Category: Highway Code

Introduction

Who The Highway Code is for, how it’s worded, the consequences of not following the rules, self-driving vehicles, and the hierarchy of road users (Rules H1 to H3). This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Rule H3: Wait for the cyclist to pass the junction […]

Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35)

Rules for pedestrians, including general guidance, crossing the road, crossings, and situations needing extra care. General guidance (rules 1 to 6)   Rule 1 Pavements and footways (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 [...]

Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (36 to 46)

Rules for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, including on pavements and on the road. (Called Invalid Carriages in law) Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (rules 36 to 37)   Rule 36 There is one class of manual wheelchair (called a Class 1 invalid carriage) and two classes of powered wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters. Manual [...]

Rules about animals (47 to 58)

Rules about animals, including horse-drawn vehicles, horse riders and other animals. Horse-drawn vehicles (rules 47 to 48)   Rule 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 [...]

Rules for cyclists (59 to 82)

Rules for cyclists, including an overview, road junctions, roundabouts and crossing the road. 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.   Overview (rules 59 to 72)   Rule 59 Clothing. You should avoid clothes that may get tangled in [...]

Rules for motorcyclists (83 to 88)

Rules for motorcyclists, including helmets, carrying passengers, daylight riding and riding in the dark. These Rules are in addition to those in the following sections which apply to all vehicles. See ‘Motorcycle licence requirements’.   General (rules 83 to 88)   Rule 83 On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter [...]

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists (89 to 102)

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists, including vehicle condition, fitness to drive, alcohol and drugs, what to do before setting off, vehicle towing and loading, and seat belts and child restraints.   Vehicle condition (rule 89)   Rule 89 Vehicle condition. You MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and [...]

General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)

Signals, stopping procedures, lighting, control of the vehicle, speed limits, stopping distances, lines and lane markings and multi-lane carriageways, smoking, mobile phones and sat nav. 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 [...]