How Does Driving Rules Work in UK?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Drive on the left; speed is in mph not km/h; central London has a daily congestion charge; and motorway etiquette requires keeping left except when overtaking.
2What You Need to Know
The UK drives on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right — visitors from right-hand traffic countries need extra caution at junctions and roundabouts. Speed limits are in miles per hour (20/30mph in towns, 60mph on single carriageways, 70mph on motorways). On motorways, the left lane is the cruising lane and right lanes are for overtaking only — undertaking (passing on the left) is illegal. Entering the Congestion Charge zone in central London costs £15 per day (Auto Pay) and must be paid by midnight that day. Fuel is sold in litres despite speed being in miles. Annual MOT vehicle testing is required for cars over three years old.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1At roundabouts, traffic already on the roundabout has priority — give way to the right when entering
- 2Register for the London Congestion Charge online before driving into the zone — charges apply 7am–6pm Monday to Friday
- 3Left-hand traffic is hardest at quiet junctions where instinct takes over — consciously remind yourself before every turn
Important Warning
There is no right turn on red in the UK. Speed cameras are widespread on all road types and fines are issued automatically by post — speeding is enforced very effectively.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the right; parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit, but strict enforcement applies everywhere else and drink-driving laws are among Europe's toughest.
Drive on the right, blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, speed cameras are extremely common, and toll roads (autoroutes) are fast but expensive.
Drive on the right; ZTL restricted traffic zones in historic city centres are camera-enforced and generate automatic fines for foreign plates weeks after the visit.
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