Navigating Road Works :

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Highway Code Rule 288

📖 Rule 288 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 288 ↗
When the ‘Road Works Ahead’ sign is displayed, take extra care and look for additional signs providing more specific instructions. Observe all signs – they are there for your safety and the safety of road workers.

You MUST NOT exceed any temporary maximum speed limit.
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front (see Rule 126 ↗).
Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct.
Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.
Take extra care near cyclists and motorcyclists as they are vulnerable to skidding on grit, mud or other debris at road works.
Where lanes are restricted due to road works, merge in turn (see Rule 134 ↗).
Do not drive through an area marked off by traffic cones.
Watch out for vehicles entering or leaving the works area. Where vehicles are travelling in the road and are displaying amber warning lights, leave extra space and expect them to slow or turn into a works area.
Concentrate on the road ahead, not the road works.
Bear in mind that the road ahead may be obstructed by the works or by slow-moving or stationary traffic.
Law RTRA sect 16

Text shown in the rule image

Navigating Road Works :

A Driver's Guide to Rule 288

ROAD WORKS AHEAD

Phase 1 : The Initial Approach

Observe the ' Road Works Ahead ' Sign

Take extra care , look for additional boards providing specific lane or speed instructions .

Obey Temporary Speed Limits

MUST NOT exceed any temporary maximum speed limit ; this is a legal requirement under Law RTRA sect 16 .

Maintain a Safe Following Distance Keep a safe gap from the vehicle in front as per Rule 128 to allow for sudden braking .

Phase 2 : Lane Discipline & Navigation

Protect Vulnerable Road Users

Take extra care near cyclists and motorcyclists who may skid on grit , mud , or debris common in work sones .

Position Your Vehicle Early Use your mirrors and move into the correct lane in good time as directed by the road signs .

Merge in Turn

Where lanes are restricted , follow Rule 134 and morge in turn with other traffic to maintain efficiency .

Phase 3 : Hazard Awareness

No Overtaking in Queues

Do not switch lanes specifically to overtake queuing traffic , as this disrupts the flow and increases risk .

Respect Traffic Cones Cones mark off dangerous or restricted areas , you must never drive through an area marked off by them .

Watch for Works Vehicles Expect vehicles with amber warning lights to slow down or turn suddenly into the works area .

Phase 4 : Mindset & Focus

Focus on the Road , Not the Works Keep your concentration on the path shead rather than looking at the construction activity .

Anticipate Obstructions

Always bear in mind that the road may be obstructed by slow - moving machinery or stationery traffic beyond your immediate view .