Traffic laws differ drastically around the world. Every region has certain rules and regulations that could be entirely different from another. If you travel from place to place frequently, it may become difficult to keep track of traffic laws in each area. Unfortunately, you may break one or two laws if you are not familiar with them.
Surprisingly, not everyone from that region knows all of the laws either, even if they have been driving for years. In the United Kingdom, there are a few unbeknown laws to most residents, given their specificity. If you’ve been planning a trip to the UK and plan to drive there, read on below to discover if UK traffic laws are harsh or compassionate.
Traffic Laws
When it comes to the UK Highway Code, there is a law for civilians who are on or near the road. The code starts with rules for pedestrians, including general guidelines and how and when to cross. It then delves into the rules for wheelchairs and scooters, animals, cyclists, how to drive in certain weather conditions, incidents and breakdowns, and what each road-marking and signs mean. There are further annexes that are more detailed and discuss the penalties and first aid.
Legal Requirements
When it comes to the legal requirements to drive in the UK, the specific ones dictate what you must do if you want to bring your car over. These are straightforward yet taking a while to finish, depending on where you are bringing your car from. These include a valid driver’s license applicable to the EEA, or you can take an online driving test to see if you are eligible to drive with your current one. You also need to get a European Accident Statement, in case of a car accident or other possible traffic-related accidents. You can contact your insurance company or a lawyer for one if you cannot get your hands on this document.
Fines
Fines are generally expensive in the UK, regardless of what it is. First offenses are less drastic than the second or third, but they are expensive, nonetheless. Some fines are understandable, but also there are fines and penalties on laws that are not as widely known, as mentioned earlier. For instance, you will get fined if you hog the middle lane for too long or drive too slowly. Code 248 is awfully specific, stating that a vehicle shouldn’t be parked facing the opposite direction of traffic unless it’s in an official parking space. You can also be fined 100 euros if you are found guilty of disregarding others and drenching others with water on the road.
Thinking of UK traffic laws as draconian or compassionate will depend greatly on where you are coming from. Each country and region has its own regulations, and some are much stricter than others. If you come from a region with easygoing traffic laws, you will find these extensive and harsh. In contrast, if you come from a draconian region, such as Finland, you will find these more manageable and easier to comprehend. Before you go anywhere, consult with your lawyer, or check the available lawyers in the region and contact them to be secured and on the safe side.
UK Traffic Signs – Examples
Signs with red circles are mostly prohibitive. Plates below signs qualify their message.
Entry to 20 mph zone
Maximum speed
No motor vehicles
No vehicles carrying explosives
Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give positive instruction.
Mini-roundabout (roundabout circulation – give way to vehicles from the immediate right)
Mostly rectangular – Signs on motorways – blue backgrounds
At a junction leading directly into a motorway (junction number may be shown on a black background)
Signs on primary routes – green backgrounds
On approaches to junctions
Signs on non-primary and local routes – black borders
On approaches to junctions
Other direction signs
Ancient monument in the care of English Heritage
See all UK Traffic Signs at this link.
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