Motorway Rule 265 : Right - Hand Lane Restrictions

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Highway Code Rule 265

📖 Rule 265 Full Regulations & Explanation

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

any vehicle drawing a trailer
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
a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes
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
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.
Laws MT(E&W)R reg 12, MT(E&W)(A)R, MT(S)R reg 11 & MT(S)(A)R

Text shown in the rule image

Motorway Rule 265 : Right - Hand Lane Restrictions

THE RIGHT - HAND LANE BAN : On motorways with three or more lanes , specific vehicles MUST NOT use the right - hand lane except in very limited prescribed circumstances . Legal Enforcement : Mandated by Laws MT ( E & W ) R reg 12 , MT ( E & W ) ( A ) R , MT ( 5 ) R reg 11 & MT ( 5 ) ( AJR .

Vehicles Drawing a Trailer

Any vehicle , regardless of size or weight , is prohibited from the right - hand lane if it is towing a trailer .

Mid - Weight Goods Vehicles ( 3.5t - 7.5t )

Goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes that are required to have a speed limiter fitted .

Heavy Goods Vehicles ( > 7.5t )

All goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes are banned from the outer lane .

Large Passenger Vehicles ( > 7.5t )

Vehicles adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers ( plus the driver ) with a weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes .

Speed - Limited Passenger Vehicles ( ≤7.5t )

Passenger vehicles with 8+ seats ( plus driver ) that do not exceed 7.5 tonnes but are required to be fitted with a speed limiter .