try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. How decorating your car this Christmas could land you with a 1,000 fine, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). On some roads there are features such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings which are intended to slow you down. #4. You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Driving with a misted up window could also see you hit with a huge fine. 128 Double white lines where the line nearest to you is broken. The UK Highway Code road markings regulation for solid white lines indicate you should complete the crossing maneuver before you reach a solid white line along the side of road and on your side of the road. When lines. You have rejected additional cookies. Crossing a double white line is an endorsable offence with a fine of 100 and three penalty points. Road Rules and Lane Discipline: Check the UK Highway Code for driving on single and dual carriageways. There is also an exception if you are using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device to make a contactless payment at a contactless payment terminal. Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. This is not overly specific and while you could argue that being asleep means you are not necessarily 'in charge' of the vehicle, the police can (and historically have) used this as an excuse to charge people with a driving offence. Remember that signalling does not give you priority. "Double white lines are there to separate the traffic, but you should always be aware of the possibility of someone not obeying them and putting you at risk remember they are not walls, just paint. Other stopping procedures (rules 107 to 112), Control of the vehicle (rules 117 to 126), Lines and lane markings on the road (rules 127 to 132), Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143), Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, The Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules, give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time, use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off, make sure your signals will not confuse others. Highway Code chevrons on road surfaces also intend to protect traffic that may be turning right. Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. It can reduce driver control because. You should always reduce your speed when, Download Typical stopping distances (PDF, 124KB). About Us Seeherefor details about our law firm. The codes, as have been said are local codes, but in the linked thread it was on a motorway, which the offence is crossing a verge and carries 3 points and 60, so was issued correctly. All motorists should keep their vehicle between a short white lane divider road marking. Falling under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, motorists can be slapped with a 100 fine and three points for failing to comply with traffic signs or markings. Many of us will commonly use them toallow other drivers through gaps, but this technically could be considered a driving offence if an accident resulted from it. Solid white lines mean that passing is restricted. While overtaking is, of course, legal, there are strict rules about how and when it is safe to overtake the most fundamental being that you should only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so. White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. Motorists have also been warned about four common parking mistakes which could see them fined up to 130. The red lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. Well send you a link to a feedback form. an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention by. As this rule is enforced by law, drivers can be penalised if they disobey it and be fined up to 1,000. Safe driving and riding needs concentration. In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. Crossing White Lines | Yet Another Blogging Barrister But if they deem the offence to be serious enough, you may be required to appear in court, where the fine could increase significantly and you could be banned from driving. Law RTA 1988 sects 35 & 163 as amended by TMA sect 6. The section is VC21460(b). Where HOV lanes are in operation, they MUST ONLY be used by, Laws RTRA sects 5 & 8, & RTA 1988 sect 36, One-way streets. You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see Light signals controlling traffic) and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals & signs (see Traffic signs). Rule 128: Double white lines on the road. You should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. UK ROAD MARKINGS AND MEANINGS: What do the arrows, lines, and chevrons mean? If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Well send you a link to a feedback form. And of course, motorists should abide by any signage instructing them not to overtake. Cycle lanes are shown by road markings and signs. CJS Offence Code: RT88760 Standard Offence Wording On **(..SPECIFY DATE..) at **(..SPECIFY TOWNSHIP..) drove a motor vehicle, namely **(..SPECIFY VEHICLE MAKE AND INDEX NUMBER..), and failed to comply with the indication given by solid white line road markings outlined in diagram 1013.1 or diagram 1013.5 of Schedule 9 to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, lawfully . You will receive free expert legal advice about your offence from one of our UK driving offence specialists, See All Frequently Asked Question Offence Categories Here. You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances. You, use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen, keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users. Motorists have been warned that solid white lines on the road mean no passing - not just 'no overtaking' . Be aware of the signs and road markings which indicate the lane is about to end. Hazard warning lights. Do you have a story for The Sun Money team? This is perhaps one of the most common Highway Code rules broken and, if youre parked in a way to inconvenience pedestrians, youre causing a driving offence. Under the Highway Code, motorists are advised of a number of situations where they should not overtake another vehicle. Road Rules: Can you cross unbroken white lines while driving? | news As with horse riders (and motorcyclists), make sure to give at least the same room as you would do car. do not treat speed limits as a target. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as. 13 driving myths uncovered. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution. Is there a car already stationary there? Double white lines where the line nearer to you is broken. So don't try to keep up with the flow on single carriageways, as you'll be breaking the law. Crossing A Solid White Line - Patterson Law This will only make the situation worse. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Drivers can be fined for overtaking incorrectly, Overtaking in any of these circumstances could land you an unlimited fine and nine penalty points heres how to do it safely, You must check the address and details on your driving licence are accurate or risk a 1,000 fine, Warning to Brits over fake number plates as simple tips could stop YOU becoming a victim, Renault's Alpine A110A is light as can be and full of power, Millions of drivers admit to committing 'revenge attacks' on tailgaters to teach them a lesson, You could be fined if you don't tell the DVLA when selling your car - here's everything you must do when trading your motor, More than a quarter of motorists are caught drink-driving the morning after - heres how long YOU will need to sober up. TL:DR, if you cross or straddle a solid white line to overtake somebody doing more than 10mph, that's a criminal offence carrying a mandatory 3 penalty points. Drivers should not cross a broken white line unless they can see the road is clear. Penalty Points. You may park your vehicle using a handheld remote control app or device. You MUST obey any signals given (see Signals by authorised persons). Road users are also advised to give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked cars, and should only ever overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is indicating to turn right. Driving requires focus and attention at all times. Motorists have been warned that solid white lines on the road mean no passing - not just 'no overtaking' . either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop. Crossing A Solid White Line Question: Can the Police notice if or when I crossed a full white line when the police are driving in the opposite direction on a duel carriage way? Locally set speed limits may apply, for example, Law RTRA sects 81, 86, 89 & sched 6 as amended by MV(VSL)(E&W), The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Highway Code for Children: Road safety guide to teach small children how to stay safe on the streets. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. If the area gets bordered by broken white line markings, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so. Queensland also has a penalty of three demerit points for this offence, along with a $234 fine. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. Good policing would have resulted in a friendly warning from the Garda, unfortunately you met one who took things literally. Running a car isnt cheap, but there are some easy things you can do to keep your costs down. Vehicles may not park here if they are not loading or unloading. Laws RTA 1988 sects 34, 41a, 42, 47, 63, 66 & 156, HA 1835 sect 72, R(S)A sect 129 & VERA sects 1, 29, 31A & 43A. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road surface. White direction arrows on the road indicate that you need to get back onto your side of the road. ", News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Similarly, pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes are typically marked with solid white lines, and you should never cross them if you're driving. 13 driving myths uncovered. "You can also cross them if you need to pass a cyclist, horse or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or less however you need to ensure you give them enough room and only carry out the manoeuvre if you are able to do this safely and not cause another road user to take avoiding action. Legislation Double white lines where the line nearer to you is solid. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident. any other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants. Signals, stopping procedures, lighting, control of the vehicle, speed limits, stopping distances, lines and lane markings and multi-lane carriageways, smoking, mobile phones and sat nav. The same rule applies to overtake a pedal cycle, a horse, or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. Graham says: Yes it would be your word against the officer's. Show. Driving law - These illegal overtaking methods could - Express.co.uk Show all sections. When does a car become a classic? We Will Answer Your Motoring Offence Question Free This marks the centre of the road. 2023 RAC Motoring Services. Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while driving or riding. Can I be fined if I park my car facing oncoming traffic? You MUST NOT drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is permitted (see Traffic signs). MORE ADVICE: 30 money-saving motoring tips. Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD schedule 3 part 4, schedule 9 parts 7 and 8, schedule 14 parts 1 and 5, schedule 7 part 6, schedule 15 part 1. You should give way to any cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind you do not cut across them when you are turning or when you are changing lane (see Rule H3). It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Motoring and the environment: Are drivers willing to act? Posts: 1888. Road markings used, including those across the carriageway, along the carriageway, along the edge of the carriageway, on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway and other road markings. Falling under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, motorists can be slapped with a fine and three points for failing to comply with traffic signs or markings, Sign up for free to get the latest North East news and updates delivered straight to your inbox. Cycle lanes and cycle tracks. Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic and information signs and road markings (see Traffic signs, Road markings and Vehicle markings). Section 129 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. If youre caught speeding while overtaking, you could collect a fine up to 2,500 and six points on your licence, depending on your speed and the road youre caught on. use the middle lane only for overtaking or turning right. if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you (but see Rule 129) if you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is. Yellow lines, white lines, red lines - they all have different restrictions. You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Coming up to a pedestrian crossing on a multi-lane road? These are shown by road markings and signs that indicate which (if any) other vehicles are permitted to use the bus lane. Drivers are prohibited from passing into bus or cycle lanes to overtake, or to try to get ahead of the vehicle closest to a pedestrian crossing. Search RAC Drive for news, reviews, advice and more. This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. As the driver, you are still responsible for the vehicle if you use a driver assistance system (like motorway assist). Tailgating is where the gap between you and the vehicle in front is too small for you to be able to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. As parking on white zig-zag lines puts pedestrians at risk, police will almost always issue a Fixed Penalty Notice without exceptions. Law RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 as amended by RTA 1991. You must not overtake if it means crossing or straddlingthese double solidlines. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. Take extra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle lane. As a rule there is a hazard ahead if this line lengthens and the gaps shorten. This is a rule that catches many people unawares. Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD schedule 9 part 8. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. If they can convince the court beyond reasonable doubt that you crossed the line then you will be convicted. Why? Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. What if you see white directional arrows on the road? Your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down. MORE ADVICE: Parking on the pavement - is it illegal? All rights reserved. Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. But there are other driving offences you didnt know were illegal - some of us may regularly commit them without even realising. This means you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe, provided you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side. READ NEXT: Is it illegal to eat and drive? In an emergency. This sign also shows whether loading and unloading is restricted to goods vehicles and the times at which the bay can be used. Have you got any points already? Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. Never sound your horn aggressively. HOV Symbol: A white diamond marking used for high-occupancy vehicle lanes. If the lights then change to green, do not use your extra momentum to zip past the stationary car - this is illegal. As a rule, the UK Highway Code road markings delineate the center of two-way roads. Test your Highway Code rules and knowledge of solid, broken, white or yellow lines, road line markings, and lane dividers. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. RAC Insurance Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 11 Mar 2013. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear and wish to overtake or turn off. Its unlikely the police would charge you if caught, but its still a driving offence you may not be aware of. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. In England and Wales, the driver MUST NOT smoke or allow anyone to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18, including motor caravans. Turn down the volume on your radio, do not rev your engine, honk your horn or speed up quickly behind them - as these are all things that could easily spook the horse and cause an accident. Here are 10 ways you can break the law perhaps without being aware youre doing so. 1 There are only a few instances where drivers can cross double white lines Credit: Alamy You are only allowed to overtake on double white lines to pass a stationary vehicle, or one. The definitive answer, Is it illegal to eat and drive? Vehicles that do not meet these standards MUST NOT be used on roads. He / she can give evidence of anything that they claim to have seen. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed.