Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
No, not as a substitute for slowing down and giving way. A horn may alarm pedestrians and will not reliably warn someone with combined sight and hearing impairment.
Yes. The Highway Code advises patience and enough time for older pedestrians to cross at their own pace.
No. The flashing green figure tells pedestrians not to start crossing.
It may indicate that the person using the assistance dog is deafblind.
No. Follow the signed lane closure and temporary instructions regardless of whether workers can be seen.
Slow down, allow plenty of space and be ready to stop.
No. Drivers must not stop or park in a taxi bay covered by its upright signs and road markings.
No. Pedestrians should check both directions because a cycle or bus lane can run against the main traffic flow.
No. Drivers must not use lights in a way that dazzles or causes discomfort to other road users.
The Highway Code says to cross between the studs or over the zebra markings rather than to one side.
Continue safely to the far side without delaying; the signal changing does not mean you should turn back.
Yes. A zebra crossing with an island in the middle is treated as two separate crossings.
Yes. Flashing red lights at a controlled level crossing mean stop behind the white line.
Yes, where a railway telephone is provided and the crossing instructions require its use.
No. Never enter a railway level crossing until there is a clear space to leave it on the other side.
Stop and wait. Do not attempt to get through a crossing after its gate or barrier starts closing.
No. The Highway Code directs drivers not to switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic at roadworks.
Yes. The Highway Code advises keeping a safe gap and obeying temporary limits because contraflow lanes can be narrow and close to opposing traffic.
The Highway Code tells drivers to stop and retrieve fallen items only if it is safe; motorways are treated differently.
Orange hazard plates are used on vehicles carrying specified dangerous goods; ordinary cars do not display them simply because they carry household items.
Yes. Motorway emergency telephones are free and connect directly to police.
Keep well away, switch off nearby engines if safe and call emergency services.
Not normally. The Highway Code says not to remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential.
No. The Highway Code says not to slow unnecessarily or become distracted by a collision on the other carriageway.
No. Do not try to remove an obstruction yourself from a motorway.
The Highway Code advises placing it at least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side of an ordinary road, if safe.
Only if you can move it safely. If the vehicle cannot reach the hard shoulder, never attempt to place warning devices in the running lanes.
The Highway Code recommends turning the steering wheel away from the kerb when parking uphill.
Usually yes, if it meets the conditions for the limited exemption from parking lights.
Yes, trailers left on the road at night are subject to lighting requirements.
