Rule 140 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) Cycle lanes and cycle tracks. Cycle lanes are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply. You should give way to any cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind you – do not cut across them when you are turning or when you are changing lane (see Rule H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle lane. Cycle tracks are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic, other than where they cross side roads. Cycle tracks may be shared with pedestrians. You should give way to cyclists approaching or using the cycle track when you are turning into or out of a junction (see Rule H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle track, which may be used by cyclists travelling in both directions. Bear in mind that cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Law RTRA sects 5 & 8
Highway Code Rule 140
General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158). A legal requirement (MUST / MUST NOT).
- General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders
- Legal requirement
- OGL v3.0
What the rule says
Law · MUSTRule text reproduced verbatim from the official Highway Code (Crown copyright) under the Open Government Licence v3.0, see the attribution at the foot of this page.
In plain English
Stripped of the formal wording, Rule 140 comes down to one idea: rule 140 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) Cycle lanes and cycle tracks. Because it is written with “MUST” or “MUST NOT”, it carries the force of law, ignore it and you are committing an offence, not simply driving badly.
It belongs to the general rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders part of the Code, the habits a confident, considerate driver builds until they are automatic. The aim is not to memorise the sentence word for word, but to understand the hazard it protects you from, so you apply it without having to think when it counts.
If you are learning, treat this rule as one piece of a connected set rather than an isolated fact. The related rules below sit in the same section and reinforce each other, reading them together is how the general rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders part of the Code starts to feel like common sense rather than a list to revise.
Because this is a legal rule, the consequences of ignoring it reach beyond the test: a “MUST” or “MUST NOT” breach can mean a fixed penalty, points on your licence, or in serious cases prosecution. Either way, the safe move is to build the habit early, while a driving instructor can correct it, rather than relearning it under test pressure. That is exactly what the practice routes and coaching in the DriveRoutes app are designed to help with, turning the rules below into the way you naturally drive.
Why rule 140 matters on the road
These are the foundations every other skill builds on. Solid mirror work, sensible speed and good lighting habits quietly prevent the situations the rest of the Code has to deal with.
Common faults examiners record
In the general rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders part of the Code, the faults most often written on the marking sheet tend to be the same handful. Knowing them in advance is the quickest way to drive them out of your own habits:
- Skipping or rushing mirror checks before a manoeuvre.
- Carrying an unsuitable speed for the road and conditions.
- Reacting late because hazards were spotted too close.
On the day
On the day, applying Rule 140 is about doing the safe, deliberate thing slightly earlier than feels necessary: read the situation in good time, observe fully, and act smoothly. The examiner is looking for planned driving, not perfection, and good habits formed in lessons carry you through.
Quick checklist
- Read the situation early and plan your response.
- Observe fully before you commit to anything.
- Keep your speed suitable for the road and conditions.
More from General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders
Related Highway Code rules
- Rule 139Highway Code Rule 139Rule 139 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) Climbing and crawler lanes.
- Rule 141Highway Code Rule 141Rule 141 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) Bus lanes.
- Rule 138Highway Code Rule 138Rule 138 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) On a dual carriageway with three or more lanes, you may use the middle lanes or the right-hand lane to overtake but you should return to the midd…
- Rule 142Highway Code Rule 142Rule 142 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) High-occupancy vehicle lanes and other designated vehicle lanes.
- Rule 137Highway Code Rule 137Rule 137 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane.
- Rule 143Highway Code Rule 143Rule 143 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) One-way streets.
Rule 140, your questions
Rule 140 (Multi-lane carriageways (rules 133 to 143)) Cycle lanes and cycle tracks. It is a legal requirement, it uses “MUST” or “MUST NOT”, so breaking it is a criminal offence that can mean a fine, penalty points, or disqualification.
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