Motorways

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

Last updated: 7 September 2026

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Slide 0: MASTER THE MOTORWAY : A Guide to the UK Highway Code ( Rules 253-274 ) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & PROHIBITED USERS Learner Driver Restrictions: Provisional licence holders MUST be accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor ( ADI ) in a dual - controlled car displaying L plates . Joining the Flow Use the slip road to match the speed of moterway traffic and give priority to vehicles already on the main carriageway . The Red ' X ' ( Lane Closure ) SIGNALS AND SPEED MANAGEMENT You MUST NOT drive in a lane chowing a red ' X " or rad flasking lights , as this indicates people , crashed vehicles , or hazards are ahead . Speed Limit Enforcement You MUST NOT exceed limits shown in red circies or the maximum speed limit for your specific vehicle type . Amber Flashing Lights These warn of hasards ahead : you should reduce speed and only accelerate once you pass a signal that is not flashing or showe " END . " Prohibited Road Users: Motorways MUST NOT be used by pedastrians , cyclists , horse riders , agricultural vehicles , powered wbeelchairs , or motorcycles under 90cs . Reduced Reaction Times: High speeds mean you must use mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than on standard roads . EXITING THE MOTORWAY Keep Left Rule Always stay in the left - hand lane unixss you are overtaking ; return to the left once it is safe to do so . Overtaking Protocol: Overtake only on the right after shocking mirrors and biind spots ; only pass on the left in congested , slow - moving traffic . Right - Hand Lane Prohibitions Vehicles towing trailers and goodsipassenger vehicles ever 7.5 torines MUST NOT use the right - hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes . Propare for the Exit: Watch for exit signs , move into the left lane well in advance , and signal left in good time . STOPPING AND EMERGENCIES NO ENTRY Feels like 30 mph Emergency Areas Marked by blue signs and orange SOS phones , these are for emergency use only on roads without a permanent hard shoulder . Hard Shoulder Usage You MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency or when directed by signs / police ; it may be used as a running lane during congestion if indicated . Strict " No Stopping " Zones You MUST NOT stop on any part of the motorway to make phone calls , pick up passengers , or wolk , except in a genaine emergency . The Speed Perception Trap 50 mph can feel like 30 mph when exiting : always check your cpeodemeter and slow down for potentially sharp bends on link roads . Slide 1: Mastering the Motorway A visual guide to Highway Code Rules 253-274 . Speed , Signals , and Safety on High - Speed Roads . - Slide 2: HIGH SPEED DEMANDS DEEP FOCUS URBAN ROAD : LOW SPEED , WIDE FOCUS MOTORWAY : HIGH SPEED , DEEP FOCUS LOOK FURTHER AHEAD Faster travel drastically reduces reaction time . Extend your visual horizon well beyond the vehicle immediately in front . ( Rule 254 ) CHECK MIRRORS EARLIER Traffic approaches from behind at much higher velocities . ( Rule 254 ) FIGHT THE MONOTONY Constant high speeds induce sleepiness . Plan breaks at service areas to remain fit to drive . ( Rule 262 ) Slide 3: The entry filter : Who belongs on the motorway ? Allowed : Cars , Trucks , Motorcycles > 50cc Exception : Provisional car licence holders MUST NOT enter unless accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor in a dual - control car displaying red L plates . Pedestrians & Cyclists Horse riders Motorcycles under 50cc & Provisional motorcycle licences Powered wheelchairs / mobility scooters Agricultural vehicles & Certain slow - moving / oversized loads Slide 4: JOINING THE FLOW REQUIRES SPEED MATCHING SPEED MATCHING 1. Yield Priority : Traffic already on the motorway has the right of way . 2. Match Speed : Accelerate on the slip road to safely fit into the traffic flow of the left - hand lane . 