Is it illegal to reverse onto a main road?

RESERVING your car into a main road can be unsafe - depending on how you do it.

The UK Highway Code gives explicit guidance on reversing out onto a busy main road.

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According to sections 200 through to 203 under the code, when reversing in any scenario, drivers must "find an appropriate place to manoeuvre".

If a driver needs to turn their vehicle around, it's advised they wait until they find a safe place and avoid reversing or turning around on a busy road.

explicitly states: "Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can."

This means car owners can reverse into a main road - but only if it's safe to do so, according to driverknowledgetests.com.

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The site recommends car owners reverse into their driveways, if you're home is on your left as you approach.

If not, and you're required to cross one of more lanes of traffic then it's advised you don't try reversing in.

Exiting forward is definitely the safest option, the road rules website says, as there can be a few blind spots and because you can accomplish a manoeuvre much more quickly if you come out forwards.

It’s also safer because it’s easier to see pedestrians and cyclists using the footpath.

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You must not reverse into or on a motorway and when there's not enough space to reserve safely, and you must not come out more than necessary - which is stipulated in Section 203 of the Highway Code.

The website suggests drivers make a three-point turn in a minor road than reverse around the corner from a minor road into a major road.

Section 202 urges drivers to look carefully before reversing.

It advises car owners to use all their mirrors, to check the "blind spot" behind you - which can't be easily seen in the mirrors - and check there are no pedestrians, cyclists or other road users or obstructions in the road behind you.

And drivers are expected to reserve out slowly and scan all around them as they come out, and look mainly through the rear window while being aware of the front of their vehicle as they swing out.

Most Common Illegal Driving Activities

Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.

• Using phone while driving
  Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
  New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it
• Speeding
  Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine
• Running a red light
  This offence will incur three points and £100 fine
• Middle lane hogging
  It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points
• Undertaking
  This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine