Ukrainian drivers in the UK should thoroughly research the country's traffic regulations. Find out more about traffic in the UK, traffic rules, toll roads and other useful information

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Ukrainians who arrive in the UK by car should be aware that the road traffic in the country is different from that in Ukraine. Therefore, you should understand all the nuances in advance to avoid unpleasant situations and fines. We'll tell you everything you need to know about driving in the UK in this article.

What is the traffic like in the UK?

The first difference from Ukrainian traffic that drivers in the UK face is the direction of movement. The country has left-hand traffic, and it will take some getting used to. Overtaking a car on the road is only possible from the right. The rules for driving on roundabouts and intersections do not differ here: cars driving to the right of your vehicle have the right of way.

Toll roads in the UK

In fact, the country has a sufficient number of sections that require a fee to enter.

The main toll roads in the UK are:

● M6 motorway. 6.68 - 10.25 euros, depending on the route;

● Tunnels: Dartford - €2.90, Mersey Kingsway - €4.60, Mersey Queensway - €4.60, Tyne - €2.53;

● Bridges: Humber - €1.70, Itchen - €1.15, Queen Elizabeth ll - €2.90, Dunham - €0.58, Mersey Gateway - €2.30, Tamar - €3;

● Eurotunnel - from 100 euros, depending on the type of ticket;

● Central London (Congestion Charge zone) - 17.22 euros, from 07:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday, and from 12:00 to 18:00 from Saturday to Sunday and on public holidays. There is no charge between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Please note that these prices are calculated for a car. For more information on the cost of travelling on the country's toll roads, please visit the official website of the UK government.

Basic rules of the road in the UK

● Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in a car;

● Child car seats or boosters are required for all children under the age of 11 and up to 135 cm tall;

● Mandatory equipment: first aid kit, emergency stop sign, reflective vest, fire extinguisher;

● Studded tyres are not prohibited, but are only allowed if they do not cause damage to the road surface. Chains on summer tyres are allowed when the road is covered with ice or snow. Winter tyres are not required;

● The speed limit for passenger cars is 48 km/h in a settlement, 96 km/h outside it, and 112 km/h on a motorway and motorway;

● Dipped beam is mandatory. Switch on half an hour before sunset and switch off half an hour before sunrise. Please note that if the steering wheel is located on the left-hand side of the car, the headlights must be covered with adhesive tape. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine of up to €1,149.

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Fines for traffic offences in the UK

The fines for traffic offences in the UK are quite high. For example:

● Using a mobile phone while driving - around €1,190;

● Speeding - €1,190, on the motorway - about €2,976;

● Ignoring traffic lights - about 1,190 euros;

● Not wearing seat belts - about 595 euros;

● Driving under the influence of alcohol - 3 months in prison, an unlimited fine or a ban on driving for 1 year or more;

● No car insurance - from 357 euros, but if the case goes to court, the driver may receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban.

You can learn more about fines for traffic violations in the UK on the country's government portal.

Parking rules in the UK

● If there is a black line along the road, parking is prohibited;

● Yellow line - parking is allowed, but at certain times. In this case, it is worth focusing on additional road signs, which are usually located nearby. Thanks to them, the driver can understand the conditions of parking: the cost for the permitted time of staying in the parking space;

● Free parking is possible, but usually not in the city centre, nor in car parks near shopping centres and shops.

Petrol prices in the UK

As of 12 July 2024:

● Petrol - approximately €1.66 per litre;

● Diesel - approximately €1.76 per litre;

● Autogas - approximately €1.06 per litre.

Car insurance in the UK

To enter the UK and to drive legally on the country's roads, you need to take out Green Card insurance.

The Green Card is a mandatory international motor third party liability insurance policy that covers the costs of compensation for damage to life, health and property of third parties caused by an accident in the UK and other member states of the international Green Card agreement.

It is better to buy insurance online because it is quick and easy. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can take out a Green Card policy from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Just a reminder. When planning a trip abroad by your own car, you should take care of reliable insurance. You can find outeverything you need to know about the Green Card insurance policy for a safe trip abroad here.

Photo: Freepik

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