The Highway Code

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The Highway Code Download: Traffic signs The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is an essential reading if you want to learn to drive. ts rules apply to all road users: pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, as well as !otorcyclists and drivers. "ast updated: # $arch %&'( ntroduction )ules for pedestrians *'+(#, )ules for users of powered wheelchairs and !o-ility scooters *(.+ /., )ules a-out ani!als */0+#1, )ules for cyclists *#2+1%, )ules for !otorcyclists *1(+11, )ules for drivers and !otorcyclists *12+'&%, General rules, techni3ues and advice for all drivers and riders *'&(+ '#1, 4sing the road *'#2+%&(, )oad users re3uiring e5tra care *%&/+%%#, Driving in adverse weather conditions *%%.+%(0, Waiting and par6ing *%(1+%#%, $otorways *%#(+%0(, 7rea6downs and incidents *%0/+%10, )oad wor6s, level crossings and tra!ways *%11+(&0, 8ou and your -icycle $otorcycle licence re3uire!ents $otor vehicle docu!entation and learner driver re3uire!ents The road user and the law 9enalties :ehicle !aintenance, safety and security ;irst aid on the road Safety code for new drivers <ther infor!ation Introduction
This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. The !ost vulnera-le road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disa-led people, cyclists, !otorcyclists and horse riders. t is i!portant that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as !uch as to drivers and riders. $any of the rules in the Code are legal re3uire!ents, and if you diso-ey these rules you are co!!itting a cri!inal offence. 8ou !ay -e fined, given penalty points on your licence or -e dis3ualified fro! driving. n the !ost serious cases you !ay -e sent to prison. Such rules are identified -y the use of the words =$4ST>$4ST ?<T@. n addition, the rule includes an a--reviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence. An e5planation of the a--reviations can -e found in BThe road user and the lawB. ;ailure to co!ply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to -e prosecuted. The Highway Code !ay -e used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts *see BThe road user and the lawB, to esta-lish lia-ility. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as =should>should not@ or =do>do not@. Cnowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the nu!-er of deaths and inDuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsi-ility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsi-ility. ;urther infor!ation on driving>riding techni3ues can -e found in =The <fficial DSA Guide to Driving + the essential s6ills@ and =The <fficial DSA Guide to )iding + the essential s6ills@. Rules for pedestrians (1-35) General guidance ' 9ave!ents *including any path along the side of a road, should -e used if provided. Where possi-le, avoid -eing ne5t to the 6er- with your -ac6 to the traffic. f you have to step into the road, loo6 -oth ways first. Always show due care and consideration for others. % f there is no pave!ent 6eep to the right+hand side of the road so that you can see onco!ing traffic. 8ou should ta6e e5tra care and
+-e prepared to wal6 in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light +6eep close to the side of the road t !ay -e safer to cross the road well -efore a sharp right+hand -end so that onco!ing traffic has a -etter chance of seeing you. Cross -ac6 after the -end. ( Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry so!ething light+ coloured, -right or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dar6, use reflective !aterials *e.g. ar!-ands, sashes, waistcoats, Dac6ets, footwear,, which can -e seen -y drivers using headlights up to three ti!es as far away as non+reflective !aterials.
