Driving In Scotland
http://www.scottishweb.net/articles/42/1/Driving-In-Scotland/Page1.html
Published on 28 February 2008
Driving In Scotland
In the United Kingdom, including Scotland, we drive on the left hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right please take extra care when driving on the left. Seatbelts are compulsory wear and all children under 12 years old that are under 135cm in height must use an appropriate child seat.
Can You Drive Here?
If you hold an overseas licence you are permitted to drive in the UK for 12 months. If you are bringing your own car its best to bring all documents with you such as registration and insurance details. Check with your insurance company before departing for the UK and make sure you have all the required cover.
Speed Limits On Scottish Roads
Speed limits are well posted on all roads. Unless you see otherwise, such as a construction zone or roadworks, speed limits are usually as follows:
Motorways:
70 Miles Per Hour / 112 Kilometres Per Hour
If towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is 60mph / 96kph
Dual Carriageways:
70 Miles Per Hour / 112 Kilometres Per Hour
If towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is 60mph / 96kph
In Cities/Town/Villages & Built-Up Areas:
30 Miles Per Hour / 48 Kilometres Per Hour
Two Way Roads (One lane on each side)
60 Miles Per Hour / 96 Kilometres Per Hour
If towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is 50mph / 80kph
A Word About Speed
The UK has a large number of fully automated speed cameras positioned all over the country, mostly on busy roads and accident blackspots. In addition the police in Scotland operate unmarked police cars on many routes. Stay within the speed limit at all times.
Single Track Roads
In rural Scotland, and particularly the Highlands of Scotland, single track roads are common. These roads are the width of one vehicle and have passing places to allow overtaking and passing. Contrary to what you may think single track roads are actually very safe and call for considerate driving. If you are driving along a single track road and a vehicle is approaching, pull over into a passing place to allow the vehicle to pass or overtake if it is approaching from behind. Generally the car nearest to the passing place will pull in. Try not to pull over to the right even if the passing place is on the right. Stay on the left and the oncoming car will go around you.
Single track roads are part of the magic of the Scottish highlands and almost always have a good surface. As these are found in rural areas you may encounter animals such as sheep or cattle from time to time. When driving on single track roads, as with all roads in Scotand, drive with care and attention with consideration for other motorists.
Roundabouts
On some roads in Scotland you will find roundabouts. These are common on busy road junctions. Remember to always give way to vehicles coming from the right, and to turn left onto the roundabout and go round in a clockwise direction. Never turn right onto a roundabout. Look for road markings to assure you are in the correct lane.
Mobile Phones
It is illegal to drive whilst using a hand-held mobile phone in Scotland. If you must use your phone pull over. Even if you have a hands-free unit you may still be prosecuted if you do not have proper control of your vehicle.
The Emergency Services
The number for the Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade in Scotland (and throughout the UK) is 999, free from any phone.
If you are planning on driving while you are on your Scotland holiday this section will help you learn what you need to know. You may be bringing your own car or hiring a car when you get here. Either way our driving section will help you along the road to having a safe holiday in Scotland.
Holiday Scotland - Driving In Scotland
Driving In ScotlandIn the United Kingdom, including Scotland, we drive on the left hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right please take extra care when driving on the left. Seatbelts are compulsory wear and all children under 12 years old that are under 135cm in height must use an appropriate child seat.
Can You Drive Here?
If you hold an overseas licence you are permitted to drive in the UK for 12 months. If you are bringing your own car its best to bring all documents with you such as registration and insurance details. Check with your insurance company before departing for the UK and make sure you have all the required cover.
Speed Limits On Scottish Roads
Speed limits are well posted on all roads. Unless you see otherwise, such as a construction zone or roadworks, speed limits are usually as follows:
Motorways:
70 Miles Per Hour / 112 Kilometres Per Hour
If towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is 60mph / 96kph
Dual Carriageways:
70 Miles Per Hour / 112 Kilometres Per Hour
If towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is 60mph / 96kph
In Cities/Town/Villages & Built-Up Areas:
30 Miles Per Hour / 48 Kilometres Per Hour
Two Way Roads (One lane on each side)
60 Miles Per Hour / 96 Kilometres Per Hour
If towing a trailer or caravan the speed limit is 50mph / 80kph
A Word About Speed
The UK has a large number of fully automated speed cameras positioned all over the country, mostly on busy roads and accident blackspots. In addition the police in Scotland operate unmarked police cars on many routes. Stay within the speed limit at all times.
Single Track RoadsIn rural Scotland, and particularly the Highlands of Scotland, single track roads are common. These roads are the width of one vehicle and have passing places to allow overtaking and passing. Contrary to what you may think single track roads are actually very safe and call for considerate driving. If you are driving along a single track road and a vehicle is approaching, pull over into a passing place to allow the vehicle to pass or overtake if it is approaching from behind. Generally the car nearest to the passing place will pull in. Try not to pull over to the right even if the passing place is on the right. Stay on the left and the oncoming car will go around you.
Single track roads are part of the magic of the Scottish highlands and almost always have a good surface. As these are found in rural areas you may encounter animals such as sheep or cattle from time to time. When driving on single track roads, as with all roads in Scotand, drive with care and attention with consideration for other motorists.
RoundaboutsOn some roads in Scotland you will find roundabouts. These are common on busy road junctions. Remember to always give way to vehicles coming from the right, and to turn left onto the roundabout and go round in a clockwise direction. Never turn right onto a roundabout. Look for road markings to assure you are in the correct lane.
Mobile Phones
It is illegal to drive whilst using a hand-held mobile phone in Scotland. If you must use your phone pull over. Even if you have a hands-free unit you may still be prosecuted if you do not have proper control of your vehicle.
The Emergency Services
The number for the Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade in Scotland (and throughout the UK) is 999, free from any phone.