Road rules
Reversing: where it is prohibited and how to do it safely
Reversing is prohibited on motorways and requires care everywhere else: make sure the manoeuvre is brief, necessary and safe.
The Highway Code prohibits reversing and turning around on the carriageways, slip roads and connecting roads of motorways. Elsewhere, reversing is allowed only when necessary, brief and possible without danger or obstruction.
Where you must not reverse
Reversing and turning around are prohibited on motorways and main extra-urban roads, including their carriageways, slip roads and connecting roads. Do not reverse to reach a missed exit, undo a wrong turn or return to a service area: continue to the first lawful place where you can leave the road and recalculate your route. A prohibited turn puts you and others at serious risk.
Outside the prohibited sections, reverse only as far as strictly necessary and without causing danger or obstruction. Before moving, check that the space behind is clear, look directly through the windows, and use mirrors and the camera as aids, not as your only source of information. Check the sides and overhead clearance too: a pedestrian, child or bicycle may enter a blind spot.
If you cannot see clearly, ask someone to guide you from a safe position where they can be seen and are not at risk of being crushed by the vehicle. Agree simple signals before starting and stop immediately if you lose sight of them. Do not ask someone to guide you from behind the car or from between the vehicle and an obstacle.
- Never reverse or turn around on a motorway, or on a prohibited slip road or connecting road.
- Outside prohibited areas, keep the manoeuvre short and make sure it causes no danger or obstruction.
- Check the area directly, including the sides and blind spots.
- If you lose sight of your guide, stop the vehicle.
A slow, controlled manoeuvre
Engage reverse only after checking that the road and pavement are clear. Move very slowly with your foot ready to brake; avoid accelerating or steering sharply, which could swing the front of the vehicle out of line. If reversing in a car park or private access, watch for pedestrians and vehicles and do not occupy more of the road than necessary.
A rear-view camera can help you spot low obstacles, but it may distort distances and does not always show the sides. Keep looking around and stop if you are not sure the area is clear.
To revise Highway Code prohibitions and manoeuvres,Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapters, timed quizzes and a review of mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reverse on a motorway to the exit I have just passed?
No. Reversing is prohibited on motorway carriageways, slip roads and connecting roads. Continue to a safe and lawful exit or stopping place.
Is the camera enough when reversing?
No. Use it as an aid and also check the sides, rear and blind spots directly. Stop if you cannot confirm that the area is clear.