3. Stay Left : Remain in the left lane long enough to adjust to the overall speed before considering overtaking . WARNING : DO NOT cross solid white lines separating lanes , and NEVER use the hard shoulder to merge . Slide 5: The anatomy of motorway lanes Lane 1 ( Left Lane ) : The default cruising lane . Keep in the left lane unless overtaking . Lanes 2 & 3 ( Middle / Right Lanes ) : Strictly for overtaking . Return to the left lane when safe to do so . Right - Lane Restrictions The right - hand lane MUST NOT be used by : • Any vehicle drawing a trailer . • Goods vehicles > 3.5t with speed limiters , or any goods vehicle > 7.5t . • Passenger vehicles > 7.5t ( or > 8 seats ) required to have speed limiters . Slide 6: Dictating speed and maintaining space Cruising : Drive at a steady speed you can handle safely . Standard Gap : Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front when visibility is good . The Absolute Limit : You MUST NOT exceed a speed limit displayed within a red circle on a sign , nor the maximum limit for your specific vehicle . Hazard Gap : Multiply the gap on wet or icy roads , or in fog . Slide 7: The precise sequence for safe overtaking Core Rule : Overtake ONLY on the right . 2. Judge Assess speeds carefully . Traffic behind may approach rapidly . 1. Check Mirrors first , then a quick sideways glance into the blind spot . ↑ 4. Execute Move out , pass without cutting in , and return left safely . 3. Signal Indicate right in plenty of time . The Congestion Exception : In slow , congested traffic where lanes move at similar speeds , you may keep up with traffic in your left - hand lane even if it passes traffic to your right . DO NOT weave between lanes . Slide 8: Reading the overhead signals The Purpose : Signals warn of hazards you cannot immediately see : spillages , fog , incidents , or road workers . All - Lane Signals : A single sign or signal on the gantry displays advice , restrictions , or warnings that apply to the entire carriageway . Lane - Specific Signals : Individual signals placed directly over a lane display instructions that apply only to that specific lane . Slide 9: Signal matrix : Amber hazard vs. Red closure Meaning : Hazard Ahead . Required Action : Release : Reduce speed and prepare for the hazard . Only increase speed when passing a non - flashing signal , a national speed limit sign , or the word ' END ' . Lane or Road Closed ( protecting people / hazards ) . You MUST NOT drive in this lane . Move safely to an open lane . If all lanes show red , the entire road is closed ; you MUST NOT go beyond the sign . Slide 10: The absolute motorway MUST NOTS You MUST NOT reverse along any part of a motorway , including slip roads , hard shoulders , or emergency areas . You MUST NOT cross the central reservation . You MUST NOT drive against the traffic flow . Missed your exit ? Never attempt to correct it on the carriageway . You must carry on to the next exit . Slide 11: Strict rules for the hard shoulder Standard Motorways You MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency , or if directed by police or traffic officers . Smart Motorways ( Extra Lane ) • When open : Can ONLY be used as a driving lane when a specific speed limit is illuminated above it . • When closed : If a Red ' X ' or a blank sign is shown above it , it reverts to emergency - use only . You MUST NOT drive in it . HARD SHOULDER Slide 12: Identifying and using emergency areas Location : Found on motorways with no hard shoulder , or where the hard shoulder acts as an extra lane . Visual Markers : Look for distinct blue signs featuring an orange SOS telephone symbol , often paired with bright orange tarmac . Usage Rule : These areas MUST ONLY be used in the event of an absolute emergency . They are not rest stops . Slide 13: Diagnostic Matrix : Where is it legal to stop ? Normal Resting / Walking Making a Phone Call Vehicle Emergency / Police Directed Hard Shoulder Emergency Carriageway / Slip / Verge Prohibited Allowed Area You MUST NOT pick up or set down anyone , walk on the motorway , or stop to make a mobile phone call anywhere on the motorway , except in an emergency . Slide 14: The exit and the speed illusion Feels like 30 mph The Approach ( Rule 273 ) : Watch for exit signs , move to the left - hand lane well in advance , and signal left in good time . Reduce speed on the slip road . The Illusion ( Rule 274 ) : After cruising at 70mph , your brain adapts . When you exit , your speed may be much higher than you realize . Actionable Advice : Do not rely on ' feel ' . Check your physical speedometer and brake decisively , as link roads and slip roads often feature sharp bends . Slide 15: The Motorway Mindset : Three pillars of high - speed safety Predictability Keep left unless overtaking . Strictly adhere to lane restrictions . Never weave in congestion . Flow Vigilance Push your vision further ahead . Obey overhead signals immediately . Respect the Red ' X ' . Match speeds precisely on entry slip roads . Maintain steady cruising distances . High - speed roads demand hyper - focus . These rules exist not merely to organize traffic , but to protect human lives at 70mph . Mastery requires all three pillars .

