Driving in the U.K. (Scotland, N.Ireland, England, Wales)

Driving on the Left
Driving is always on the left-hand side of the road. 

Driver’s License and Insurance
The holder of an overseas driving license may, for a period of up to one year, drive a motor vehicle in Britain.

Drinking & Driving
If caught and convicted, the criminal penalties are severe.

Speed Limits
Unless otherwise signposted, speed limits on UK roads are:

Unmarked police cars patrol regularly and remote speed cameras are positioned on many roads.

Fuel
Many fuel stations throughout the country are open 24 hours and all provide unleaded and lead-replacement petrol and diesel. Fuel is priced and sold by the liter.

Seat Belts
It is compulsory to wear seat belts, both front and rear.

Mobile (Cell) Phones
It is an offense to drive a vehicle while using a mobile phone, unless the phone can be operated ‘hands-free’. Police can issue spot fines, which may be as high as £1000.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a standard feature of the Scottish road system. Visitors from North America may be less familiar with their use while those from other European countries should be aware that the priority system for traffic may differ from that used in their home countries.

The rules for using roundabouts here are simple: give way to all vehicles coming from your right and always turn left on entering the roundabout.

Rural Roads

In remote areas, roads are regularly single track with passing places. These work really well with a little thought and consideration. It is best to drive defensively, always looking ahead for oncoming vehicles. If you encounter a car approaching you, stop at the first passing place you come across to allow the other motorist to pass. If the other driver reaches a passing place before you do, they will stop to allow you to continue.

It is also common in remote areas to encounter grazing sheep and other wildlife wandering by the roadside and care is needed when passing them.