Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code advises horse-drawn vehicles to have two red rear reflectors and requires suitable front and rear lighting when used at night.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code says drivers must apply the handbrake before leaving a vehicle.
Yes. Drivers must ensure opening a vehicle door does not hit or endanger another road user.
Generally no. Northern Ireland Highway Code rule 240 states that drivers must not stop or park within 15 metres of a junction, subject to specified exceptions.
No. Pedestrians must not cross a level crossing when the red warning lights are showing or when barriers are being lowered.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code says pedestrians must not loiter on any type of crossing.
No. Pedestrians must not get onto or hold onto a moving vehicle on the road.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code permits riding up to two abreast, but advises single file on narrow or busy roads and around bends.
Yes. Children younger than 14 riding a horse on the road must normally wear a securely fastened helmet that meets the applicable regulations.
No driver should overtake on the approach where doing so creates the crossing danger that the Highway Code expressly warns against.
No. A roof box and its contents must be properly secured so they cannot fall off or create a danger.
No. A motorway hard shoulder is not a passenger pick-up or drop-off point for ordinary motorists.
No. An emergency access gap or authorised-service entrance is not an ordinary motorway slip road.
Generally no. Goods vehicles above 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight must not park on a footway, verge or land between carriageways without police permission.
Yes. Northern Ireland Highway Code rules require parking lights for vehicles left on roads where lighting exemptions do not apply; heavy lorries cannot rely on the normal small-vehicle exemption.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code warns drivers to be particularly careful near ice-cream vans because children may cross unexpectedly.
Yes, drivers should take particular care and be prepared to stop for a pedestrian with a white cane who may be visually impaired.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code advises drivers to be particularly careful around horses and horse-drawn vehicles.
No. Drivers must keep pedestrian crossings clear rather than stopping on the crossing itself.
Drivers should not enter a junction unless they can get through without blocking it, particularly where a yellow box marking makes the restriction explicit.
Yes. At a Stop sign with a solid stop line, the driver must stop before crossing the line, even when the road appears empty.
Yes. A driver turning right must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic and must not cut across vehicles that have priority.
No. A standard No Entry sign prohibits entry to vehicles from that direction unless a lawful supplementary exemption specifically applies.
No. A No U-turn traffic sign prohibits making a U-turn at that location.
No driver should reverse farther than is necessary; the Highway Code specifically warns against unnecessary reversing.
Yes. Drivers must give way to pedestrians who are already on a zebra crossing.
No. An indicator tells other road users what you intend to do; it does not give you priority or require them to make a gap.
The Highway Code says drivers should give clear, timely signals before changing direction or lane when a signal will help other road users.
The Highway Code reserves hazard warning lights for warning others about a hazard or temporary obstruction; they are not intended as a thank-you signal.
Yes, certain powered mobility scooters and wheelchairs may use pavements, subject to the rules for their class and safe use.