📜 Official Lesson Transcript & Audio SRT Dialogue 59 Timestamps

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00:00 Motorways, right? They're basically the main arteries of our entire road network, but they play by a completely different set of rules.

00:07 So that's what we're doing today. We're going to break down the official highway code, piece by piece, to make sure your next motorway journey is as safe and confident as it can be.

00:16 Okay, let's just think about this for a second. It's a high speed, high stakes game out there.

00:21 Everything is happening faster, you have less time to react, and the whole flow of traffic is just different from any other road.

00:28 Getting this right isn't just about feeling confident, it's about keeping everyone safe.

00:33 So our goal here is pretty simple, really. We're going to walk you through all the key rules, and this is straight from the official source, no guesswork.

00:40 We'll cover the whole journey from the second you hit that slip road to the moment you safely exit.

00:45 All right, first things first. How do you even get on to the motorway?

00:49 It all starts with knowing who's allowed on in the first place and who's not, and then we tackle one of the most crucial moves in all of driving, the merge.

00:57 Yeah, rule 253 is super clear about this. Motorways are strictly off limits to a whole list of users, and it's not about being picky, it's purely for safety.

01:06 I mean, can you imagine the speed difference? It would be incredibly dangerous, so that means no pedestrians, no small motorcycles, no cyclists, and definitely no slow moving agricultural vehicles.

01:17 And for learner drivers, the rule is even more strict. You can only get on a motorway if you're with an approved driving instructor, and it has to be in a car with dual controls.

01:26 This isn't just a good idea, you know, it's a non-negotiable legal requirement.

01:31 Okay, so you're allowed on. Now, how do you actually do it?

01:35 Rule 259 breaks it down perfectly. Think of that slip road as your runway.

01:40 Your number one job is to use it to get your speed up to match the traffic that's already flying along.

01:45 Remember, they have priority. It's on you to find a safe gap, signal clearly, and then merge into it like you belong there.

01:52 And once you're on, just chill in that left lane for a moment to get settled.

01:56 So, you've merged, you're on the motorway success. Now what? Well, from here on out, it's all about discipline.

02:03 It's about understanding the unique flow of motorway traffic and knowing the specific rules for each and every lane.

02:09 Honestly, if you only remember one thing from this whole explainer, please make it this. From rule 264, the left hand lane is your home base. That's where you drive.

02:20 The other lanes, they're for one thing and one thing only, overtaking.

02:25 And why is that one rule so incredibly important?

02:28 It's because it makes the motorway predictable and safe for everyone.

02:32 When we all stick to left unless overtaking, it prevents all that chaotic weaving.

02:36 It cuts down on congestion and it just lets the traffic flow the way it was designed to.

02:41 You know, middle lane hogging isn't just annoying. It actually breaks the entire system.

02:46 So when you do need to overtake, rule 267 is your playbook. First, you only overtake on the right. No exceptions.

02:54 This means doing your full checks, mirrors, blind spot, the works, signal nice and early, and make absolutely sure you have plenty of clear space both the head and behind you before you even think about pulling out.

03:05 And then, once you've passed, give that driver tons of room before you move back in. No cutting in.

03:10 Now, here's something you might not know. The outside lane, what people often call the fast lane, actually has its own set of restrictions.

03:18 According to rule 265, if you're on a motorway with three or more lanes, some vehicles are legally banned from using it.

03:25 We're talking about anything towing a trailer and certain large goods or passenger vehicles.

03:30 They are simply not allowed in that right hand lane. And of course, all the fundamentals of good driving still apply.

03:36 Maybe even more so. That national speed limit? It's a maximum. It is not a target. Always, always obey the variable speed limits you see on the overhead signs.

03:44 And this is so important. Leave a safe gap to the car in front. And if the weather is bad, you know, wetter icy. That gap needs to be way, way bigger.

03:54 Okay, next up. Let's decode those big electronic signs above the lanes. The motorway is constantly trying to communicate with you through these signals.

04:02 And understanding them isn't just a good idea. It's absolutely essential for your safety.

04:07 Right, there are two key signals that you need to know like the back of your hand. First, you've got flashing amber lights.

04:14 Think of these as a warning. They're telling you, hey, there's a hazard up ahead. Could be a breakdown. Could be debris.

04:19 Your job is to slow down and be ready for anything. But then, you have the red flashing lights with a big red X. That is not a warning. That is a direct command.

04:29 It means that lane is closed period. And you absolutely must obey that red X. It is not a suggestion. It means there is a serious, and I mean serious obstruction in the lane ahead.