/ 8oung children should not -e out alone on the pave!ent or road *see )ule 0,. When ta6ing children out, 6eep -etween the! and the traffic and hold their hands fir!ly. Strap very young children into push+chairs or use reins. When pushing a young child in a -uggy, do not push the -uggy into the road when chec6ing to see if it is clear to cross, particularly fro! -etween par6ed vehicles. # <rganised wal6s. "arge groups of people wal6ing together should use a pave!ent if availa-leE if one is not, they should 6eep to the left. "oo6+outs should -e positioned at the front and -ac6 of the group, and they should wear fluorescent clothes in daylight and reflective clothes in the dar6. At night, the loo6+out in front should show a white light and the one at the -ac6 a red light. 9eople on
the outside of large groups should also carry lights and wear reflective clothing. . $otorways. 9edestrians $4ST ?<T -e on !otorways or slip roads e5cept in an e!ergency *see )ules %0' and %0#,. F"aws )T)A sect '0, $T*EGW,) '21% as a!ended, reg '#*',*-, G $T*S,) reg '(H Crossing the road 0 The Green Cross Code. The advice given -elow on crossing the road is for all pedestrians. Children should -e taught the Code and should not -e allowed out alone until they can understand and use it properly. The age when they can do this is different for each child. $any children cannot Dudge how fast vehicles are going or how far away they are. Children learn -y e5a!ple, so parents and carers should always use the Code in full when out with their children. They are responsi-le for deciding at what age children can use it safely -y the!selves. A. ;irst find a safe place to cross and where there is space to reach the pave!ent on the other side. Where there is a crossing near-y, use it. t is safer to cross using a su-way, a foot-ridge, an island, a Ie-ra, pelican, toucan or puffin crossing, or where there is a crossing point controlled -y a police officer, a school crossing patrol or a traffic warden. <therwise choose a place where you can see clearly in all directions. Try to avoid crossing -etween par6ed cars *see )ule '/,, on a -lind -end, or close to the -row of a hill. $ove to a space where drivers and riders can see you clearly. Do not cross the road diagonally.
7. Stop Dust -efore you get to the 6er-, where you can see if anything is co!ing. Do not get too close to the traffic. f there@s no pave!ent, 6eep -ac6 fro! the edge of the road -ut !a6e sure you can still see approaching traffic. C. "oo6 all around for traffic and listen. Traffic could co!e fro! any direction. "isten as well, -ecause you can so!eti!es hear traffic -efore you see it. D. f traffic is co!ing, let it pass. "oo6 all around again and listen. Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic and you are certain that there is plenty of ti!e. )e!e!-er, even if traffic is a long way off, it !ay -e approaching very 3uic6ly. E. When it is safe, go straight across the road J do not run. Ceep loo6ing and listening for traffic while you cross, in case there is any traffic you did not see, or in case other traffic appears suddenly. "oo6 out for cyclists and !otorcyclists travelling -etween lanes of traffic. Do not wal6 diagonally across the road. 1 At a Dunction. When crossing the road, loo6 out for traffic turning into the road, especially fro! -ehind you. f you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way *see )ule '0&,. 2 9edestrian Safety 7arriers. Where there are -arriers, cross the road only at the gaps provided for pedestrians. Do not cli!- over the -arriers or wal6 -etween the! and the road.
'& Tactile paving. )aised surfaces that can -e felt underfoot provide warning and guidance to -lind or partially sighted people. The two !ost co!!on surfaces are raised studs and rounded raised -ars. A series of raised studs are used at crossing points with a dropped 6er-. A series of rounded raised -ars are used at level crossings, at the top and -otto! of steps and at so!e other haIards. '' <ne+way streets. Chec6 which way the traffic is !oving. Do not cross until it is safe to do so without stopping. 7us and cycle lanes !ay operate in the opposite direction to the rest of the traffic. '% 7us and cycle lanes. Ta6e care when crossing these lanes as traffic !ay -e !oving faster than in the other lanes, or against the flow of traffic. '( )outes shared with cyclists. So!e cycle trac6s run alongside footpaths or pave!ents, using a segregating feature to separate cyclists fro! people on foot. Segregated routes !ay also incorporate short lengths of tactile paving to help visually i!paired people stay on the correct side. <n the pedestrian side this will co!prise a series of flat+topped -ars running across the direction of travel *ladder pattern,. <n the cyclist side the sa!e -ars are orientated in the direction of travel *tra!line pattern,. ?ot all routes which are shared with cyclists are segregated. Ta6e e5tra care where this is so *see )ule .%,. '/ 9ar6ed vehicles. f you have to cross -etween par6ed vehicles, use the outside edges of the vehicles as if they were the 6er-. Stop there and !a6e sure you can see all around and that the traffic can see you. $a6e sure there is a gap -etween any par6ed vehicles on the other side, so you can reach the pave!ent. ?ever cross the road in front of, or -ehind, any vehicle with its engine running, especially a large vehicle, as the driver !ay not -e a-le to see you. '# )eversing vehicles. ?ever cross -ehind a vehicle which is reversing, showing white reversing lights or sounding a warning. '.
