The road user and the law Road traffic law The following list can be found abbreviated throughout the Code. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide, but a guide to some of the important points of law. For the precise wording of the law, please refer to the various Acts and Regulations (as […]

Horse-drawn vehicles 47 Horse-drawn vehicles used on the highway should be operated and maintained in accordance with standards set out in the Department for Transport’s Code of Practice for Horse-Drawn Vehicles. This Code lays down the requirements for a road driving assessment and includes a comprehensive list of safety checks to ensure that a carriage […]

89 Vehicle condition. You MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (see ‘The road user and the law’). [Law RVLR regs 25 & 27] – The road user and the law Fitness to drive 90 Make sure that […]

These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the motorway section). See also ‘You and your bicycle’. – You and your bicycle 59 Clothing. You should wear a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened appropriate clothes for cycling. […]

This section should be read by all drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders. The rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance, but they advise you when you should give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident – Signals (103-112) […]

Road works 288 When the ‘Road Works Ahead’ sign is displayed, you will need to be more watchful and look for additional signs providing more specific instructions. Observe all signs – they are there for your safety and the safety of road workers. you MUST NOTexceed any temporary maximum speed limit use your mirrors and […]

159 Before moving off you should Use all mirrors to check the road is clear Look round to check the blind spots (the areas you are unable to see in the mirrors) Signal if necessary before moving out Look round for a final check Move off only when it is safe to do so 160 […]

– General rules (159-161) – Overtaking (162-169) – Road junctions (170-183) – Roundabouts (184-190) – Pedestrian crossings (191-199) – Reversing (200-203) Previous page / next page General advice (144-158) General rules (159-161)

General Guidance 1 Pavements (including any path along the side of a road) should be used if provided. Where possible, avoid being next to the kerb with your back to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. Always show due care and consideration for others. 2 If there […]

204 The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is particularly important to be aware of children, older and disabled people, and learner and inexperienced drivers and riders. Pedestrians 205 There is a risk of pedestrians, especially children, stepping unexpectedly into the road. You should drive with the safety of […]