Highway Code Summary
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The Highway Code is a comprehensive guide to safe and responsible road use in England, Scotland, and Wales. It provides essential rules, advice, and information for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, drivers, and those using powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Key Aspects of The Highway Code:
- Legal Requirements and Consequences: Many rules within the Code are legal requirements, indicated by "MUST/MUST NOT." Disobeying these rules can result in criminal offenses, leading to fines, penalty points, driving disqualification, or even imprisonment in serious cases. Non-compliance with advisory rules (e.g., "should/should not") can also be used as evidence in court proceedings to establish liability.
- Hierarchy of Road Users: All road users are expected to be aware of the Code, be considerate, and understand their responsibility for others' safety. Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others. This applies most strongly to drivers of large goods vehicles, passenger vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars, taxis, and motorcycles. Cyclists, horse riders, and drivers of horse-drawn vehicles also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.
- Pedestrian Rules:
- Pedestrians should use pavements and footways. If no pavement is available, they should keep to the right-hand side of the road to see oncoming traffic.
- It is crucial to help other road users see you, especially in poor light or darkness, by wearing light-colored, bright, or fluorescent clothing, or reflective materials.
- Young children should not be out alone on the pavement or road and should be taught the Green Cross Code for crossing the road safely.
- At junctions, vehicles should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. Pedestrians have priority on zebra crossings and parallel crossings.
- Pedestrians MUST NOT be on motorways or slip roads, except in an emergency.
- Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters:
- Class 2 vehicles (up to 4 mph) are for pavements, while Class 3 vehicles (up to 8 mph) can be used on roads and pavements.
- On pavements, they MUST NOT travel faster than 4 mph and should give pedestrians priority.
- On the road, Class 3 vehicles should travel in the direction of traffic. Lights MUST be used at night if fitted.
- These vehicles MUST NOT be used on motorways.
- Rules about Animals:
- Horse-drawn vehicles should have two red rear reflectors, and a light showing white to the front and red to the rear if driven at night.
- Children under 14 MUST wear a helmet when riding horses. Other riders should also follow this.
- Horse riders should wear light-colored or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night.
- You MUST NOT take a horse onto a footpath or pavement.
- Dogs MUST be kept on a short lead on pavements, roads, or shared paths. Animals in vehicles MUST be suitably restrained.
- Cyclist Rules:
- Cyclists should wear clothing that won't get tangled and can help them be seen. A cycle helmet conforming to regulations is recommended.
- At night, cycles MUST have white front and red rear lights lit, and a red rear reflector.
- Cyclists may use cycle lanes and tracks but are not obliged to.
- You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
- When riding in groups, cyclists can ride two abreast, especially in larger groups or with less experienced riders, but should be aware of drivers behind and allow them to overtake safely.
- Cyclists should position themselves clearly on the road and give way to pedestrians when turning into or out of a junction.
- Motorcyclist Rules:
- Riders and pillion passengers MUST wear a protective helmet, securely fastened.
- It's advisable to wear eye protectors, strong boots, gloves, and suitable clothing.
- You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger, and they MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.
- Daylight riding: Be as visible as possible with light-colored helmets and fluorescent clothing. Dipped headlights may also increase visibility.
- Rules for Drivers and Motorcyclists:
- Vehicle Condition: Vehicles and trailers MUST comply with regulations and be roadworthy.
- Fitness to Drive: Drivers MUST be fit to drive, report health conditions to DVLA, and avoid driving when tired.
- Vision: Drivers MUST be able to read a number plate from 20 meters and wear glasses/contact lenses if needed.
- Alcohol and Drugs: You MUST NOT drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limits for alcohol are specified.
- Before Setting Off: Ensure valid licence and insurance, planned route, sufficient fuel, and proper adjustment of controls, mirrors, and seat.
- Vehicle Towing and Loading: Drivers MUST NOT tow more than permitted, overload the vehicle, and ensure loads are secured.
- Seat Belts and Child Restraints: Seat belts MUST be worn if fitted. Drivers MUST ensure children under 14 use seat belts or approved child restraints. Rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be fitted in seats with active frontal airbags.
