Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
No. Tyres must be correctly inflated for the vehicle and load as specified by the manufacturer.
Yes. Sufficient tread does not make a tyre roadworthy if it has prohibited cuts or other dangerous defects.
No. The published Northern Ireland vehicle-maintenance guidance says moped tyres must have visible tread.
For most motorcycles, at least 1 mm across three-quarters of the tyre's breadth and in a continuous band around its circumference.
No. The hard shoulder is not a permitted rest stop.
Yes. It recommends at least a 15-minute break after every two hours of driving.
Yes. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the legal driving eyesight standard, you must wear them whenever driving.
Yes. Police can require a driver to demonstrate that they meet the legal eyesight standard.
No. Signalling does not give a driver priority over traffic already using the road.
No. The Highway Code advises drivers not to overtake unless there is a suitable gap to return to their lane safely.
The Highway Code says drivers should move back to the left once safely past the vehicle being overtaken, without cutting in.
The Highway Code says you should not start overtaking when another road user has already begun overtaking you.
Yes. Drivers must obey lawful stopping directions and signals from Driver and Vehicle Agency enforcement officers.
No. The Highway Code says drivers should only overtake when they can see sufficient clear road and can complete the manoeuvre safely.
No. The Highway Code warns that a vehicle indicator may have been left on accidentally, so a driver must judge whether it is safe before proceeding.
Yes. Highway Code rule 103 advises drivers to cancel their signals after use so they do not mislead other road users.
No. The Highway Code advises drivers to check blind spots as well as mirrors before changing lanes or direction.
Yes. The Northern Ireland Highway Code advises selecting a lower gear before a long downhill slope to help control vehicle speed.
No. The Highway Code specifically warns drivers not to assume there is space to overtake simply because another vehicle ahead has started to pass.
The Highway Code says drivers should give way to oncoming vehicles before passing an obstruction on their own side of the road.
The Highway Code allows passing on the left of a vehicle indicating a right turn when there is enough room and the manoeuvre can be carried out safely.
Yes. Highway Code rule 159 says drivers should check their mirrors and look around to cover blind spots before moving off.
A mobility scooter displaying a valid Blue Badge may benefit from applicable Blue Badge parking concessions, but the specific bay rules still apply.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code says pedestrians should use footways or footpaths where they are provided.
No. Highway Code rule 195 says drivers should not use the horn or wave pedestrians across at zebra crossings.
Drivers must not use headlights in a way that dazzles or causes discomfort to other road users.
Yes. Drivers must use headlights at night and when visibility is seriously reduced under Northern Ireland lighting rules.
No. Front or rear fog lights must not be used unless visibility is seriously reduced, and must be switched off when visibility improves.
Some vehicles may be parked without lights on roads of 30 mph or less, but only when the specific Highway Code conditions are met.
Yes. Vehicles parked on a road or lay-by where the speed limit exceeds 30 mph must display parking lights.
