Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
No. Motorways are not pedestrian routes, and a hard shoulder is not an ordinary public footpath.
The red man means pedestrians should not begin to cross; wait for the green man or another safe opportunity permitted by the crossing arrangement.
The Highway Code advises pedestrians to use a nearby crossing if one is available, but not every decision to cross elsewhere is automatically a specific offence.
Walk on the right-hand side facing approaching traffic where there is no pavement, unless local conditions make a different position safer.
Yes. At a cycle-only signalised crossing, cyclists may ride across when the green cycle symbol is displayed.
Cyclists may ride two abreast, but the Northern Ireland Highway Code advises riding in single file on narrow or busy roads and when going round bends.
No general Highway Code rule requires every motorcycle rider to wear boots and gloves, although protective clothing is strongly advised.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code tells motorcyclists to check that their helmet visor is clean and in good condition before each journey.
No. Filtering is not automatically prohibited, but a rider must do it with care and remain in proper control.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code says a pillion passenger should sit astride the motorcycle facing forwards, with feet on the footrests.
No. A motorcycle may carry no more than one pillion passenger, and only if it is designed to carry one.
No. A motorcyclist riding on a provisional licence must not carry a pillion passenger.
Yes. Both the rider and a pillion passenger must normally wear a securely fastened, approved motorcycle helmet.
Not as a general rule. The posted national limit for cars does not automatically apply to goods vehicles of this size.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code permits flashing bicycle lights, provided the cycle still meets its required front and rear lighting rules.
Only if the quad bike meets the legal standards for road use and is properly registered, taxed and insured.
Generally no. Most mini-motos and similar miniature powered bikes do not meet the construction and technical requirements for legal road use.
No. Even an open crossing without gates or barriers requires drivers to look both ways, listen and make sure no train is approaching.
Yes. A variable speed limit displayed inside a red circle on an authorised motorway signal is a mandatory maximum, not merely advisory.
Yes. Cyclists must obey traffic signals and road signs that apply to them.
No. The Northern Ireland Highway Code instructs cyclists not to leave a parked bicycle where it creates an obstruction or hazard.
Get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the tracks immediately, then alert the railway operator using the crossing telephone where available.
No. You must not enter a level crossing unless your exit is clear and you can cross without stopping.
Yes. Being stationary in a queue or stopped at traffic lights does not remove the hand-held phone restriction.
No. Using a hand-held mobile phone while supervising a learner driver is prohibited.
Only when visibility is seriously reduced. Rain alone does not justify rear fog lights if other road users can see normally.
Yes. Between sunset and sunrise, the Highway Code requires sidelights and rear registration plate lights to be illuminated.
No automatic overtaking opportunity should be assumed: a cyclist looking over their shoulder may be preparing to change position or turn.
Stop and wait. The Highway Code advises switching off the engine until the herd has cleared the road.
Yes. The Highway Code says pedestrians who have already started crossing the road into which you are turning have priority.
