General Driving Rules, Signals & Speed Limits

📖 DVSA Revision Lesson ⏱️ 10 Min Read ❓ 10 Practice Questions 🌐 68 Languages Support

Last updated: 7 September 2026

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Slide 0: UK ROAD SAFETY : SPEED LIMITS & ESSENTIAL RULES OF THE ROAD NATIONAL SPEED LIMITS BY VEHICLE & ROAD TYPE 20 mph / 30 mph in Built - Up Areas 20 mph limit is standard in Wales ; 30 mph in other UK regions . WALES : 20 mph Standard ENGLAND , SCOTLAND , NI : 30 mph Standard DECODING ROAD MARKINGS & STUDS VEHICLE CONTROL & SAFETY DISTANCES STRICT PROHIBITIONS & LEGAL DUTIES The " Street Light " Rule Street lights generally mean a 30 mph ( or 20 mph in Wales ) iimit , unless signs show otherwise . Lower Limits for Towing & Heavy Goods Towing vehicles and goods vehicles > 7.51 often restricted to 10 mgh less than cars on single & ducl carriageways . STANDARD UK SPEED LIMITS ( mph ) Built - up Broken vs. Solid White Lines Broken line ; sentar ; longihens = hazard ahead . Solid double white lines : Do not cross / straddle except in specific low - speed or access scenarios . White Diagonal Stripes ( Chevrons ) Bordered by solid white line : Do NOT enter ( escept emergency ) Burdered by broken line : Enter only if necessary & safe Reflective Road Stud Colors White markts lines Red left edge Amber central reservation Green edge at slip roads / lay - bys Green / Yellow temporary roadworks The " Two - Second " Rule Allow at least a two - second gap on high - speed roads ; double on wet , increase by ten on icy roads . Zero Telerance for Handheld Devices Illegal to use a handheld mobile phone / tablet while driving or stopped . Exceptions : 999/112 emergencies or contactiess payments while stationary . Hazard Warning Lights Usage Use only when stationary ( obstruction warning ) or an moterways / unrestricted dual carriageways to warn of hazard ahead . Smoking Restrictions: Illegal to smoke in a private vehicle carrying anyone under 16 in England , Wales , and Scotland . Coasting Hazards Traveling in nentral or with clutch down reduces engine breking , increases speed on kills , and makes steering less responsive . Police & Official Stopping Signals: Must pull over and step safely if signaled by Police ( fleshing blue ) , DVSA , or Traffic Officers ( flashing amber ) . Slide 1: The Highway Code Visualized Essential Rules , Limits , and Heuristics for UK Drivers Slide 2: THE FOUNDATION OF SAFE DRIVING IS ABSOLUTE FOCUS Rule 144 dictates that you must never drive dangerously , without due care and attention , or without reasonable consideration for other road users . SPEED VS. CONDITIONS : The limit is a maximum , not a target . Unsafe speed is dangerous even if below the legal limit . FOCUS : Driving requires undivided attention at all times . CONSIDERATION : You share the road with vulnerable users ( pedestrians , cyclists , horse riders ) . Slide 3: THE DEFINITIVE UK SPEED LIMIT MATRIX MOTORWAY BUILT - UP AREAS SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY DUAL CARRIAGEWAY A Warning Amber Wales Exception : Built - up areas default to 20mph instead of the standard 30mph . Slide 4: Premium Infographic Weather Dictates the Space Between Vehicles Dry Conditions : 2 - second gap Tailgating : Dangerous , intimidating , and actively enforced by police . Wet Conditions : 4 seconds ( Gap x2 ) Icy Roads : 20 seconds ( Gap x10 ) Tunnel Rules : Large vehicles must maintain a 4 - second gap . If forced to stop in a tunnel , leave at least a 5 - metre gap between you and the vehicle in front . Slide 5: Decoding the Language of White Lines Broken White Line : Lengthening lines and shortening gaps warn of a hazard ahead . Double Lines ( Broken Nearside ) : You may cross to overtake if safe , provided you return before a solid line begins . Double Lines ( Solid Nearside ) : MUST NOT CROSS OR STRADDLE . Exceptions : Entering premises , or passing stationary vehicles , pedal cycles , horses , or maintenance vehicles travelling at 10 mph or less . Slide 6: Navigating in the Dark via Reflective Road Studs Green / Yellow : Temporary adjustments for roadworks . Red : Marks the left edge of the road . Green : Marks the edge of slip roads and lay - bys . Amber : Marks the central reservation ( right edge ) . White : Divides the active traffic lanes . Slide 7: Rules of Multi - Lane Discipline Crawler Lane : Used by slow - moving vehicles on hills to allow faster traffic to pass on the