking on the motorway, picking up passengers or stopping for non-emergency reasons creates serious risks for everyone.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver gets a warning message that the hard shoulder is closed with a red X sign and continues using the correct lane.

Example 2: A vehicle develops a serious problem on the motorway and the driver stops in a safe emergency area rather than blocking a live traffic lane.

Example 3: A driver misses a motorway exit and continues to the next exit instead of reversing or turning around.

Example 4: A driver avoids stopping to use a mobile phone and waits until they can leave the motorway safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can you use the hard shoulder?

The hard shoulder should only be used in an emergency or when directed by police, traffic officers or official motorway signs.

Can you stop on a motorway to make a phone call?

No. Drivers must not stop on a motorway to make or receive mobile phone calls unless there is an emergency.

What should you do if you miss your motorway exit?

Continue driving and leave at the next available exit. Never reverse, turn around or drive against traffic flow.

Can pedestrians walk on a motorway?

No. Pedestrians should not walk on a motorway except in an emergency situation where it cannot be avoided.

Author's Explanation

Leaving the Motorway Explained (Rules 273–274)

Leaving a motorway requires drivers to prepare early and reduce speed safely. Motorway exits are usually reached through a slip road, where the speed limit and road conditions may change quickly.

Drivers should look for exit signs in advance, move into the left-hand lane when appropriate and signal in good time. Sudden lane changes near an exit can create danger for other motorway users.

After leaving the motorway, drivers should check their speed because lower-speed roads and slip roads can feel slower than they actually are. Sharp bends and changing road layouts require extra care.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver notices motorway exit signs early and moves into the correct lane before reaching the junction.

Example 2: A driver signals left before taking the exit slip road and adjusts speed gradually instead of braking suddenly.

Example 3: A driver leaves a motorway and checks the speedometer because 50 mph on a slip road may feel slower than it actually is.

Example 4: A driver approaches a motorway link road with a sharp bend and slows down before entering the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you move into the exit lane?

Drivers should move into the left-hand lane in good time before their exit, when it is safe to do so.

Should you reduce speed before leaving the motorway?

Yes. Speed should be reduced on the exit slip road rather than suddenly on the motorway itself.

Why can your speed feel different after leaving a motorway?

Long periods of high-speed driving can make lower speeds feel slower than they really are. Checking the speedometer helps prevent speeding.

What should you do if you miss your motorway exit?

Continue to the next exit. Never reverse, stop or attempt to turn around on a motorway.