Princes Street seen from the Scott Monument in Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
WHAT SIDE OF THE ROAD DO I DRIVE ON IN SCOTLAND?
Always drive on the left hand side of the road.
WHAT IS THE SPEED LIMIT IN SCOTLAND?
Speed limits are often signposted - look out for a circular sign, with a red border and number (in miles per hour). If there's no signpost, national speed limits apply. These are:
Motorways
- 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars.
- 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.
Dual carrriageways
- 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars.
- 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.
Built-up areas
- 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Be aware though, it's quite common around residential areas and particularly near schools, for a clearly signposted 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed limit.
Outside built-up areas
- 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars
- 50 mph (80 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.
Find out information about speed limits for all types of vehicle.
WHAT LICENCE DO I NEED TO DRIVE IN SCOTLAND?
- If you're coming from a European Union country - as long as you have a valid licence, you can drive any type of vehicle listed on your license in Scotland.
- If you're coming from outside the EU - as long as you have a valid licence from your own country, you can drive any small vehicle (eg car or motorcycle) in the UK for up to 12 months.
Check you are eligible to drive in Scotland.
WHAT IS THE DRINK DRIVE LIMIT IN SCOTLAND?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously in Scotland and the UK and there can be heavy penalties for those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit.
As of 5 December 2014, the legal limit has been lowered to 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood (from 80 mg of alcohol).
Read more about the drink-drive limit in Scotland.
WHAT INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION DO I NEED?
If you're bringing your own car, you'll need:
- Vehicle registration or ownership documents with you at all times.
- Insurance - every driver on the road in Scotland must have at least third-party insurance cover.
- If you're going to be here for more than six months (during a 12 month period), you'll need to be aware of rules on number plates that have symbols not used in the UK.
WHERE CAN I HIRE A CAR OR CAMPERVAN?
There are a number of companies to hire a car from in Scotland - or you can hire a campervan, motorhome or caravan.
Find out more about vehicle hire in Scotland.
St Abbs
WHAT ARE THE MOST SCENIC DRIVING ROUTES IN SCOTLAND?
There’s beautiful scenery to explore wherever you visit in Scotland.
Pass farmland, woodland and rolling hills in the south and east, see towering mountains stretching above you in the rugged west and north and stop to wander along paradise beaches on Scotland’s islands.
Here’s some driving inspiration to help you choose where you want to go:
- Scotland's most scenic driving routes
- 6 can't miss drives across Scotland
- 5 beautiful weekend road trips in Scotland
- North Coast 500
- The Snow Roads Scenic Route
HOW DO I PLAN MY DRIVING ROUTE AROUND SCOTLAND?
Find things to do along Scotland’s 12 national tourist routes and the North Coast 500 in our road trips guide.
Plan your own road trip using:
You can also plan using the Traffic Scotland website. The Route Checker has all the latest information about traffic jams, accidents, road works, and more. You can also stay up to date by tuning into Traffic Scotland Radio:
Remember to plan parking in advance. There is often a shortage of parking spaces in popular areas such as national parks during the high season. Park responsibly by not blocking access for farm machinery and emergency vehicles.
You should also plan your accommodation ahead of time. This will prevent tiredness while driving around trying to find somewhere to stay. If you plan on camping, check which campsites are open and pre-book, You should also check if your chosen site is in an area which requires a permit. Always obey the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE AROUND SCOTLAND?
You could spend as long as you like exploring Scotland. Scotland is a relatively small country so it shouldn’t take you too long to travel between destinations, and there will be lots of great places to stop and visit en route.
Check out our Road Trips page for inspiration.
A electric car passing over the Clatterin' Brig near Fettercairn
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
WHERE CAN I FIND A PETROL STATION ON MY DRIVING ROUTE?
In the cities, you'll often find 24-hour access at fuel stations. In the countryside, there are fewer fuel stations, so it's best to keep your vehicle topped up if travelling in remote areas.
Petrol stations provide unleaded petrol and diesel. Fuel is priced by the litre.
- Find a petrol station
WHERE CAN I FIND AN ELECTRIC CAR CHARGE POINT OR LPG FILLING STATION?
- Find a charge point for electric vehicles on ChargePlace Scotland and Zap Map
- Find an LPG station
- Check out AutoTrader's handy map to find your closest EV charging point.
WHERE CAN I FIND PUBLIC OR CUSTOMER TOILETS?
If you need a bathroom break during your journey, you can find toilets which are open near you throughout the year using the interactive map.
WHAT IS IT LIKE DRIVING IN WINTER IN SCOTLAND?
Scotland’s coldest months tend to be December, January and February, when the average maximum temperature reaches around 5°C (41°F). Freezing temperatures are common during the winter and snow falls during 15 to 20 days on average.
If you’re you planning on driving in the winter months it’s best to be prepared:
- Find information on winter driving.
- Check the weather forecast before setting off.
- Find public transport options using Traveline Scotland.
- Read more frequently asked questions about winter in Scotland.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON PARKING?
Find out more information on:
- Parking in Aberdeen
- Parking in Dundee
- Parking in Edinburgh
- Parking in Glasgow
- Parking in Inverness
- Parking in Perth
- Parking in Stirling
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Other rules
- Seatbelts are compulsory for all drivers and passengers in the vehicle.
- It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. You must also have proper control while using hands-free.
- Children under 12 who are under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) tall should use a child seat appropriate for their weight. You can order one through the hire company.
Find out more information on driver responsibilities and the law.
Driving hazards to look out for
- Some main arterial roads can be long and winding. This can make overtaking dangerous and lengthen journey times.
- Campervans, caravans and other large RVs are frequently found on routes to and around popular visitor destinations, especially in the summer - even on narrow country roads.
- Cyclists and motorcyclists are also common driving hazards during the summer period.
- Passing places on single-lane country roads which allow vehicles to pull over and let the oncoming vehicles have right of way. These are sometimes referred to as 'pockets' on the islands.
- You might encounter some farm animals or wildlife on rural roads so always take care. Look out for deer crossing signs.
- You should always look and listen out for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights.
- You can test your knowledge of the Highway Code by trying this interactive road safety quiz.
Roundabouts, roads and bridges
- Roundabouts are common in Scotland. Give way to vehicles from your right, and turn left on entering the roundabout.
- There are no toll roads or toll bridges in Scotland.
- As mentioned, some rural roads are single lane, but have passing places so traffic in opposite directions can pass safely or the driver behind can overtake. Check the UK Highway Code for more information.
Driving in towns and cities
- Generally, roads tend to be busier around towns and cities during morning and evening rush hours - generally from 7.30 - 9.30am and 4 - 6.30pm.
- Bus lanes are used in some cities - they can only be used by buses and taxis when in operation at certain times of the day.
