Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
No. The road-safety guidance requires windscreens and windows to be clean and free from obstructions to vision.
Yes, if towing changes the vehicle's angle and causes the headlights to dazzle.
Yes. Excessively dark tinting on the windscreen or front side windows is prohibited.
The Highway Code says not to stop or park on a bend, even if there are no yellow lines.
No. Drivers must not leave a vehicle causing dangerous or unnecessary obstruction, and the Highway Code specifically advises against blocking emergency-service access.
The Highway Code advises against stopping or parking opposite a traffic island where it would obstruct traffic.
No. A vehicle or trailer must not be left in a dangerous position or one causing unnecessary obstruction.
Yes. The Highway Code says drivers must switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights before leaving a parked vehicle.
The Highway Code advises drivers not to park too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge.
Yes, the Highway Code advises a full check, including blind spots behind the vehicle.
The Highway Code says not to reverse from a side road into a main road.
Yes. The Highway Code instructs turning drivers to give way to vehicles using a cycle lane.
Yes, drivers should anticipate that a long vehicle may need extra width to make a turn.
The Highway Code advises slow-moving drivers not to hold up a long queue and to pull in when it is safe.
No. The Northern Ireland Highway Code says to maintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary.
No. The Highway Code specifically advises against overtaking between a bus at a stop and the kerb.
No. The Highway Code says not to overtake when you cannot see far enough ahead to know that it is safe.
No, not safely. The Highway Code advises against tinted eye protection that restricts vision in darkness or poor visibility.
Only where the signs allow cycles in that particular lane.
No. The NI Highway Code advises cyclists to avoid road hazards such as drains and potholes.
No. The Northern Ireland Highway Code tells cyclists not to ride across crossings intended for horse riders.
There is no automatic 'proceed as normal' entitlement. At a failed signal-controlled crossing, proceed with extreme caution and be prepared to stop.
Yes. Distraction can make driving unsafe even without anyone touching the controls.
The Northern Ireland road-safety guidance says fuel spilled on a forecourt should be reported immediately to the station attendant.
Yes. The Highway Code instructs drivers to secure loads and luggage safely.
The NI road-safety guidance says run-flat tyres should only be used with a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
Not unless that specific spare tyre is rated for that speed; temporary spares typically have lower limits.
Cold. Northern Ireland's road-safety guidance recommends checking pressures before a journey, when the tyres are cold.
No. Grip the wheel firmly and let the vehicle slow to a safe stop at the side of the road.
No. The NI road-safety guidance says a charge warning light while driving should be checked promptly.
