Driving in the United Kingdom
Road rules of the United Kingdom
We have put together some key British road rules to help awareness of different driving laws in foreign countries.
These rules are to be used as a guide, please be aware that rules are subject to change and are correct as of November 2014. Please ask your Avis representative if any queries arise.
Please ask your Avis representative about toll charges and road charges before leaving the Avis car hire location and whether snow tyres or chains are needed.
Take a look at our United Kingdom location page for ideas, travelling tips and booking information. We also have Great Drives guides for the United Kingdom to help you make the most of your car hire experience.
Which Side of the Road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the LEFT side of the road.
Unique Country Driving Laws
- Do not use mobile phone to call or text while driving. Talking on your mobile using a hands-free kit is permitted.
- On Roundabouts, drivers to the right have right of way.
- Use the outside right lane to overtake on motorways.
- There is a congestion charge when driving in London, click here for more information.
- Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way.
- There are speed cameras on all types of road.
Speed Limits
For a standard rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
Please be aware of changing speeds indicated by road signs.
Traffic Signs
Here's a selection of the traffic signs you need to be aware of when driving in the United Kingdom.
Speed Limit
Motor vehicles can travel at the National Speed Limit (currently 70 miles per hour on dual carriageways and 60 miles per hour on single carriageways).
The maximum speed, in miles per hour, at which vehicles may travel. In this case, the limit is 20 miles per hour (mph).
Child Safety / Seatbelt Laws
It is compulsory for all people inside the vehicle to be wearing a seatbelt.
UK law demands that anyone under 12 years' old, or under 135cm in height (approx 4ft 5ins), must use an appropriate child seat.
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
Visit the GOV.UK website for more details on child seat laws in the UK.
Please take a look at the baby, infant and child seats we offer.
Emergency Services
- Police
- 999
- Ambulance
- 999
- Fire Department
- 999
- European Emergency Number
- 112