$oving vehicles. 8ou $4ST ?<T get onto or hold onto a !oving vehicle. F"aw )TA '211 sect %.H '0 At night. Wear so!ething reflective to !a6e it easier for others to see you *see )ule (,. f there is no pedestrian crossing near-y, cross the road near a street light so that traffic can see you !ore easily. Crossings '1 At all crossings. When using any type of crossing you should +always chec6 that the traffic has stopped -efore you start to cross or push a pra! onto a crossing +always cross -etween the studs or over the Ie-ra !ar6ings. Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the Iig+Iag lines, as it can -e dangerous 8ou $4ST ?<T loiter on any type of crossing. F"aws K999C)GD reg '2 G )T)A sect %#*#,H '2 Ke-ra crossings. Give traffic plenty of ti!e to see you and to stop -efore you start to cross. :ehicles will need !ore ti!e when the road is slippery. Wait until traffic has stopped fro! -oth directions or the road is clear -efore crossing. )e!e!-er that traffic does not have to stop until so!eone has !oved onto the crossing. Ceep loo6ing -oth ways, and listening, in case a driver or rider has not seen you and atte!pts to overta6e a vehicle that has stopped.
%& Where there is an island in the !iddle of a Ie-ra crossing, wait on the island and follow )ule '2 -efore you cross the second half of the road J it is a separate crossing.
%' At traffic lights. There !ay -e special signals for pedestrians. 8ou should only start to cross the road when the green figure shows. f you have started to cross the road and the green figure goes out, you should still have ti!e to reach the other side, -ut do not delay. f no pedestrian signals have -een provided, watch carefully and do not cross until the traffic lights are red and the traffic has stopped. Ceep loo6ing and chec6 for traffic that !ay -e turning the corner. )e!e!-er that traffic lights !ay let traffic !ove in so!e lanes while traffic in other lanes has stopped.
%% 9elican crossings. These are signal+controlled crossings operated -y pedestrians. 9ush the control -utton to activate the traffic signals. When the red figure shows, do not cross. When a steady green figure shows, chec6 the traffic has stopped then cross with care. When the green figure -egins to flash you should not start to cross. f you have already started you should have ti!e to finish crossing safely. %( 9uffin crossings differ fro! pelican crossings as the red and green figures are a-ove the control -o5 on your side of the road and there is no flashing green figure phase. 9ress the -utton and wait for the green figure to show. %/ When the road is congested, traffic on your side of the road !ay -e forced to stop even though their lights are green. Traffic !ay still -e !oving on the other side of the road, so press the -utton and wait for the signal to cross. %# Toucan crossings are light+controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the sa!e ti!e. They are push+-utton operated. 9edestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are per!itted to ride across.
%. At so!e crossings there is a -leeping sound or voice signal to indicate to -lind or partially sighted people when the steady green figure is showing, and there !ay -e a tactile signal to help deaf-lind people. %0 E3uestrian crossings are for horse riders. They have pave!ent -arriers, wider crossing spaces, horse and rider figures in the light panels and either two sets of controls *one higher,, or Dust one higher control panel.
%1
=Staggered@ pelican or puffin crossings. When the crossings on each
side of the central refuge are not in line they are two separate crossings. <n reaching the central island, press the -utton again and wait for a steady green figure.
%2 Crossings controlled -y an authorised person. Do not cross the road unless you are signalled to do so -y a police officer, traffic warden or school crossing patrol. Always cross in front of the!. (& Where there are no controlled crossing points availa-le it is advisa-le to cross where there is an island in the !iddle of the road. 4se the Green Cross Code *see )ule 0, to cross to the island and then stop and use it again to cross the second half of the road. Situations needing e5tra care (' E!ergency vehicles. f an a!-ulance, fire engine, police or other e!ergency vehicle approaches using flashing -lue lights, headlights and>or sirens, 6eep off the road. (% 7uses. Get on or off a -us only when it has stopped to allow you to do so. Watch out for cyclists when you are getting off. ?ever cross the road directly -ehind or in front of a -us. Wait until it has !oved off and you can see clearly in -oth directions. (( Tra!ways. These !ay run through pedestrian areas. Their path will -e !ar6ed out -y shallow 6er-s, changes in the paving or other road surface, white lines or yellow dots. Cross at designated crossings where provided. Elsewhere treat tra!s as you would other road vehicles and loo6 -oth ways along the trac6 -efore crossing. Do not wal6 along the trac6 as tra!s !ay co!e up -ehind you. Tra!s !ove 3uietly and cannot steer to avoid you.
(/ )ailway level crossings. 8ou $4ST ?<T cross or pass a stop line when the red lights show, *including a red pedestrian figure,. Also do not cross if an alar! is sounding or the -arriers are -eing lowered. The tone of the alar! !ay change if another train is approaching. f there are no lights, alar!s or -arriers, stop, loo6 -oth ways and listen -efore crossing. A tactile surface co!prising rounded -ars running across the direction of pedestrian travel !ay -e installed on the footpath approaching a level crossing to warn visually i!paired people of its presence. The tactile surface should e5tend across the full width of the footway and should -e located at an appropriate distance fro! the -arrier or proDected line of the -arrier. F"aw TS)GD, reg #%H (# Street and pave!ent repairs. A pave!ent !ay -e closed te!porarily -ecause it is not safe to use. Ta6e e5tra care if you are directed to wal6 in or to cross the road. Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and scooters (3"-#") (. There is one class of !anual wheelchair *called a Class ' invalid carriage, and two classes of powered wheelchairs and powered !o-ility scooters. $anual wheelchairs and Class % vehicles are those with an upper speed li!it of / !ph *. 6!>h, and are designed to -e used on pave!ents. Class ( vehicles are those with an upper speed li!it of 1 !ph *'% 6!>h, and are e3uipped to -e used on the road as well as the pave!ent. (0 When you are on the road you should o-ey the guidance and rules for other vehiclesE when on the pave!ent you should follow the guidance and rules for pedestrians. <n pave!ents *(1+/&, (1 9ave!ents are safer than roads and should -e used when availa-le. 8ou should give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pave!ent users, particularly those with a hearing or visual i!pair!ent who !ay not -e aware that you are there. o!ility
(2 9owered wheelchairs and scooters $4ST ?<T travel faster than / !ph *. 6!>h, on pave!ents or in pedestrian areas. 8ou !ay need to reduce your speed to adDust to other pave!ent users who !ay not -e a-le to !ove out of your way 3uic6ly enough or where the pave!ent is too narrow. F"aw 4 CH) '211 reg /H /& When !oving off the pave!ent onto the road, you should ta6e special care. 7efore !oving off, always loo6 round and !a6e sure it@s safe to Doin the traffic. Always try to use dropped 6er-s when !oving off the pave!ent, even if this !eans travelling further to locate one. f you have to cli!- or descend a 6er-, always approach it at right angles and don@t try to negotiate a 6er- higher than the vehicle !anufacturer@s reco!!endations. $n the road /' 8ou should ta6e care when travelling on the road as you !ay -e travelling !ore slowly than other traffic *your !achine is restricted to 1 !ph *'% 6!>h, and !ay -e less visi-le,. /% When on the road, Class ( vehicles should travel in the direction of the traffic. Class % users should always use the pave!ent when it is availa-le. When there is no pave!ent, you should use caution when on the road. Class % users should, where possi-le, travel in the direction of the traffic. f you are travelling at night when lights $4ST -e used, you should travel in the direction of the traffic to avoid confusing other road users. F"aw 4 CH) '211 reg 2H /( 8ou $4ST follow the sa!e rules a-out using lights, indicators and horns as for other road vehicles, if your vehicle is fitted with the!. At night, lights $4ST -e used. 7e aware that other road users !ay not see you and you should !a6e yourself !ore visi-le + in the dayti!e and also at dus6. ;or instance, -y wearing a reflective Dac6et or reflective strips on the -ac6 of the vehicle.
F"aw 4 CH) '211 reg 2H // Ta6e e5tra care at road Dunctions. When going straight ahead, chec6 to !a6e sure there are no vehicles a-out to cross your path fro! the left, the right, or overta6ing you and turning left. There are several options for dealing with right turns, especially turning fro! a !aDor road. f !oving into the !iddle of the road is difficult or dangerous, you can stop on the left+hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic negotiate the turn as a pedestrian, i.e. travel along the pave!ent and cross the road -etween pave!ents where it is safe to do so. Class ( users should switch the vehicle to the lower speed li!it when on pave!ents f the Dunction is too haIardous, it !ay -e worth considering an alternative route. Si!ilarly, when negotiating !aDor rounda-outs *i.e. with two or !ore lanes, it !ay -e safer for you to use the pave!ent or find a route which avoids the rounda-out altogether. /# All nor!al par6ing restrictions should -e o-served. 8our vehicle should not -e left unattended if it causes an o-struction to other pedestrians + especially those in wheelchairs. 9ar6ing concessions provided under the 7lue 7adge sche!e *see B<ther infor!ationB, will apply to those vehicles displaying a valid -adge. $ther infor /. These vehicles $4ST ?<T -e used on !otorways *see )ule %#(,. They should not -e used on unrestricted dual carriageways where the speed li!it e5ceeds #& !ph *1& 6!>h, -ut if they are used on these dual carriageways, they $4ST have a flashing a!-er -eacon. A flashing a!-er -eacon should -e used on all other dual carriageways *see )ule %%&,. F"aws )T)A sect '0*%, G *(,, G ):") reg '0*', G %.H Horse-drawn %ehicles ation
#& Horse+drawn vehicles used on the highway should -e operated and !aintained in accordance with standards set out in the Depart!ent for Transport@s Code of 9ractice for Horse+Drawn :ehicles. This Code lays down the re3uire!ents for a road driving assess!ent and includes a co!prehensive list of safety chec6s to ensure that a carriage and its fittings are safe and in good wor6ing order. The standards set out in the )oad Driving Assess!ent !ay -e re3uired to -e !et -y a local authority if an operator wishes to o-tain a local authority licence to operate a passenger+carrying service *see B<ther infor!ationB,.
<ther infor!ation
#' Safety e3uip!ent and clothing. All horse+drawn vehicles should have two red rear reflectors. t is safer not to drive at night -ut if you do, a light showing white to the front and red to the rear ()*T -e fitted. +,aw R-,R 1.'. reg #/
Horse riders #. Safety e3uip!ent. Children under the age of '/ ()*T wear a hel!et which co!plies with the )egulations. t ()*T -e fastened securely. <ther riders should also follow these re3uire!ents. These re3uire!ents do not apply to a child who is a follower of the Si6h religion while wearing a tur-an. +,aws H(0H1R) 2ct 1..34 sect 1 5 H(0H1R) Regulations 1..64 reg 3/ 53 <ther clothing. 8ou should wear
-oots or shoes with hard soles and heels light+coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight reflective clothing if you have to ride at night or in poor
visi-ility
51 At night. t is safer not to ride on the road at night or in poor visi-ility, -ut if you do, !a6e sure you wear reflective clothing and your horse has reflective -ands a-ove the fetloc6 Doints. A light which shows white to the front and red to the rear should -e fitted, with a -and, to the rider@s right ar! and>or leg>riding -oot. f you are leading a horse at night, carry a light in your right hand, showing white to the front and red to the rear, and wear reflective clothing on -oth you and your horse. t is strongly reco!!ended that a fluorescent>reflective tail guard is also worn -y your horse. Riding 56 7efore you ta6e a horse on to a road, you should
ensure all tac6 fits well and is in good condition !a6e sure you can control the horse
Always ride with other, less nervous horses if you thin6 that your horse will -e nervous of traffic. ?ever ride a horse without -oth a saddle and -ridle. 53 7efore riding off or turning, loo6 -ehind you to !a6e sure it is safe, then give a clear ar! signal. When riding on the road you should
6eep to the left 6eep -oth hands on the reins unless you are signalling 6eep -oth feet in the stirrups not carry another person not carry anything which !ight affect your -alance or get tangled up with the reins 6eep a horse you are leading to your left !ove in the direction of the traffic flow in a one+way street never ride !ore than two a-reast, and ride in single file on narrow or -usy roads and when riding round -ends

5# 8ou ()*T 7$T ta6e a horse onto a footpath or pave!ent, and you should not ta6e a horse onto a cycle trac6. 4se a -ridleway where possi-le. E3uestrian crossings !ay -e provided for horse riders to cross the road and you should use these where availa-le *see )ule %0,. 8ou should dis!ount at level crossings where a =horse rider dis!ount@ sign is displayed. +,aws H2 1'35 sect &64 R(*)2 1.'#4 sect 16.(5)/
)ules for pedestrians *'+(#,
55 Avoid rounda-outs wherever possi-le. f you use the! you should

6eep to the left and watch out for vehicles crossing your path
to leave or Doin the rounda-out signal right when riding across e5its to show you are not leaving signal left Dust -efore you leave the rounda-out $ther ani 5" Dogs. Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Ceep it on a short lead when wal6ing on the pave!ent, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders. 5& When in a vehicle !a6e sure dogs or other ani!als are suita-ly als
restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or inDure you, or the!selves, if you stop 3uic6ly. A seat -elt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining ani!als in cars. 5' Ani!als -eing herded. These should -e 6ept under control at all ti!es. 8ou should, if possi-le, send another person along the road in front to warn other road users, especially at a -end or the -row of a hill. t is safer not to !ove ani!als after dar6, -ut if you do, then wear reflective clothing and ensure that lights are carried *white at the front and red at the rear of the herd,. Rules for cyclists (5.-'6) These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles *e5cept the !otorway section,. See also B8ou and your -icycleB.
8ou and your -icycle
5. Clothing. 8ou should wear

a cycle hel!et which confor!s to current regulations, is the
correct siIe and securely fastened appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which !ay get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or !ay o-scure your lights light+coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light reflective clothing and>or accessories *-elt, ar! or an6le -ands, in the dar6
"3 At night your cycle ()*T have white front and red rear lights lit. t ()*T also -e fitted with a red rear reflector *and a!-er pedal reflectors, if !anufactured after '>'&>1#,. White front reflectors and spo6e reflectors will also help you to -e seen. ;lashing lights are per!itted -ut it is reco!!ended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front la!p. +,aw R-,R regs 134 1' 5 6#)/ "1 Cycle )outes and <ther ;acilities. 4se cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle -o5es and toucan crossings unless at the ti!e it is unsafe to do so. 4se of these facilities is not co!pulsory and will depend on your e5perience and s6ills, -ut they can !a6e your Dourney safer. "6 Cycle Trac6s. These are nor!ally located away fro! the road, -ut !ay occasionally -e found alongside footpaths or pave!ents. Cyclists and pedestrians !ay -e segregated or they !ay share the sa!e space *unsegregated,. When using segregated trac6s you ()*T 6eep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side re!ains a pave!ent or footpath. Ta6e care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disa-led people, and allow the! plenty of roo!. Always -e prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Ta6e care near road Dunctions as you !ay have difficulty seeing other road users, who !ight not notice you.
+,aw H2 1'35 sect &6/ "3 Cycle "anes. These are !ar6ed -y a white line *which !ay -e -ro6en, along the carriageway *see )ule '/&,. Ceep within the lane when practica-le. When leaving a cycle lane chec6 -efore pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. 4se of cycle lanes is not co!pulsory and will depend on your e5perience and s6ills, -ut they can !a6e your Dourney safer.
$ulti+lane carriageways *'((+'/(,
"# 8ou ()*T 7$T cycle on a pave!ent. +,aws H2 1'35 sect &6 5 R(*)2 1.'#4 sect 16./ "5 7us "anes. $ost -us lanes !ay -e used -y cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a -us. 7e very careful when overta6ing a -us or leaving a -us lane as you will -e entering a -usier traffic flow. Do not pass -etween the 6er- and a -us when it is at a stop. "" 8ou should
6eep -oth hands on the handle-ars e5cept when signalling or
changing gear 6eep -oth feet on the pedals never ride !ore than two a-reast, and ride in single file on narrow or -usy roads and when riding round -ends not ride close -ehind another vehicle not carry anything which will affect your -alance or !ay get tangled up with your wheels or chain -e considerate of other road users, particularly -lind and partially sighted pedestrians. "et the! 6now you are there when necessary, for e5a!ple, -y ringing your -ell if you have one. t is reco!!ended that a -ell -e fitted
"& 8ou should

loo6 all around -efore !oving away fro! the 6er-, turning or
!anoeuvring, to !a6e sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do *see BSignals to other road usersB, loo6 well ahead for o-structions in the road, such as drains, pot+holes and par6ed vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid the!. "eave plenty of roo! when passing par6ed vehicles and watch out for doors -eing opened or pedestrians stepping into your path -e aware of traffic co!ing up -ehind you ta6e e5tra care near road hu!ps, narrowings and other traffic cal!ing features ta6e care when overta6ing *see )ules '.%+'.2, window
Download BSignals to other road usersB *9D;, '&&C,<pens new Help with 9D; files <verta6ing *'.%+'.2,
"' 8ou ()*T 7$T

carry a passenger unless your cycle has -een -uilt or adapted
to carry one hold onto a !oving vehicle or trailer ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate !anner ride when under the influence of drin6 or drugs, including !edicine +,aw RT2 1.'' sects 6#4 6"4 6'4 6. 5 33 as a 1..1/ ". 8ou ()*T o-ey all traffic signs and traffic light signals. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 reg 13(1)/ &3 When par6ing your cycle ended !y RT2
find a conspicuous location where it can -e seen -y passers+-y use cycle stands or other cycle par6ing facilities wherever
possi-le do not leave it where it would cause an o-struction or haIard to other road users secure it well so that it will not fall over and -eco!e an o-struction or haIard &1 8ou ()*T 7$T cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. So!e Dunctions have an advanced stop line to ena-le you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic *see )ule '01,. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 3"(1)/ Road 9unctions &6 <n the left. When approaching a Dunction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Lust -efore you turn, chec6 for underta6ing cyclists or !otorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left. &3 9ay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of roo! to !anoeuvre at corners. 7e aware that drivers !ay not see you. They !ay have to !ove over to the right -efore turning left. Wait until they have co!pleted the !anoeuvre -ecause the rear wheels co!e very close to the 6er- while turning. Do not -e te!pted to ride in the space -etween the! and the 6er-. &# <n the right. f you are turning right, chec6 the traffic to ensure it is safe, then signal and !ove to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the onco!ing traffic and give a final loo6 -efore co!pleting the turn. t !ay -e safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dis!ount and push your cycle across the road.
&5 Dual carriageways. )e!e!-er that traffic on !ost dual carriageways !oves 3uic6ly. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn. Ta6e e5tra care when crossing slip roads. &" ;ull details a-out the correct procedure at rounda-outs are contained in )ules '1/J'2&. )ounda-outs can -e haIardous and should -e approached with care.
Rounda!outs && 8ou !ay feel safer wal6ing your cycle round on the pave!ent or verge. f you decide to ride round 6eeping to the left+hand lane you should
-e aware that drivers !ay not easily see you ta6e e5tra care when cycling across e5its. 8ou !ay need to
signal right to show you are not leaving the rounda-out watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or Doin the rounda-out &' Give plenty of roo! to long vehicles on the rounda-out as they need !ore space to !anoeuvre. Do not ride in the space they need to get round the rounda-out. t !ay -e safer to wait until they have cleared the rounda-out.
Crossing the road &. Do not ride across e3uestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or Ie-ra crossing. Dis!ount and wheel your cycle across.