right . Overtaking / turning right Must not use Stay left unless overtaking . Slide 8: Navigating Designated and Restricted Lanes Cycle Lanes : Solid line : MUST NOT drive or park during operation times . Broken line : Do not enter unless unavoidable . Give way to cyclists . Bus Lanes : Do not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless permitted by signs . Entering to stop or load is permitted if not specifically prohibited . HOV Lanes : High - occupancy vehicle lanes MUST ONLY be used by vehicles meeting the minimum passenger count indicated on traffic signs , or exempt vehicles like buses . Slide 9: Legal Execution of Signals and Communication Indicators : Signal clearly in plenty of time , but ensure it is not misleading . MUST cancel after use . Headlight Flash : Only flash headlights to let other road users know you are there . Do not flash to convey any other message , intimidate , or invite others to proceed . The Horn : Use only while moving to warn others of your presence . MUST NOT use while stationary , or in built - up areas between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am ( unless danger is imminent ) . Slide 10: The Day - to - Night Lighting Timeline Daytime / Dull Weather : Use dipped headlights in dull weather or built - up areas to ensure you are seen . Sunset to Sunrise : Sidelights and illuminated rear registration plate legally required to be lit. Night : Headlights required at night , except on lit roads restricted to 30 mph ( 20 mph in Wales ) . Fog & Hazards : Fog lights : Use ONLY when visibility is seriously reduced ; must switch off when it improves to avoid dazzle . Hazard lights : Stationary obstructions or warning drivers behind you on a motorway . Slide 11: Identifying and Responding to Authority Signals Police : Flashing Blue Lights & Headlights Procedure : Will attract attention from behind , point , or use left indicator . You MUST pull over safely and switch off engine . DVSA Officers : Flashing Amber Lights Procedure : Can stop vehicles on all roads . Will use amber lights from front or behind , point , or use left indicator . You MUST obey . Traffic Officers : Flashing Amber Lights Procedure : Operate on motorways and some A - roads . Will attract attention from behind to stop you on safety grounds . You MUST pull over safely and switch off engine . Slide 12: Emergency Vehicle Control and Skid Recovery Skid Recovery : Remove the cause by releasing the brake or easing the accelerator . Steer immediately in the direction of the skid . ( ) Emergency Braking : Brake immediately , but avoid harsh braking that locks wheels . Water Hazard : Test brakes gently after deep water to dry them out . ( C ) ABS Operation : Apply footbrake firmly and DO NOT release pressure until slowed . ABS retains steering control but does not guarantee shorter stopping distances . Slide 13: Absolute Restrictions on Driver Distraction In - Vehicle Tech : Driver assistance systems ( lane departure , remote parking ) do not reduce your responsibility . You must exercise proper control at all times . Mobile Phones : MUST NOT use a hand - held device for any purpose while driving or stationary in traffic . Exceptions : Calling 999 in a genuine emergency , or contactless payment at a terminal while stationary . Smoking : In England , Wales , and Scotland , it is an offence to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle when there is someone under 18 present . Slide 14: Adapting Posture to Extreme Environments Built - up Areas : Maintain a reduced speed through the entirety of traffic calming measures . Do not overtake . Anticipate pedestrians , children , and opening car doors . Country Roads : Single - track roads require extreme care on blind bends . Pull into or wait opposite passing places to yield to oncoming or overtaking traffic . DO NOT park in passing places . Slide 15: The Ecosystem of Predictability The Highway Code is fundamentally a system designed to eliminate surprise . Every rule serves one ultimate function : allowing other road users to accurately predict your next move . Speed Limits : provide a predictable rate of closure . Signals and Lights : broadcast intent and presence before action . Signals and Li broadcast intent presence before . Lane Discipline : establishes a predic- physical trajectory . Safe driving is not just about reacting to others ; it is about ensuring others never have to react abruptly to you .

📜 Official Lesson Transcript & Audio SRT Dialogue 114 Timestamps

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00:00 So, when you think about UK speed limits, what comes to mind?

00:03 Probably 70 on a motorway, maybe 30 in town.

00:06 But, you know, the most important rule isn't actually a number at all.

00:10 Nope, it's a principle and it completely changes how you should think about every single road you drive on.

00:15 Let's get into it and break down what really matters.

00:18 Okay, so what is it?

00:20 What is the single most important rule about speed limits here in the UK?

00:24 I'll give you a little hint.

00:25 It's almost certainly not what you think it is, but honestly,

00:28 it's the foundation for everything else we're about to cover.

00:31 And there it is, straight from the highway code itself.

00:33 The speed limit is the absolute maximum.

00:36 It's not a target, it's not the speed you should be doing.

00:39 Think of it more like a ceiling, a hard limit you can never, ever go past.

00:44 But it definitely does not mean it's always safe to be right up there at that limit.

00:48 Getting this one idea is the real key to safe driving.

00:52 And that brings us perfectly to our first section.

00:54 What I like to call the golden rule of speed.

00:58 See, this isn't about just memorizing a bunch of numbers.

01:01 It's about using your head, your judgment, the layout of the road, the weather,

01:05 what other people are doing around you.

01:07 That's all way more important than what it says on a signpost.

01:10 So when does this golden rule really come into play?

01:14 Well, the highway code is super clear about it.

01:16 You've always got to slow down for things like sharp bends or other hazards.

01:20 You slow down when you're sharing the road with people on foot, cyclists or horse riders.

01:25 You absolutely have to slow down in bad weather and of course when you're driving at night.

01:30 Trying to stick to the maximum limit in any of those situations, it's just not a smart or safe move.

01:36 Okay, fine.

01:37 But what about those times when there are no signs at all?

01:40 This is where a lot of drivers can get caught out, you know?

01:43 The UK has these default national speed limits that just automatically apply depending on the kind of road you're on.

01:49 For anyone driving a typical car, it pretty much boils down to remembering three key numbers.

01:54 These are your go-to limits whenever you don't see a sign telling you to do something different.

01:59 First up, 30 miles per hour.

02:01 Generally speaking, this is going to be your default for any built up area.

02:05 And the easiest way to spot one of those, just look for street lights.

02:09 If there are street lights, chances are it's a 30 zone.

02:12 The second number you've got to lock in is 60 miles per hour.

02:16 This is the national speed limit for what's called a single carriageway road.

02:20 Basically, that's any road where there's no central reservation, no physical barrier separating you from the oncoming traffic.

02:27 And the third one, 70 miles per hour.

02:30 That's the top whack for dual carriageways and motorways.

02:33 Sounds pretty simple, right?

02:34 Well, mostly.

02:36 All right, let's just quickly recap for a standard car.

02:39 30 in a built up area, 60 on a single carriageway, and 70 on a dual carriageway or motorway.

02:45 Got it? Good.

02:46 Those are your defaults.

02:47 But now we got to talk about the exceptions.

02:51 And one of the biggest exceptions is regional.

02:54 If you're driving in whales, the default limit for those restricted roads,

02:57 you know, the ones with street lights, was actually lowered to 20 miles per hour back in 2023.

03:03 But in the rest of the UK, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, it's still 30.

03:08 And that is a really crucial difference you need to be aware of.

03:11 OK, so we've covered the type of road.

03:14 But honestly, that's only half the story.

03:16 The very next thing you have to think about is what are you driving?

03:20 Because the type of vehicle you're in can and very often does change the speed limit that applies to you.

03:26 First, a really quick but important definition.

03:29 We're talking about a car-derived van.

03:31 Think of something like a Ford Fiesta van, basically a car with the back seats taken out.

03:36 These are treated exactly like cars for speed limits.

03:38 But for most other vans, they have lower limits.

03:41 So knowing this distinction really matters.

03:43 So let's look at a super-common situation, towing.

03:47 The second you hitch a caravan or a trailer onto your car, the rules change.

03:52 Your maximum speed gets cut right down on the faster roads.

03:56 When you're towing, those limits drop quite a bit.

03:59 On single carriageways, you're down to 50.

