Under the Highway Code, motorists are advised of a number of situations where they should not overtake another vehicle. try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. Get the latest news, advice, reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down. do not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. You MUST NOT use your horn. Drivers are bound to a number of restrictions when it comes to overtaking other vehicles - and you could find yourself slapped with a careless driving charge if you ignore them. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance (see Typical Stopping Distances diagram), allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. Unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation. If the police want to stop your vehicle they will, where possible, attract your attention by. Double white lines where the line nearer to you is broken. There is also an exception if you are using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device to make a contactless payment at a contactless payment terminal. As with horse riders (and motorcyclists), make sure to give at least the same room as you would do car. As a general rule, broken traffic lines can be crossed and solid lines cannot, except when making a turn. The driver and the environment. Please see our privacy policy for more details. You will receive free expert legal advice about your offence from one of our UK driving offence specialists, See All Frequently Asked Question Offence Categories Here. Tailgating is dangerous, intimidating and can cause collisions, especially when driving at speed. it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed. There is one exception however; you may cross the line to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. You must not overtake the car nearest to the pedestrian crossing. And of course, motorists should abide by any signage instructing them not to overtake. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply. But there are other driving offences you didnt know were illegal - some of us may regularly commit them without even realising. On **(..SPECIFY DATE..) at **(..SPECIFY TOWNSHIP..) drove a motor vehicle, namely **(..SPECIFY VEHICLE MAKE AND INDEX NUMBER..), and failed to comply with the indication given by solid white line road markings outlined in diagram 1013.1 or diagram 1013.5 of Schedule 9 to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, lawfully placed on a road, namely **(..SPECIFY ROAD AND LOCATION..). if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you (but see Rule 129) if you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. If you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Something went wrong, please try again later. You should always. There is an exception to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. | Video guide, Euro 1 to Euro 6 guide find out your vehicle's emissions standard. Rule 132: Reflective road studs may get used with white line markings. ALL RULES | If the area gets marked with Highway Code chevrons and bordered by solid white lines they show you. Headlight flashes should only be used to warn drivers of your presence on the road. BA10. Victoria and South Australia have the highest penalties for illegally crossing an unbroken line, with fines of $322 and $446 and both resulting in three demerit points. Penalty Points. Drivers are being warned a double white line, where the line nearest you is. You should also reduce your speed where country roads enter villages. Pull over, calm down and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident. Bear in mind that cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks. When it is safe to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear, move over. Make sure to also keep watch out for signals from the rider to slow down or stop. They may have special passing places. Want more useful content like this sent straight to your inbox? when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. What was I suppose to do. Why? Registered in England; Registered Offices: RAC House, Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall WS5 4AW. READ MORE:11 of the most annoying UK driving habits. A box MARKED IN RED indicates that it may only be available for the purpose specified for part of the day (eg between busy peak periods). You may stop while passengers board or alight. CJS Offence Code: RT88760 Standard Offence Wording On **(..SPECIFY DATE..) at **(..SPECIFY TOWNSHIP..) drove a motor vehicle, namely **(..SPECIFY VEHICLE MAKE AND INDEX NUMBER..), and failed to comply with the indication given by solid white line road markings outlined in diagram 1013.1 or diagram 1013.5 of Schedule 9 to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, lawfully . However, in doing so, you could leave yourself open to a drunk in charge fine. It is illegal if there are signs or road markings clearly prohibiting it, or if its done in an unsafe, reckless or uncontrolled way. When this line lengthens and the gaps shorten, it means that there is a hazard ahead. I was cited for crossing solid white lines when a lane ended and I was trying to merge over. You can change your cookie settings at any time. White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the road markings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction. Waiting restrictions indicated by yellow lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. Only pay for the cover you need - from 2 hours to 5 months. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover. It can reduce driver control because. If, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. My 16 year old son was fully stopped in a left turn only lane that he got into by mistake. How decorating your car this Christmas could land you with a 1,000 fine, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Cycle tracks are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic, other than where they cross side roads. This sign also shows whether loading and unloading is restricted to goods vehicles and the times at which the bay can be used. Drivers should not cross a broken white line unless they can see the road is clear. See Road markings to see diagrams of all lines. Make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers have the power to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads. Tailgating is where the gap between you and the vehicle in front is too small for you to be able to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, There are only a few instances where drivers can cross double white lines, Woman fails driving test after 'inconsiderate' workmen block view of Stoneferry traffic lights, The only time you can legally cross a double white line explained or face a fine of 1,000, Van driver racks up 36,000 in unpaid parking fines before his vehicle is finally destroyed. Try to avoid braking so harshly that you lock your wheels. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. 13 driving myths uncovered. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe. Road users are also advised to give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked cars, and should only ever overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is indicating to turn right. ABS. White bay markings and upright signs (see below) indicate where parking is allowed. View our online Press Pack. Road users aren't permitted to cross double white lines under any other circumstances. vehicles emerging from junctions or driveways, children running out from between parked cars. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court. directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary. They mark the spots where it's safe and legal to exit, change lanes, or overtake. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road surface. Thanks. Vans that aren't car-derived*must not exceed: So dont try to keep up with the flow on single carriageways, as youll be breaking the law. Get the latest news, reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. You MUST have full control over these systems at all times. Read more:Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East. Statute: (A) S36 Road Traffic Act 1988. You can overtake a horse rider but do so at a much lower speed. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. And will they appear nationwide? Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD schedule 9 part 8. Dangerous and careless driving offences, such as tailgating, are enforced by the police. Crossing over a single solid white line is it legal or not. The ABS should ensure that steering control will be retained, but do not assume that a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance. the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends, sharing the road with pedestrians, particularly children, older adults or disabled people, cyclists and horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and motorcyclists, weather conditions make it safer to do so. For speed limits that apply to special types of vehicles, such as oversized vehicles, see Further reading. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. The UK Highway Code road markings regulation for solid white lines indicate you should complete the crossing maneuver before you reach a solid white line along the side of road and on your side of the road. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as. The exception is when you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road and it is safe to do so. Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD schedule 3 part 4, schedule 9 parts 7 and 8, schedule 14 parts 1 and 5, schedule 7 part 6, schedule 15 part 1. If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance to make sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed. They are available to assist but you should not reduce your concentration levels. Hazard warning lights. But its actually illegal - and this includes a short parp when waving to the family during your early-morning start. You should not stop - not even if the broken line is on your side. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified, use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see, use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST NOT drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is permitted (see Traffic signs). Search RAC Drive for news, reviews, advice and more. Flashing headlights. Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. Coasting. Please see our privacy policy for more details. PRIVACY | The FPN issued by the police is 100 with three penalty . Cycle lanes are shown by road markings and signs. That could increase to as much as 1,000 if the case goes to court. Falling under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, motorists can be slapped with a 100 fine and three points for failing to comply with traffic signs or markings. You should give way to any cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind you do not cut across them when you are turning or when you are changing lane (see Rule H3). Using the road (159 to 203) Rules for using the road, including general rules, overtaking, road junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and reversing. In an emergency. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. Some examples of different pavement markings and their meanings follow: Turn down the volume on your radio, do not rev your engine, honk your horn or speed up quickly behind them - as these are all things that could easily spook the horse and cause an accident. Rule 130: White diagonal stripes, or Highway Code chevrons, painted on the road separate traffic lanes. Then switch off your engine. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. RAC Motoring Services and RAC Financial Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities. If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Locally set speed limits may apply, for example, Law RTRA sects 81, 86, 89 & sched 6 as amended by MV(VSL)(E&W), The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. These are designed to discourage pedestrians from crossing outside of the designated Pelican crossing. Overtaking is passing another slower moving road user thats travelling in the same direction as you. That is unless you're entering or leaving from a side road, BirminghamLive reports. Yes it would be your word against the officers. This is usually another vehicle, but could also be a cyclist, horse or other road user. On approaching a Pelican crossing you'll see white zigzag lines to indicate a crossing, you'll also notice metal railings along the side of the road. Breakdown cover arranged and administered by RAC Financial Services Limited (Registered No 05171817) and provided by RAC Motoring Services (Registered No 01424399) and/or RAC Insurance Ltd (Registered No 2355834). Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution. 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Be aware of the signs and road markings which indicate the lane is about to end. Motorists should not park on the wrong side of the road at night. Laws RTA 1988 sect 67, & PRA sect 41 & sched 5(8), Traffic officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some A class roads, in England and Wales. Using hands-free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Even when registered, taxed and insured for the road, vehicles MUST NOT be used on pavements. Laws RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3, & CUR reg 104 & 110, Residential streets. Patterson Law Limited is a law firm authorised and regulated by the. Breaking Down on Public Roads: A list of rules and safe procedures for handling emergency incidents. The horn. If they can convince the court beyond reasonable doubt that you crossed the line then you will be convicted. Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians (see Signals to other road users), of your intended actions. Motorists have also been warned about four common parking mistakes which could see them fined up to 130. Registered in England; Registered Offices: RAC House, Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall WS5 4AW. Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. MOST drivers know that double white lines down the middle of the road mean you should stick to your lane. Good policing would have resulted in a friendly warning from the Garda, unfortunately you met one who took things literally. Contents Road markings Road markings used, including those across the carriageway, along the carriageway, along the edge of the carriageway, on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway and other. be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who may be passing on either side. Drivers should look to see whether there are pedestrians waiting at either side of the road. You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances. The line designating a bus lane must be thought of in the same way as a. On a dual carriageway with three or more lanes, you may use the middle lanes or the right-hand lane to overtake but you should return to the middle lanes and then the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so. Other stopping procedures (rules 107 to 112), Control of the vehicle (rules 117 to 126), Lines and lane markings on the road (rules 127 to 132), Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143), Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, The Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules, give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time, use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off, make sure your signals will not confuse others. DRIVERS who fail to overtake properly could be slapped with an unlimited fine and up to nine penalty points on their licence. MORE ADVICE: 30 money-saving motoring tips. drive without reasonable consideration for other road users. For other inquiries, Contact Us. an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention by. If skidding occurs, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Overtaking on single-lane roads can be daunting for newly qualified drivers even some established ones but its an important manoeuvre to master safely and confidently. If your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes, you should follow the advice given in the vehicle handbook. Couldn't get the penalty notice wrote out fast enough.. Section 129 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. A broken white line. As this rule is enforced by law, drivers can be penalised if they disobey it and be fined up to 1,000. What happens after I pass my driving test? If no sign is present, the zig zag lines cannot be legally enforced. White direction arrows on the road indicate that you need to get back onto your side of the road. Therefore, it is a driving offence, so dont commit it. A box MARKED IN WHITE means that it is available throughout the day. any other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants. What if you see white directional arrows on the road? This will only make the situation worse. But if youve got nowhere else to stay, you might consider sleeping in the car instead, at least until youve sobered up. Laws RVLR regs 3, 24 & 25 (In Scotland - RTRA sect 82 (as amended by NRSWA, para 59 of sched 8)). You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone). 60 mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer. either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop. Be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those requiring extra care (see Rule 204). Motor Vehicle Fail to Comply with Solid White Line Road Markings, Possess a Controlled Drug of Class B Cannabis / Cannabis Resin, Use Words / Conduct Likely to Cause Harassment / Alarm / Distress, Allow Consumption of Alcohol by a Person Under 18 on Relevant Premises. Similarly, pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes are typically marked with solid white lines, and you should never cross them if you're driving. Many driving offences are clearly defined. This means you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe, provided you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side. Law RTA 1988 sects 35 & 163 as amended by TMA sect 6. Crossing solid white lines can land drivers a fine (Image: GETTY) Rules 165 reads: You MUST NOT overtake: if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you . We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Lanes may be restricted for use by particular types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the time. Rule 129 states that you can only cross the line, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle or overtake a bicycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle if they are travelling at less than 10mph. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. If you drive at a speed faster than the limit on a particular road, youre breaking the law. I got 3 points and 60 fine a few years back for crossing a solid white line, only it was a policeman who caught me and nearly got knocked over as he sprinted out to the middle of the road to stop me! READ NEXT: Is it illegal to eat and drive? Highway Code chevrons on road surfaces also intend to protect traffic that may be turning right. Or smoke and drive? 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. RAC Insurance Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. When lines. Drivers to make estimated 19.6m separate trips by car to see friends and family up to Christmas Eve, Driving home for Christmas - tips and advice. Highway Code for Children: Road safety guide to teach small children how to stay safe on the streets. Give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can. You should give way to cyclists approaching or using the cycle track when you are turning into or out of a junction (see Rule H3). For a limited time, get FREE Battery Replace worth 36 with your RAC Breakdown Cover.*. In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. If so, how many? Inappropriate speeds are also intimidating, deterring people from walking, cycling or riding horses. The app or device MUST be legal, and you should not put other people in danger when you use it. This offence carries a fine of 100 and three penalty points. If the area gets bordered by broken white line markings, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use. Take extra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Get these tips and more useful driving articles sent straight to your inbox now. Driving with a misted up window could also see you hit with a huge fine. Have you got any points already? Solid white lines are also used to mark the right edge of the road. Below are the most common road markings that will cross your path on the road: Stop line at signals or police control A white line across the road will appear alongside traffic lights or in some cases, in an area of police control. "The Highway Code states where overtaking is most likely to see you endanger yourself or endangering the lives of others if irresponsible overtakes are carried out. Brakes affected by water. Those who fail to stick to guidelines could be charged with careless driving for putting other road users at risk. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. The red lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. However, in the case of an emergency, apply the footbrake firmly; do not release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed.