Driving in the United Kingdom

These rules should be used as a guide and are subject to change. Please ask an Avis representative if you have any questions, including toll and road charges.

If you’re looking for travel ideas, tips and booking info visit our UK location page.

Or, if you want help making the most of car hire in the UK, see our guide to great road trips.

In the UK, please drive on the LEFT side of the road.

• Using hands-free devices are permitted. It’s illegal to hold and use any device that can send or receive data while driving.
• On the motorway, keep in the left lane unless overtaking.
• At zebra and parallel crossings, you MUST give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
• On roundabouts, traffic approaching from your right has priority.
• When driving in London there’s a Congestion Charge zone 7:00-18:00 Mon-Fri and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun.
• There are speed cameras on all types of roads.

For a standard rental car (no trailers):

• Built-up areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
• Single carriageways: 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Dual carriageways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

In areas of street lighting (other than motorways) a 30mph limit applies unless another limit is specifically signed.

Here are a couple of traffic signs you need to be aware of when driving in the UK:

National Speed Limit

National speed limit for the type of road and class of traffic applies.

Fixed Speed Limit

20mph - The maximum speed at which traffic may travel if it is safe to do so.

You MUST wear a seat belt.

You MUST make sure that any children in the vehicle you’re driving are:

• In the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135cm tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first.
• Wearing a seat belt if they’re 12 or 13 years' old, or younger and over 135cm tall.

Please take a look at the baby, infant and child seats we offer.

No compulsory equipment is needed in the UK. However, we do provide equipment and services you may want to add to your booking.

For more info on UK driving rules, please visit gov.uk.

We also have a dedicated road rules page for countries in Europe and beyond.

• USA Road Rules
• Austria Road Rules
• Belgium Road Rules
• Bulgaria Road Rules