Motorway rules: what you need to know

Key points: motorway rules

1. The national speed limit for cars is 70 mph unless signs show a lower limit (rule 261).
2. Keep left and use the other lanes only for overtaking, returning to the left once you are past (rule 267).
3. A red X above a lane means it is closed. Move out of it in good time (rule 258).
4. Use the hard shoulder only for an emergency or breakdown, unless a smart-motorway sign opens it as a running lane (rule 275).
5. Reflective studs guide you in the dark: red on the left edge, white between lanes, amber on the central reservation, green at slip roads (rule 132).
6. If you miss your exit, carry on to the next one. Never reverse, stop or turn round (rule 272).

Now test yourself on motorway rules

9 questions on this topic, with the answer and the cited rule shown the moment you choose. If you miss any, the points above are where to look.

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