04:41 We could be talking about road workers, a family stranded in a broken down car, or the scene of an accident. Driving in a lane with a red X is not only illegal. It is incredibly dangerous and puts lives at risk.

04:54 Look, nobody wants to even think about this. But sometimes things go wrong knowing exactly what to do in an emergency and just as importantly what you absolutely must not do is some of the most critical knowledge you can have.

05:08 So that horrible feeling when you realize you've just missed your exit, or you hear that dreaded thumb, thumb, thumb of a flat tire.

05:15 What do you do now? Panicking is the worst thing you can do. The highway code gives you clear, calm, life-saving instructions for these exact situations.

05:24 Okay, let's start with the hard and fast rules. The absolute must nots. You must never, ever, ever reverse on a motorway. Not on the main road, not on the slip road, nowhere.

05:35 If you miss your exit, you just have to carry on to the next one. Simple as that. You also must not stop. You must not try to cross the central reservation.

05:42 And for goodness sake, do not walk on the motorway unless it is a dire emergency. And the hard shoulder, it is not a convenient parking spot or a place to take a quick phone call.

05:52 It has one single purpose for genuine emergencies. We're talking about breakdowns, medical situations, or if a police officer specifically directs you there. That is it. End of list.

06:04 Now, on smart motorways, where the hard shoulder is often used as a live traffic lane, you'll see these emergency areas instead. They're really easy to spot, marked with big blue and orange signs, and they are the only designated safe place to pull over if you get into trouble.

06:19 Okay, we've covered getting on, we've covered driving along the motorway, now for the final piece of the puzzle, leaving it safely and correctly.

06:27 Exiting the motorway should be a smooth, totally planned maneuver. Start by watching for the countdown markers for your junction, the ones with the white bars.

06:35 Get yourself into the left hand lane in plenty of time, no last minute diving across traffic. Signal left and then, and this part is absolutely key, you only start to slow down once you are physically on the exit slip road itself.

06:48 Hitting the brakes while you're still on the main motorway is a recipe for disaster.

06:53 Now, I just want you to look at this number for a second. 50 miles per hour. After you've been cruising at 70 for a while, what do you think this speed actually feels like?

07:03 And that leads us to our final and maybe most important takeaway. Your brain gets tricked on the motorway, your whole sense of speed becomes distorted.

07:12 Like rule 274 warns, when you get off and re-enter a normal road, 50 miles per hour can feel like you're crawling along at 30.

07:19 You might be going way faster than you think, so the lesson is simple, but it's vital. After you leave the motorway, always trust your speedometer, not your senses.

📖 Motorways (Rules 253-274)

📌 1. General (Rules 253-254)

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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.
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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.

📌 2. Motorway Signals (Rules 255-258)

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Rule 255 ↗: Signs and signals 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.
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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 256 a

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

🖼️ Rule 256 b

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Rule 257 ↗: Amber flashing lights. These signals warn of a hazard ahead. You should:
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reduce your speed
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be prepared for the hazard
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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

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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:
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MUST follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane
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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’.
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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

📌 3. Joining the Motorway (Rule 259)

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

📌 4. On the Motorway (Rules 260-263)

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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, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog.
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Rule 261 ↗: You MUST NOT exceed a speed limit displayed within a red circle on a sign, or the maximum speed limit for the road and for your vehicle.
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Rule 262 ↗: The National Speed Limit on motorways is 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars and motorcycles, but lower limits apply to vehicles towing trailers or caravans, goods vehicles, and buses.
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Rule 263 ↗: Unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer, you MUST NOT:
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reverse along any part of a motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas
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cross the central reservation
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drive against the traffic flow.
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If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit.

📌 5. Lane Discipline (Rules 264-266)

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Rule 264 ↗: Keep in the left lane unless overtaking.
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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:
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any vehicle drawing a trailer.
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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.
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a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
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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.
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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.
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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.

📌 6. Overtaking (Rules 267-268)

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Rule 267 ↗: Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right.
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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.

📌 7. Hard Shoulder and Stopping (Rules 269-272)

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Rule 269 ↗: Hard shoulder. 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. 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. You can only use it as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown above it.

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

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Rule 270 ↗: Emergency areas are located along motorways with no hard shoulder or where the hard shoulder can be used as an extra lane 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

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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.
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Rule 272 ↗: You MUST NOT pick up or set down anyone, or walk on a motorway, except in an emergency.

📌 8. Leaving the Motorway (Rules 273-274)

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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.
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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.

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