Driving In the UK Tips & Info
When driving abroad you must be aware of the local driving rules, especially in places like UK, where things are a bit different then in most of the European countries.
So our experts decided to come into your help with this blog in order to make Driving in the UK safe and easy for all of you.
Road Info
Great Britain road network is among the largest road networks in Europe. UK road network includes many motorways and trunk roads which are connecting the country from south to the far north.
In England the main motorways are: M1 from London to Leeds, M25 which encircles London, M4 from London to South Wales, M60 which encircles Manchester, M5 from Birmingham to Bristol and M62 from Liverpool via Manchester to E. Yorkshire
In N. Ireland: M1 from Belfast to the south and west, ending in Dungannon, M2 connecting Belfast to the north, M5 connecting Belfast to Newtownabbey and also M12, M22 and M3.
In Scotland: A1 road from Edinburgh to London, M8 between Renfrewshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh, M9 from Edinburgh to Bridge of Allan, M80 from Glasgow to Stirling and also M74, M90, M77, A9 and A82
Driving Rules
Seat Belt Requirements
In the UK it is mandatory for all passenger front and back seats to wear seatbelt.
The driver can be prosecuted if children under 14 are not wearing a seat belt.
Travelling With Children
Children above 12 years and 135 cm tall old can use a passenger seat and seatbelt. The children under 12 should be sited in special seats.
The rear-facing baby seats should not be used in a seat which is protected by a front air bag.
By not complying with these regulations you risk a fine between £30 to £500.
General Driving Rules
- When hiring a car most companies require you to be over 25 years of age. We can arrange for drivers above 21
- You must always stop at a red traffic light
- At a junction, there’s no general priority rule – priority is marked at most junctions
- All traffic signals and road signs must be obeyed
- All vehicles must give way to emergency services vehicles
- The use of a car horn is not permitted in built-up areas from 23:30 to 07:00 hours
- It’s illegal to use a mobile phone when driving
- Do not block the middle lane if the inside lane is clear
Speed Limit
- 30 MPH (48 KPH) in built up areas
- 60 MPH (97 KPH) on single carriageways
- 70 MPH (113 KPH) on dual carriageways and motorways
Driving Side
In UK, you should drive on the left-hand side of the road. You should always overtake on the right lane.
When approaching a roundabout, give priority to traffic approaching from the right, unless otherwise indicated.
Alcohol Limit
The Alcohol Limit In UK is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath or 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine.
If you are driving or attempting to drive above the limits mentioned you risk a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment plus a £5,000 fine and a driving ban for at least one year.
Driving Licence Requirements
In UK when you hire a car you will need your driving licence and your passport or national ID.
In UK you can drive with your national driving licence if it is written in latin characters. Otherwise you will need an international driving licence.
Emergency Numbers
- Universal phone number: 999
- 112 – the EU emergency number works too
- 101 – Police non emergency
- 111 – Medical non emergency
The cost for calling 999, 112, 111 is free, however for calling 101, the cost is 15p/call.
Fuel Costs
Here are the fuel prices recorded in the beginning of June 2017:
- Unleaded:£1.161 per Litre
- Diesel:£1.171 per Litre
- LPG:£0.593 per Litre
Want to know more about driving in the UK and get more inspiration for your trip? Check out our travel guides across the UK: