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On a Scottish single-track road, use passing places to let traffic pass: pull into one on your left, or wait opposite one on your right so the other vehicle can use it. Give way to uphill traffic whenever you can, and reverse to a passing place if needed and safe. Passing places are not parking spaces.
How passing places work
Single-track roads are generally wide enough for only one vehicle at a time. Passing places provide occasional room for vehicles to pass; they may be spaced at intervals and staggered along the road. Not every rural road has them, so drive at a speed that lets you respond to what you can see.
Highway Code Rule 155 gives the formal instruction: “If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.” Read Highway Code Rules 155–156.
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Pull into it to let the approaching vehicle through. The same instruction applies if a driver behind wants to overtake: use a passing place on your left to allow them to pass.
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If a passing place is on your right
Wait opposite it rather than crossing the road into the space. This leaves the passing place available for the other vehicle.
If one vehicle is travelling uphill
Give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can. The Highway Code qualifies this advice; it does not mean entering a space or making a manoeuvre that is unsafe. Consider where both vehicles are, where the nearest passing places are, and whether you can stop and reverse safely.
If neither vehicle can pass where it is
Reverse to a passing place when necessary and safe. Road Safety Scotland advises: “If you have to let a vehicle coming towards you pass, reverse until you reach a passing place if it’s nearer to your vehicle.” See Road Safety Scotland’s advice on single-track roads. Check behind you, move slowly, and use a suitable passing place; do not back blindly around a bend or into traffic.
Can you park in a passing place?
No. Highway Code Rule 156 says: “Do not park in passing places.” Parking there blocks the space other road users need to pass. The Highway Code sets out Rules 155–156.
Safe and considerate driving
Passing-place manoeuvres are only one part of driving these roads. Country roads can include blind bends, hidden dips, concealed junctions, surface defects, slow vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, farm vehicles and animals. Reduce speed when visibility or conditions call for it, and make sure you can stop within the clear distance you can see. Road Safety Scotland also advises staying in control and putting away distractions such as phones and sat-navs while driving. Read Road Safety Scotland’s country-road safety guidance.
- Be patient and leave time for other drivers to reach a safe passing place.
- Do not assume an approaching driver has seen you, or that a passing place is clear or large enough for your vehicle.
- Watch for people walking, cycling or riding horses, and pass them slowly.
- Do not rush to make up time. Narrow, winding roads can lengthen a journey and make overtaking more difficult and dangerous.
VisitScotland recommends a friendly wave or headlight flash to let another driver know you have seen them and are giving way. That is courtesy advice, not a replacement for choosing a safe position. See VisitScotland’s driving advice.
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Plan the route before setting off
Allow extra time for narrow and winding roads, and check for roadworks or diversions before you leave. Road Safety Scotland recommends planning your route, setting your sat-nav before driving, or taking a map. A map is optional; consult it before the journey, while stopped safely, or through a passenger—not while driving. Read Road Safety Scotland’s route-planning advice.
Traffic and road conditions can change, so check current information before you travel. In remote areas, emergency services may take longer to reach an incident, and locations can be harder to find. Traffic Scotland advises drivers to use passing places where possible and not rush.
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