Rules for Drivers and Motorcyclists

Reference: 🔗 Gov.uk - Rules for Drivers and Motorcyclists

Rule 89: Vehicle Condition

  1. MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations.

Rule 90: Medical Fitness

  1. MUST report to the DVLA any health condition that affects driving.

Rule 91: Avoid Driving When Tired

  1. Do not start a journey if tired.
  2. Avoid long journeys between midnight and 6 AM.
  3. Take at least a 15-minute break every two hours.
  4. If feeling sleepy, stop in a safe place (not on the hard shoulder or emergency area).

Rule 92: Vision Requirements

  1. MUST be able to read a number plate from 20 metres.
  2. If glasses/contact lenses are needed for this, MUST wear them at all times.
  3. Police can require an eyesight test.

Rule 93: Dazzling Light Hazard

  1. Slow down or stop if dazzled by bright sunlight.

Rule 94: Visibility at Night

  1. Do not use tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict vision at night or in poor visibility.

Rule 95: Drink Driving

  1. MUST NOT drive if breath alcohol exceeds legal limits:
    1. England & Wales: 35 microgrammes/100ml breath, 80mg/100ml blood.
    2. Scotland: 22 microgrammes/100ml breath, 50mg/100ml blood.
  2. Alcohol affects judgement, coordination, and reaction times.
  3. Best practice: Do not drink at all when planning to drive.

Rule 96: Drug Use and Driving

  1. MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or impairing medicines.
  2. Check with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure.
  3. Illegal drugs are highly dangerous and unpredictable.
  4. Law: Statutory medical defence applies if prescribed medicine is above limits but driving is unimpaired.

Rule 97: Pre-Drive Checklist

  1. MUST ensure:
    1. Valid licence and insurance.
    2. Vehicle is roadworthy.
  2. SHOULD ensure:
    1. Planned route with sufficient breaks.
    2. Enough fuel or charge.
    3. Mirrors and seat adjusted correctly.
    4. Head restraints properly adjusted.
    5. Clothing and footwear allow proper control.
  3. Recommended to carry:
    1. Mobile phone (for emergencies).
    2. High-visibility clothing.

head-restraints

Rule 98: Towing Requirements

  1. MUST NOT exceed towing limits of your licence.
  2. MUST ensure roadworthiness of vehicle and trailer (check brakes, tyres, and lights).
  3. MUST NOT overload vehicle or trailer.
  4. MUST distribute weight evenly and secure loads properly.
  5. MUST use towing mirrors if rearward view is obstructed.
  6. MUST use a secondary coupling device (e.g., safety chain).
  7. During towing:
    1. Reduced speed limits apply see Rule 124.
    2. Stopping distances increase significantly see Rule 126.
    3. MUST NOT use the right-hand lane of a motorway with 3+ lanes see Rule 265.
  8. Breakdowns:
    1. Using a solid tow bar or professional recovery is safer than a tow rope.

Rule 99: Seat Belt Requirements

  1. MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans, and other goods vehicles.
  2. Exemptions:
    1. Medical exemptions (with a certificate).
    2. Delivery drivers travelling less than 50 metres.

Rule 100: Seat Belts for Children

  1. MUST ensure all children under 14 wear seat belts or suitable child restraints.
  2. Children under 1.35m (approx. 4ft 5in) MUST use an appropriate restraint.

Rule 101: Rear-Facing Baby Seats and Airbags

  1. MUST NOT fit a rear-facing baby seat in a seat protected by an active frontal airbag.

Rule 102: Child Safety in Vehicles

  1. Children should enter/exit through the door nearest the kerb.
  2. Child restraints MUST be properly fitted.
  3. Child safety locks should be used where fitted.
  4. Children must not sit behind rear seats unless in an approved seat.
  5. Drivers must ensure children are kept under control.