04:01 And on dual carriageways and motorways, your absolute maximum is 60.

04:05 So the big takeaway here is this.

04:07 You can never legally tow something at 70 miles per hour in the UK, ever.

04:12 Next up, motor homes.

04:14 With these big vehicles, it pretty much all comes down to one thing.

04:18 Weight.

04:19 There's a very specific weight threshold that completely changes the speed limits that apply to you.

04:24 So here's how it breaks down.

04:25 The magic number is 3.05 tons unladen weight.

04:29 That's just the vehicle itself, with no people or luggage or anything in it.

04:33 If your motor home is under that weight, it follows the same limits as a car.

04:36 But if it's heavier, the limits drop to 50 on single carriageways and 60 on dual carriageways.

04:42 Interestingly though, the motorway limit stays at 70 for both.

04:45 And yet, those regional differences just keep on coming.

04:48 For the really big goods vehicles, we're talking over 7.5 tons, the limits up in Scotland

04:53 are even lower than they are in England and Wales.

04:56 In Scotland, their limit is only 40 miles an hour on single carriageways and just 50 on

05:00 dual carriageways.

05:02 And finally, let's talk about the local rules and exceptions.

05:06 Because even with all these national rules in place, local councils and authorities can

05:09 set their own speed limits, and those have to be followed, as long as they're clearly

05:13 signed of course.

05:14 And you see this stuff all the time, right?

05:16 A 20 mile per hour zone near a school, or maybe a 50 limit on a windy country road, where

05:22 the national 60 would just be way too fast.

05:24 Or think about those electronic variable speed limits on smart motorways.

05:28 And every one of these cases, the signed limit always takes priority.

05:33 And believe it or not, there's one more layer to this.

05:36 For some vehicles, the speed limit isn't just a rule in a book.

05:39 It's physically built into the vehicle with something called a speed limiter.

05:44 This is mandatory for two main groups, passenger vehicles like buses and coaches, and goods

05:50 vehicles that weigh over 3.5 tons.

05:53 It's exactly why you'll see a big truck on the motorway that just can't go any faster,

05:57 even if the road's speed limit is 70.

06:00 So after all that, all the different rules and exceptions, let's bring it all the way

06:04 back to that single most important idea we started with.

06:08 The number you see on a sign, or the national limit that applies to the road, it's the absolute

06:13 ceiling.

06:14 It is not the target.

06:15 Look, knowing the specific rules for your vehicle and the road drawn is absolutely essential.

06:21 But the real skill, the thing that makes a great driver, is applying that first golden rule.

06:25 So the final question is this.

06:27 Now that you know all the rules, are you really driving for the conditions right there in

06:31 front of you?

📖 General Driving Rules, Signals & Speed Limits (Rules 103-158)

📌 1. Signals and Stopping Procedures (Rules 103-112)

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Rule 103 ↗: Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians, of your intended actions. You should always give clear signals in plenty of time, use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off, cancel them after use, and make sure your signals will not confuse others. Use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary. Remember that signalling does not give you priority.
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Rule 104 ↗: You should also watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe. Be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled.
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Rule 105 ↗: You MUST obey signals given by police officers, traffic officers, traffic wardens and signs used by school crossing patrols.
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Rule 106 ↗ (Police stopping procedures): If the police want to stop your vehicle they will attract your attention by flashing blue lights, headlights or sounding their siren or horn, usually from behind, and directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine.
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Rule 107 ↗ & 108 (DVSA and Traffic Officers): DVSA officers and Traffic officers have the power to stop vehicles on all roads (including motorways). They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights (from the front or behind). You MUST pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. It is an offence not to comply with their directions.
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Rule 109 ↗: You MUST obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders.
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Rule 110 ↗ & 111 (Flashing headlights): Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed.
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Rule 112 ↗ (The horn): Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road OR when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am except when another road user poses a danger.

