Motorways

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.

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.

The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes MUST NOT be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.

When you join the motorway you should check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane.

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.

Where the hard shoulder is used as an extra lane on some motorways during periods of congestion, a red ‘X’ or blank sign above it means you MUST NOT use it except in an emergency.

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.

Unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer, you MUST NOT cross the central reservation.

You should reduce your speed and be prepared for the hazard. You should 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.

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