As a general rule, outside motorways and dual carriageways, may you reverse when moving forward or changing direction is possible and no manoeuvre requiring complementary reversing is involved?

Correct answer

No, it is prohibited in the stated conditions.

No. Article 80.1 permits reversing only when forward travel and changing direction are impossible, or as a complementary manoeuvre required by another manoeuvre, over the minimum indispensable distance. When complementing stopping, parking or joining traffic, it must not exceed 15 metres or enter a road junction. Reversing is prohibited on motorways and dual carriageways. Perform it slowly with article 81 precautions; a dead-end street does not allow arbitrary reversing along its entire length.