A Guide to Motorway Driving in the UK

While the fundamentals of driving a car change little from country to country, there are often significant differences when it comes to rules of the road, signage, etiquette and other important matters.

If you’re travelling to the UK and planning on hiring a vehicle while you’re here, it’s essential that you do a bit of homework first so that you can be safe and legal when behind the wheel. In this article, we’re going to explain some of the key things you need to know when driving on the motorway in the UK.

Keep To The Left

Most visitors to the UK are aware that we differ from much of the rest of the world by driving on the left, and it’s important that you understand how this applies on a motorway. Unless you’re overtaking another vehicle, you should always stay in the left-hand lane.

When you need to overtake, check traffic coming from behind to the right and pull out when the lane is clear. Once you’ve completed your manoeuvre and it’s safe to do so, pull back over to the left-hand lane.

Some drivers – known as ‘middle lane hoggers’ – prefer to stay in the middle lane regardless of what is happening on either side of them. However, doing this could result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on your driving licence.

The Hard Shoulder

Most motorways in the UK have three lanes, although some smaller ones only have two and some busier ones have four. 

There will usually also be an extra lane to the left of the inside lane that is there for emergencies. You should never drive in this lane unless otherwise directed on a smart motorway and you should always leave plenty of space between your vehicle and this lane for the safety of anyone who has been forced to stop.

Speed Limit

The standard speed limit for motorways is 70 miles per hour. 

Reduced speed limits will usually be imposed where roadworks are being carried out, with the new limit displayed on signs located to the side of the carriageway. These restrictions are often strictly controlled by speed cameras. 

Gantries overhead may indicate a reduced speed limit that might have been imposed due to congestion ahead or an approaching hazard. In busy periods, reduced speed limits may also be imposed on a smart motorway to enable traffic to flow more freely or to reduce air pollution. 

Remember that any speed limits shown always indicate miles per hour.

Service Stations

There are 2,300 miles of motorway in the UK, many of them interconnected so that it is possible to travel long distances without leaving the network. Because motorway driving can be somewhat monotonous, tiredness is a real danger, so regular breaks are essential.

Service stations are located across the UK motorway network, usually with free parking for up to two hours. They’re likely to offer the chance to rest, get a coffee and/or a meal or top up with petrol. 

Petrol prices in particular are likely to be considerably higher than elsewhere, so it’s worth making sure you’ve filled up before setting off on a long journey.

Smart Motorways

Some UK motorways have been converted to become what are known as ‘smart motorways’. These are designed to be able to react swiftly to changing conditions so that the flow of traffic can be maintained and congestion reduced. 

Instructions and warnings are relayed on screens on gantries above the carriageway.  

These can include:

• Opening the hard shoulder for driving on (indicated by a speed limit)
• Reduced speed limits
• Closing lanes (indicated by a red X)

Only Stop In An Emergency

You are not allowed to stop on a motorway for any reason except for congestion, an emergency or when instructed to do so by traffic officers or the police.

If you get into trouble, pull off at the next junction, services or emergency area if possible. Otherwise, pull over onto the hard shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and get out of the car on the side away from the main carriageway. 

If your car stops on the carriageway itself, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt and hazard lights on and call 999.

If you’re planning on travelling to the UK and are going to be in need of a quality hire car or van, you won’t find better service, better value or a better range to pick from than at UK Car & Van Rental.

With free pick-up and drop-off at all the major airports in and around London – including Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton – we’re committed to making sure your stay goes smoothly from the moment you land to when you head back home.

Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help or book your hire vehicle online now.