How to Join a Motorway : Rule 259 Guide

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Highway Code Rule 259

📖 Rule 259 Full Regulations & Explanation

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.

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How to Join a Motorway : Rule 259 Guide

THE APPROACH AND ENTRY

Give Priority to Main Traffic When approaching from a slip road or adjoining motorway , you must always give priority to the traffic already traveling on the motorway .

Match Your Speed

Check the motorway traffic and adjust your speed so you can fit safely and smoothly into the flow of the left - hand lane .

Respect Road Markings

You must not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or drive on the hard shoulder while attempting to join .

POST - MERGE ADJUSTMENT

Settle into the Left Lane

Once you have joined , remain in the left - hand lane for a sufficient amount of time to fully adjust to the speed of the traffic .

Delay Overtaking

Do not consider overtaking until you have successfully matched the speed of the surrounding vehicles and assessed the traffic situation ahead .

Follow Lane Continuations

if the slip road continues as an additional lane on the motorway , stay within that lane rather than merging immediately .