Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
Crossing a cycle lane to gain lawful access can be necessary, but drivers must give way to cyclists already using it.
No routine stop is permitted for checking directions on a motorway or its slip roads; stopping must be justified by an emergency or other lawful traffic requirement.
Yes. The Highway Code advises using the left lane when the road ahead is clear and returning to it after overtaking.
No. The hard shoulder must not be used as an extra traffic lane unless directed by the police or authorised signs.
No. Traffic entering from a slip road must give priority to vehicles already travelling on the motorway.
Yes. The Highway Code states cyclists must not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including medicines that impair safe cycling.
No. Cyclists must not hold on to a moving vehicle or trailer.
No general compulsory cycle-helmet rule applies to adult cyclists in Northern Ireland, although the Highway Code strongly recommends wearing a properly fitting helmet.
No. Cyclists must obey red traffic lights and must not cross the stop line against the signal.
Only if the cycle is built or adapted to carry a passenger.
Yes. Between sunset and sunrise, a bicycle must display a lit white front light and a lit red rear light.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code says cyclists should dismount and wheel their bicycles across ordinary zebra crossings.
Yes. Toucan crossings are designed for both cyclists and pedestrians to cross together when the appropriate signal permits it.
A motorist must stop at the first stop line when the lights are red, leaving the cycle waiting area clear.
No. A green signal does not permit you to enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.
No. Parking on a pedestrian crossing or within its zigzag-controlled approach is prohibited.
No. The Highway Code prohibits overtaking the moving vehicle nearest a crossing or the vehicle that has stopped to allow pedestrians across.
Treat each mini-roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right at each one.
Yes. Drivers must pass around the central markings of a mini-roundabout unless their vehicle is too large to do so.
Yes. Where provided and signed, a climbing or crawler lane is intended to help slower traffic travel uphill without holding up other vehicles.
No. Where no signs or markings allocate priority, the middle lane of a three-lane single carriageway is for overtaking or turning right.
The Highway Code advises giving way to vehicles coming uphill whenever possible.
No. The Northern Ireland Highway Code expressly says not to park in passing places.
Yes, where it is necessary to gain lawful access to property, but pedestrians on the pavement must be protected.
No. The Northern Ireland Highway Code says a parked vehicle must not be left unattended with its engine running.
Between 11.30pm and 7.00am in a built-up area, a horn must not be used except when another road user poses a danger.
Generally no. The Highway Code says drivers must not sound the horn while stationary on the road.
No: the Highway Code says headlights should only be flashed to let other road users know you are there, not to invite them to proceed.
Yes, a properly positioned sat-nav can be used for navigation, but the driver must remain in proper control and must not be distracted.
No general rule bans a car interior light while driving, but it must not interfere with the driver’s view or ability to control the vehicle.