📌 2. Lighting Requirements (Rules 113-116)

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Rule 113 ↗: You MUST ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise. You MUST use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting (generally 30 mph or 20 mph zones). You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced.
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Rule 114 ↗: You MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users. You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, and you MUST switch them off when visibility improves. In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights to minimise glare.
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Rule 115 ↗: You should also use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather. Keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle.
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Rule 116 ↗ (Hazard warning lights): You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

📌 3. Control of the Vehicle and Braking (Rules 117-123)

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Rule 117 ↗ & 118: The safest way to brake is to do so early and lightly. In an emergency, brake immediately but try to avoid braking so harshly that you lock your wheels.
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Rule 119 ↗ (Skids): Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. Remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

🖼️ Rule 119: Rear of the car skids to the right. Driver steers to the right

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Rule 120 ↗ (ABS): If your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes, in the case of an emergency, apply the footbrake firmly; do not release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed. Do not assume that a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance.
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Rule 121 ↗ (Brakes affected by water): If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal.
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Rule 122 ↗ (Coasting): Coasting (travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down) reduces driver control because engine braking is eliminated, vehicle speed downhill will increase quickly, and steering response will be affected.
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Rule 123 ↗: You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.

📌 4. Speed Limits and Stopping Distances (Rules 124-126)

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Rule 124 ↗: You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.

| Type of vehicle | Built-up areas (mph) | Single carriageways (mph) | Dual carriageways (mph) | Motorways (mph) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Cars & motorcycles (incl. car derived vans) | 30 (20 in Wales) | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Cars towing caravans or trailers | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (<12 metres) | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Goods vehicles (up to 7.5 tonnes) | 30 (20 in Wales) | 50 | 60 | 70 (60 if articulated) |

🖼️ Rule 124: Examples of speed enforcement

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Rule 125 ↗: The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous.
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Rule 126 ↗ (Stopping Distances and Tailgating): You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely. Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads and in tunnels. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and up to ten times greater on icy roads. Tailgating is dangerous, intimidating and can cause collisions.

🖼️ Rule 126: Use a fixed point such as a sign to help measure a two-second gap

📌 5. Lines, Lane Markings and Multi-Lane Carriageways (Rules 127-143)

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Rule 127 ↗-129 (White lines): A broken white line marks the centre of the road. Double white lines where the line nearer to you is broken means you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe. Double white lines where the line nearer to you is solid means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or less.
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Rule 130 ↗ (Chevrons): If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter unless it is necessary and safe. If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
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Rule 132 ↗ (Reflective road studs): White studs mark the lanes; Red studs mark the left edge; Amber studs mark the central reservation; Green studs mark lay-bys and slip roads; Green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments.

🖼️ Rule 132: Reflective road studs mark the lanes and edge of the carriageway

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Rule 133 ↗-138 (Lane discipline): If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance. On a dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right.
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Rule 140 ↗ (Cycle lanes): You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation.
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Rule 141 ↗ (Bus lanes): You should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless otherwise indicated.
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Rule 142 ↗ (HOV lanes): High-occupancy vehicle lanes MUST ONLY be used by vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs (e.g. 2+).
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Rule 143 ↗ (One-way streets): Traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can.

📌 6. General Advice (Rules 144-157)

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Rule 144 ↗ & 145: You MUST NOT drive dangerously, drive without due care and attention, or drive without reasonable consideration for other road users. You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement or footpath except to gain lawful access to property.
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Rule 146 ↗ & 147: Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road. Be considerate. You MUST NOT throw anything out of a vehicle (littering).
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Rule 148 ↗ (Distractions): Safe driving needs concentration. Avoid distractions. You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles. In England and Wales, the driver MUST NOT smoke or allow anyone to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18.
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Rule 149 ↗ (Mobile phones): You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver. This applies even when stationary in traffic. The only exceptions are calling 999/112 in a genuine emergency or making a contactless payment at a terminal while the vehicle is completely stationary.
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Rule 150 ↗ (In-vehicle technology): Do not rely heavily on driver assistance systems (like motorway assist or remote control parking). You MUST have full control over these systems at all times.
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Rule 151 ↗-154: In slow-moving traffic, never get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely. On country roads, reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can be sharper than they appear.

🖼️ Rule 151: Do not block access to a side road

🖼️ Rule 153: Chicanes may be used to slow traffic down

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Rule 155 ↗ (Single-track roads): Pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right to let others pass.
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Rule 157 ↗ (Miniature motorcycles/e-scooters): Certain motorised vehicles (like mini motos and go peds) do not meet the legal requirements and MUST NOT be used on roads, pavements, footpaths or bridleways.

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