- General Rules, Techniques, and Advice for All Drivers and Riders:
- Signals: Give clear signals in plenty of time and cancel them after use. Always obey signals from police officers, traffic officers, and school crossing patrols.
- Lighting: Headlights MUST be used between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is seriously reduced. Front or rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced.
- Braking: Brake early and lightly in normal circumstances. In an emergency, brake immediately and avoid locking wheels.
- Speed Limits: Drivers MUST NOT exceed maximum speed limits. Speed limits are maximums, not targets, and speed should be reduced based on conditions.
- Stopping Distances: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, allowing at least a two-second gap in normal conditions, doubled on wet roads, and further increased on icy roads.
- Lane Markings: Understand broken white lines (center of road, hazard ahead), double white lines (broken nearest: can overtake; solid nearest: MUST NOT cross), and diagonal stripes/chevrons (separate lanes, protect turning traffic).
- Multi-lane Carriageways: Use mirrors and signal when changing lanes. Stay in the left-hand lane on two-lane dual carriageways unless overtaking.
- Cycle and Bus Lanes: You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its operating hours. Bus lanes are generally restricted during operating times.
- Concentration and Distractions: Safe driving requires concentration. Avoid distractions like loud music, maps, mobile phones (handheld phones are prohibited while driving), and other in-vehicle systems.
- Road Junctions:
- Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
- Stop behind the line at a 'Stop' sign.
- Give way to traffic on the main road from a 'Give Way' junction.
- Do not enter a box junction unless your exit is clear.
- At traffic lights, stop behind the white line on a red light.
- When turning right, position correctly and wait for a safe gap in traffic.
- Roundabouts:
- Approach with care, using mirrors, signals, and maneuvering appropriately.
- Give priority to traffic approaching from your right.
- Give priority to cyclists on the roundabout.
- Pedestrian Crossings:
- You MUST NOT park on a crossing or zig-zag lines.
- You MUST NOT overtake the vehicle nearest the crossing or one that has stopped for pedestrians.
- On zebra and parallel crossings, you MUST give way to pedestrians/cyclists on the crossing.
- At pelican crossings, you MUST stop on red; on flashing amber, you MUST give way to pedestrians.
- Motorways:
- Pedestrians, provisional licence holders, and certain slow-moving vehicles MUST NOT use motorways.
- Traffic generally travels faster, requiring earlier mirror checks and looking further ahead.
- Obey motorway signals, including amber flashing lights (hazard ahead) and red flashing lights/red 'X' (closed lane).
- When joining, give priority to traffic already on the motorway and match speed.
- Keep in the left lane unless overtaking. The right-hand lane of three or more lanes is restricted for certain vehicles.
- The hard shoulder is for emergency use only unless designated as an active lane.
- Emergency areas are for emergencies only.
- Breakdowns and Incidents:
- If a breakdown occurs, try to stop in a place of relative safety (service area, lay-by, emergency area, hard shoulder).
- Warn other traffic with hazard warning lights and by placing a warning triangle (not on motorways).
- If involved in an incident, stop safely, use hazard lights, and contact emergency services (999 or 112).
- Road Works, Level Crossings, and Tramways:
- At road works, take extra care, observe signs, adhere to temporary speed limits, and maintain safe distances.
- At level crossings, never drive onto the crossing unless the road is clear on the other side. Obey flashing red lights.
- On tramways, avoid driving directly on top of rails and always give way to trams. Do not park where it would obstruct trams.
The Highway Code emphasizes that knowing and applying these rules can significantly reduce road casualties.
Highway Code Study Guide
Quiz
- What are the potential consequences of disobeying a rule in The Highway Code marked with "MUST/MUST NOT"?
- According to the Hierarchy of Road Users, which road users bear the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others?
- Where should pedestrians walk if no pavement is available?
- What must cyclists have lit on their cycles at night?
- Besides the rider, who else on a motorcycle MUST wear a protective helmet?
- What is the legal requirement regarding a driver's vision?
- When should headlights MUST be used?
- What is the minimum recommended safe distance to maintain from the vehicle in front in normal conditions?
- When can you drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line?
- At a pelican crossing, what must a driver do when the light is flashing amber?
- Disobeying a "MUST/MUST NOT" rule can result in criminal offenses, including fines, penalty points, driving disqualification, or even imprisonment.
- Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility, including drivers of large goods vehicles, passenger vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars, taxis, and motorcycles.
- If no pavement is available, pedestrians should keep to the right-hand side of the road to see oncoming traffic.
- At night, cycles MUST have white front and red rear lights lit, and a red rear reflector.
- Pillion passengers on a motorcycle MUST also wear a protective helmet.
- Drivers MUST be able to read a number plate from 20 meters and wear glasses or contact lenses if needed.
- Headlights MUST be used between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is seriously reduced.
- Maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle in front in normal conditions.
- You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its operating hours.
- At a pelican crossing with a flashing amber light, a driver MUST give way to pedestrians on the crossing.
- Discuss the importance of the Hierarchy of Road Users and explain how it aims to improve road safety for vulnerable road users.
- Compare and contrast the rules for pedestrians and cyclists regarding their use of pavements and cycle lanes.
- Explain the different legal requirements and consequences associated with "MUST/MUST NOT" rules versus advisory "should/should not" rules in The Highway Code.
- Analyze the key considerations and rules for drivers and motorcyclists regarding vehicle condition, fitness to drive, and avoiding distractions.
- Describe the essential rules and precautions to be taken when approaching and navigating different types of junctions, including roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
- The Highway Code: A comprehensive guide to safe and responsible road use in England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Hierarchy of Road Users: A principle in The Highway Code where those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.
- "MUST/MUST NOT": Indicates a legal requirement within The Highway Code. Disobeying these rules is a criminal offense.
- "should/should not": Indicates advisory rules or recommendations within The Highway Code. Non-compliance can be used as evidence in court.
- Pedestrian: A person walking along a road or in a developed area.
- Powered Wheelchair: A mobility aid vehicle operated by an electric motor.
- Mobility Scooter: A mobility aid vehicle, often for people with limited mobility, similar to a powered wheelchair but usually with a tiller for steering.
- Class 2 Vehicle: A powered wheelchair or mobility scooter capable of up to 4 mph, primarily for pavement use.
- Class 3 Vehicle: A powered wheelchair or mobility scooter capable of up to 8 mph, which can be used on roads and pavements.
- Cyclist: A person riding a bicycle.
- Motorcyclist: A person riding a motorcycle.
- Pillion Passenger: A passenger carried behind the rider on a motorcycle.
- DVLA: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (responsible for maintaining a register of drivers and vehicles in Great Britain).
- Stopping Distance: The total distance a vehicle travels from when the driver first sees a reason to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete standstill.
- Lane Markings: Lines painted on the road surface to guide and regulate traffic flow.
- Cycle Lane: A part of the road or a separate path designated for cyclists.
- Bus Lane: A lane on a road that is restricted to buses and other authorized vehicles during specific times.
- Box Junction: A junction marked with yellow cross-hatched lines, which a driver should not enter unless their exit is clear.
- Roundabout: A circular junction where traffic flows in one direction around a central island.
- Pedestrian Crossing: A designated place where pedestrians can cross a road, such as a zebra crossing or pelican crossing.
- Zebra Crossing: A pedestrian crossing marked with black and white stripes, where pedestrians have priority.
- Parallel Crossing: A crossing similar to a zebra crossing but also including a marked lane for cyclists.
- Pelican Crossing: A pedestrian crossing with traffic lights operated by pedestrians.
- Motorway: A high-speed road with restricted access for certain vehicles.
- Hard Shoulder: A lane at the side of a motorway or other road, intended for emergency use only.
- Level Crossing: A place where a railway line crosses a road at the same level.
- Tramway: A track on which trams run.
- Visibility Seriously Reduced: A condition where visibility is less than 100 meters due to factors like fog, mist, or heavy rain.