Reversing

[crapmemory]

Somebody told me that it is illegal to reverse out of your drive onto the road. Is this correct?

[novalis]

Think the Highway Code recommends that you don't. It's good advice but has no legal validity as far as I'm aware.

[paulsmummy]

hi, i think it applies if you are reversing out on to a main road... i think...

[kempie]

It is not illegal to reverse into a main road but it is not advisable.

If an accident occurred due to you reversing onto a main road from a driveway or minor road then there may be the possibility of you being prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

The only laws in relation to reversing refer to distance:

"You MUST NOT reverse your vehicle further than necessary"

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport /Highwaycode/DG_070340

and motorway driving:

"You MUST NOT reverse, cross the central reservation, or drive against the traffic flow. If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit."

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport /Highwaycode/DG_069862

[Buenchico]

Others have basically answered your question but I'll just add that very few specific actions are, per se, illegal under motoring laws.

For example, if you look for a law which specifically states that you can't drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, you won't find one. If the police see you doing it, they (together with the Crown Prosecution Service) would have to look through the list of general motoring offences (such as 'driving without due care and attention' or 'dangerous driving') and decide what the appropriate charge should be.

Similarly, reversing out of your drive isn't illegal per se but, under certain circumstances, the police (& CPS) might consider a charge such as 'driving without due consideration for other road users'.

As anyone who has ever read the Highway Code should know, the best practice is always to reverse into a drive, rather than out of it.

Chris

[SlackAlice]

It seems that most of my neighbours have not read the Highway Code. Almost all reverse out of their drives! :)

[shylock73]

Why drive into your garden anyway, it`s so much easier to reverse in and safer to drive out.

[crapmemory]

I agree with Shylock. It makes sense to me!

[1rovert]

I ALLWAYS reverse into drives, or parking spaces. Having only brought secondhand cars, It's highly probable that I may have to be towed out.

[markh1972]

i was always taught not to reverse from a minor to a major(road)

[ChuckFickens]

LOL@1rovert

If your username is any reflection on the cars you drive 1rovert then I agree it is highly probable you may have to be towed out

:)