If you are visiting Edinburgh, whether for the first or nth time, you would want to make your trip as memorable and hassle-free as possible. So if you have decided to rent a car to make it easy for you to get around, then good for you. There are many advantages to driving a private vehicle rather than relying on public transport.
But in line with this, there are certain things you should remember. Driving around Edinburgh can be a pleasant experience, but it will be simplified and enhanced if you take note of these tips:
Visiting Edinburgh can be more memorable if you take advantage of car hire in Edinburgh
Edinburgh speed limits
Many streets within Edinburgh allow speed limits of up to 48km per hour, but there are also some streets (which are marked with signs with a red border) which can allow up to 64km per hour. In rural areas outside the centre of Edinburgh, the speed limit can be up to 96km per hour. However, be on the lookout for signs which state otherwise. If you exceed the speed limit, you may be asked to pay a fine, accrue penalty points, or even have your licence suspended.
Edinburgh lanes
Driving on the left-hand side of the road is a standard, much like in the rest of the UK. Vehicles will, therefore, have the steering wheel on the right side. If you are not used to this, you have to be extra careful and be mindful at all times. When driving through a roundabout, the rule to remember is to give way to approaching vehicles from the right side.
Edinburgh rules on seatbelts, mobiles, and child seats
No matter where you are in Edinburgh, whether you are within the city or at the outskirts, you must always wear your seatbelt. Never use a mobile phone whilst driving, as you may incur a fine. Simply pull over at the side of the road or use a hands-free kit if you have to place or answer a call. When it comes to child and baby seats, there are stringent rules to follow as well. Children who are below 1.35m or under 12-years old must always have a child harness or restraint. Child restraints or baby seats must also follow the approved standards and must fit the child appropriately.
Drinking and driving in Edinburgh
If you will be doing a bit of drinking whilst in Edinburgh, it is important to keep in mind that the legal alcohol limit is 35 mcg, or microgrammes, for every 100 millilitres of alcohol. It is better to avoid drinking immediately before driving, and just simply wait for your bodys alcohol levels to go down. Besides, there are many unmarked police cars around Edinburgh, and you never know when you are directly behind one. Edinburgh has zero tolerance for drunk driving, and if a policeman pulls you over, you are liable to have your licence suspended, or worse.
When you are looking for car hire in Edinburgh, it is always better to deal with a locally based company so that you can easily get in touch with them in case something happens. But just keep these tips in mind, and you will be sure to have a pleasurable time in this beautiful, vibrant city.
