Rule 143: One-way streets
One-way streets. Traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use
- the left-hand lane when going left
- the right-hand lane when going right
- the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead. Remember – traffic could be passing on both sides.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & RTRA sects 5 & 8
Why the capitals matter. The Highway Code writes a rule in capitals — MUST or MUST NOT — when it is backed by law, so breaking it is a criminal offence. The rules that do not use capitals are advice.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Car
- Which sign shows that you're entering a one-way system? Road and traffic signs
- You're in a one-way street and want to turn right. Where should you position your vehicle when there are 2 lanes? Attitude
- When may you overtake another vehicle on their left? Vehicle handling
- Where may you overtake on a one-way street? Rules of the road
- Where would it be unsafe to overtake? Hazard awareness