Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
Fog lights should be switched off when visibility improves because they can dazzle other road users and obscure brake lights.
You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than about 100 metres.
Leaving an engine running while a vehicle is unattended can breach road-traffic rules and creates obvious security and environmental risks.
No. Clearing only a small “letterbox” area of the windscreen is not consistent with the Highway Code requirement to be able to see properly.
You must have a clear view to drive safely; in winter that means clearing the windows you need for proper all-round visibility rather than leaving them obscured by ice.
Before driving in snow, clear enough snow and ice to see properly through the windows, and make sure lights, mirrors and number plates are clear.
No. A driver should not cross a red traffic light merely to let an emergency vehicle pass unless directed by a police officer or other lawful control.
Stay calm, check around you and make space for the emergency vehicle without breaking traffic laws or putting anyone else at risk.
Drivers should allow buses to move out from stops where it is safe and practical, while still maintaining proper observation and control.
Pass a stopped bus carefully and slowly because passengers, especially children, may emerge into the road from in front of or behind it.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code tells drivers to drive with children’s safety in mind and use a speed suitable for the conditions.
Yes. Drivers must obey a school crossing patrol’s STOP sign in Northern Ireland.
Slow down and be ready to stop when approaching a school crossing patrol; obey the patrol’s STOP sign.
Leave a wide safety margin when passing horses; the key rule is generous space combined with very low speed rather than squeezing past.
No. Drivers should not sound the horn when passing horses because the sudden noise may startle the animal.
If a horse becomes frightened, slow right down or stop if necessary and give the rider time and space to regain control.
Overtake horse riders slowly, give them plenty of room and avoid actions likely to frighten the horse.
A driver turning across a cycle lane or track must take particular care and should give way to cyclists using the facility where the driver is crossing their path.
Parking in a cycle lane is only lawful where the signs, markings and underlying parking restrictions allow it.
Whether a car may stop in a cycle lane depends on the lane markings, signs and any time-based restriction.
No blanket rule forces cyclists to use every cycle lane in Northern Ireland.
Cyclists should not ride on an ordinary pavement or footway unless it is designated for cycling.
Crossing a solid white line is tightly restricted; do not assume a cyclist automatically gives you permission to cross it to overtake.
Northern Ireland road-safety guidance advises drivers to pass cyclists slowly and, where possible, leave about 1.5 metres of space.
Yes. Cyclists can ride two abreast in Northern Ireland, although they should consider road width, traffic conditions and whether riding single file would be safer.
Pelican, puffin and toucan crossings are all signal-controlled, but they operate differently and toucan crossings also allow cyclists to ride across.
At a pelican crossing you must stop on red; when flashing amber appears, give way to anyone still on the crossing and proceed only if it is clear.
Brake and take avoiding action as safely as possible; the Highway Code specifically warns that pedestrians, especially children, may step unexpectedly into the road.
A driver should slow down and be prepared to stop when someone is waiting at a zebra crossing, even though the strict duty to give way applies once they are on the crossing.
At a zebra crossing, drivers must give way once a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing.
