Some essential information about driving in the UK.
Please remember that driving is always on the left-hand side of the road.
The UK has a large number of roundabouts. While European visitors may be familiar with them American visitors may not. The simple rules of a roundabout are:
The holder of an overseas driving licence may, for a period of up to one year, drive a motor vehicle in Britain. EU drivers must possess a driving licence and either a passport or ID card.
Drivers outwith the EU must possess a valid domestic driving licence with English translation. If English translation is not available, an international driving permit is required in addition to a domestic driving licence. A passport must also accompany a domestic driving licence.
It is an offence to drink and drive. If caught and convicted, the criminal penalties are severe.
Unless otherwise signposted, speed limits on UK roads are:
Cars
| Motorway | Dual Carriageway | Single Carriageway | Built Up Areas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH | 70 | 70 | 60 | 30 |
| KPH | 112 | 112 | 96 | 48 |
Vans
| Motorway | Dual Carriageway | Single Carriageway | Built Up Areas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH | 70 (60 if towing) |
60 | 50 | 30 |
| KPH | 112 | 96 | 80 | 48 |
Unmarked police cars patrol regularly and remote speed cameras are positioned on many roads.
Many fuel stations throughout the country are open 24 hours a day and all provide unleaded and lead-replacement petrol and diesel. In remote areas, distances between stations are greater and opening hours may be shorter. Fuel is priced and sold by the litre.
It is compulsory to wear seat belts, both front and rear. Small children and babies must be restrained in a appropriate child car seat or carrier. Child car seats should be ordered when you book your car. See our child safety fact sheet for more information.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle whilst using a mobile phone, unless the phone can be operated "hands-free". Police can issue spot fines, which may be as high as £1000.
The London congestion charging zone is bounded by the 'Inner Ring Road' linking Euston Road, Pentonville Road, Tower Bridge, New Kent Road, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Park Lane and Marylebone Road. The 'Inner Ring Road' provides a route round the charging zone, and charges apply only to vehicles travelling inside it. Charges do not apply if travelling on the 'Inner Ring Road'. Drivers are warned on roads leading into the zone that they are approaching the charging zone.
For more information on the London Congestion Charge rules and regulations, including penalty charges and how to pay a fine, visit the Transport for London website www.tfl.gov.uk or call 0845 900 1234.
Bus Lane Enforcement has been introduced in a number of cities across the UK to help improve the free flow of congested bus lanes, improve the overall traffic flow on city roads and improve road safety.
For more information on the specific bus lane enforcement regulations and penalty charge notices that may apply in the city you are driving in, please visit the cities local council website.