Home › UK Rules › Driving Legislation › Driving Rules and Regulations
UK's Driving Rules and Regulations: What Should Visitors Know

When visiting a new place, you should also stay updated with the country's rules and regulations if you are going to drive. This will reduce the chances of getting in an accident, so you can better protect your safety and that of the other road participants. So, even if you are travelling to the UK for a short visit or want to become a future resident, you must have a good knowledge of the driving rules and regulations that apply to this country.

Driving in the UK isn’t that different from driving in other parts of the world, but there is still one main distinction: driving on the left side of the road, which might take some time to get used to, especially if you drive on the right in your country. 

In this article, we will explore the driving rules and regulations of the UK. So, keep reading to figure out more. 

Drive on the Left Side of the Road

Most countries drive on the right side of the road worldwide, but that doesn’t occur in the UK, a nation with left-hand traffic rules. But why is the UK different, especially if most of the nearby countries drive on the right? Some say this custom dates back to ancient Roman times when people drove on horseback and were constantly threatened by invasion. Because of that, they started to ride using their left hand so that the right hand, which was the one they used the most, would be free to keep the sword in case they met an unexpected rival. These practices survived the times and exist even today in the modern world. 

There were also laws regarding this aspect, as Pope Boniface VIII declared in 1300 CE that the pilgrims travelling to the Roman Empire must remain on the left side of the road. This is also why cars started to be designed with the driver placed on the right side of the car. Some say that the UK and Ireland have stuck to driving on the left because they are islands, meaning they don’t have neighbouring countries that would need to make a huge change when entering the country. This is particularly vital, as other islands like Malta, Japan, and Australia also drive on the left. However, in the case of other nations that have neighbouring countries that drive on the right, they changed their laws to right hand traffic rules to reduce the chances of traffic collisions.

So, even if it might be hard, you need to pay more attention when travelling to the UK, especially if you are used to right-handed driving. In this way, you will reduce the chances of being the victim of a car accident. Still, there are cases when you might get involved in a car collision because of another person’s negligence. In that case, it is important to know that you are entitled to receive compensation for anything that might have caused you to experience financial, physical and mental harm. To receive this compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim and have evidence to prove that the accident occurred because of another person’s negligence. 

The Speed is in MPH, Not in KPH

Another important consideration when visiting the UK is that you will meet the speed limit in miles per hour and not in kph. As most other countries have a kph speed limit, this can confuse other citizens. The limits from the UK depend on the type of vehicle or a specific road. For example, the national speed limit for motorcycles and cars is 70 mph, around 112 kph. However, if you also have a caravan or a trailer, then the speed limit will be reduced to 60 mph (96 kph). 

Respecting Driving Signs

When driving in the UK, you should also pay attention to the road signs, which offer essential information about what you will meet on the way. However, you need to pay attention to the shape of the signs to respect the rules and what is written on them. For instance, circular signs show orders that must always be followed such as the speed limit. Then, in triangular signs, you might have a warning that emphasises the danger you can meet on the way. Then, rectangular signs are the ones where you should look for information.

Wear the Seatbelt

Wearing a seatbelt is a legal requirement you should follow when driving in the UK. Wearing a seatbelt is a regulation introduced to protect the safety of all road participants, and you could receive a fine of £500 if you are not wearing one. There are a few situations when you are allowed not to wear your seatbelt, like if you have medical exemptions. Otherwise, you should always wear your seatbelt. Additionally, if you have children in the car, you are responsible for their safety and must ensure they are wearing the correct car seat. 

Drink Drive Limit

If you plan to drive when visiting the UK, you should also learn the drink-drive limit, especially as if you exceed the limit, you will receive strict penalties. Driving can affect your driving, impacting your reaction times and the ability to concentrate. This is why it is always better not to drive under the influence of alcohol, as, in this way, you will reduce the chances of getting involved in a car accident. The limit level of alcohol for Wales, England and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine, and 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood. 

However, this can’t really offer you a good idea of how much you can drive, as this depends on your age, weight, sex and metabolism, the type of alcohol you have drunk, or whether you have eaten well or not.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are many driving laws and regulations when travelling to the UK, and you should always respect them to ensure the safety of all road participants. In this way, you can reduce the chances of becoming the victim of a car accident.

UK’s Driving Rules and Regulations: What Should Visitors Know