Scotland has a very good road network covering most parts of the country, with motorways and dual carriageway roads linking most cities and major towns.
Driving on the left
In Scotland, as elsewhere in the UK, driving is always on the left-hand side of the road.
Driving licence and insurance
Holders of overseas driving licences are permitted to drive motor vehicles for up to 12 months in the UK. Visitors bringing their own cars from overseas should ensure they possess green-card insurance and bring their car registration documents with them.
Speed limits
Unless otherwise signposted, maximum speed limits on UK roads are
- Motorways: 70 mph/ 112kph (60 mph/ 96 kph for cars towing caravans or trailers)
- Dual carriageways: 70 mph/ 112kph (60 mph/ 96 kph for cars towing caravans or trailers)
- Built-up areas: 30 mph/ 48 kph
- Outside built-up areas: 60 mph/ 96 kph (50 mph/ 80 kph for cars towing caravans or trailers)
Unmarked police cars patrol regularly and remote speed cameras are positioned on many roads.
Congestion
In general, regular traffic congestion is only severe on the major access roads to and from cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow during morning and evening rush hours (7.30 - 9.30 am and 4.00 - 6.30 pm).
Rural roads
One of the pleasures about driving in Scotland is being able to escape the pressures of urban roads onto the tranquility and isolation of the rural road network. Driving on these roads can be a delight with marvellous scenery around every corner - just don't expect to get to your destination in a hurry!
In remote areas of the Highlands, roads are regularly single track with passing places. These work really well with a little thought and consideration. It is best to drive defensively, always looking ahead for oncoming vehicles. If you encounter a car approaching you, stop at the first passing place you come across to allow the other motorist to pass. If the other driver reaches a passing place before you do, they will stop to allow you to continue.
It is also common in remote areas to encounter grazing sheep and other wildlife wandering by the roadside and care is needed when passing them.
Tolls
There are currently no toll roads or bridges in Scotland.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a standard feature of the Scottish road system. Visitors from North America may be less familiar with their use while those from other European countries should be aware that the priority system for traffic may differ from that used in their home countries.
The rules for using roundabouts here are simple: give way to all vehicles coming from your right and always turn left on entering the roundabout.
Fuel
Many fuel stations, particularly in urban areas, are open 24 hours a day and all provide unleaded, lead-replacement petrol and diesel. In rural areas, distances between stations are greater and opening hours may be shorter so it is best to keep your car filled up if travelling here. Fuel is priced and sold by the litre.
Seatbelts and child restraints
It is compulsory for drivers and passengers (in both front and rear seats) to wear seat belts. All children under 12 who are under 135 cm (4ft 5in) tall must use a child seat appropriate for their weight; most children reach 135cm around the age of nine. If hiring a car, child seats can be ordered when you make your booking.
Drinking and driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously in Scotland and heavy penalties are imposed on those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit. Since the factors that govern when you reach this limit vary enormously between individuals and are impossible to assess with any accuracy, it is safer not to drink alcohol at all if you know you have to drive.
Using mobile (cell) phones while driving
Be aware that it is illegal to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when driving. Drivers still risk prosecution for failure to have proper control if they use hands-free phones when driving.