'3 Toucan crossings. These are light+controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the sa!e ti!e. They are push+-utton operated. 9edestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are per!itted to ride across. '1 Cycle+only crossings. Cycle trac6s on opposite sides of the road !ay -e lin6ed -y signalled crossings. 8ou !ay ride across -ut you ()*T 7$T cross until the green cycle sy!-ol is showing. +,aw T*RG8 regs 33(6) 5 3"(1)/ '6 "evel crossings>Tra!ways. Ta6e e5tra care when crossing the trac6s *see )ule (&.,. 8ou should dis!ount at level crossings where a =cyclist dis!ount@ sign is displayed. Rules for General '3 <n all Dourneys, the rider and pillion passenger on a !otorcycle, scooter or !oped ()*T wear a protective hel!et. This does not apply to a follower of the Si6h religion while wearing a tur-an. Hel!ets ()*T co!ply with the )egulations and they ()*T -e fastened securely. )iders and passengers of !otor tricycles and 3uadricycles, also called 3uad-i6es, should also wear a protective hel!et. 7efore each Dourney chec6 that your hel!et visor is clean and in good condition. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 1" 5 1& 5 (C(0H)R as a #/ '# t is also advisa-le to wear eye protectors, which ()*T co!ply with the )egulations. Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors can ended reg otorcyclists ('3-'')
li!it your view when riding, particularly in -right sunshine and the hours of dar6ness. Consider wearing ear protection. Strong -oots, gloves and suita-le clothing !ay help to protect you if you are involved in a collision. +,aws RT2 sect 1' 5 (C(:0)R as a '5 8ou ()*T 7$T carry !ore than one pillion passenger who ()*T sit astride the !achine on a proper seat. They should face forward with -oth feet on the footrests. 8ou ()*T 7$T carry a pillion passenger unless your !otor cycle is designed to do so. 9rovisional licence holders ()*T 7$T carry a pillion passenger. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 634 (-(8,)R 1... reg 1"(") 5 C)R 1.'" reg 136/ '" Daylight riding. $a6e yourself as visi-le as possi-le fro! the side as well as the front and rear. 8ou could wear a light or -rightly coloured hel!et and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, !ay also !a6e you !ore conspicuous. However, -e aware that other vehicle drivers !ay still not have seen you, or Dudged your distance or speed correctly, especially at Dunctions. ended reg #/
'& )iding in the dar6. Wear reflective clothing or strips to i!prove your visi-ility in the dar6. These reflect light fro! the headla!ps of
other vehicles, !a6ing you visi-le fro! a longer distance. See )ules ''(J''. for lighting re3uire!ents.
"ighting re3uire!ents *''(+''.,
'' $anoeuvring. 8ou should -e aware of what is -ehind and to the sides -efore !anoeuvring. "oo6 -ehind youE use !irrors if they are fitted. When in traffic 3ueues loo6 out for pedestrians crossing -etween vehicles and vehicles e!erging fro! Dunctions or changing lanes. 9osition yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their !irrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow+!oving traffic, ta6e care and 6eep your speed low. )e!e!-er: <-servation J Signal J $anoeuvre Rules for dri%ers and '. :ehicle condition. 8ou ()*T ensure your vehicle and trailer co!ply with the full re3uire!ents of the )oad :ehicles *Construction and 4se, )egulations and )oad :ehicles "ighting )egulations *see BThe road user and the lawB,. ;itness to dri%e .3 $a6e sure that you are fit to drive. 8ou ()*T report to the Driver and :ehicle "icensing Agency *D:"A, any health condition li6ely to affect your driving. +,aw RT2 1.'' sect .#/ .1 Driving when you are tired greatly increases your ris6 of collision. To !ini!ise this ris6
!a6e sure you are fit to drive. Do not -egin a Dourney if you
otorcyclists ('.-136)
are tired. Get a good night@s sleep -efore e!-ar6ing on a long Dourney avoid underta6ing long Dourneys -etween !idnight and . a!, when natural alertness is at a !ini!u!
plan your Dourney to ta6e sufficient -rea6s. A !ini!u! -rea6
of at least '# !inutes after every two hours of driving is reco!!ended if you feel at all sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a !otorway the !ost effective ways to counter sleepiness are to drin6, for e5a!ple, two cups of caffeinated coffee and to ta6e a short nap *at least '# !inutes, .6 :ision. 8ou ()*T -e a-le to read a vehicle nu!-er plate, in good daylight, fro! a distance of %& !etres *or %&.# !etres where the old style nu!-er plate is used,. f you need to wear glasses *or contact lenses, to do this, you ()*T wear the! at all ti!es while driving. The police have the power to re3uire a driver to underta6e an eyesight test. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect ." 5 (-(8,)R reg #3 5 sch '/ .3 Slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are daIIled -y -right sunlight. .# At night or in poor visi-ility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision. 2lcohol and drugs .5 Do not drin6 and drive as it will seriously affect your Dudge!ent and a-ilities. 8ou ()*T 7$T drive with a -reath alcohol level higher than (# !icrogra!!es>'&& !illilitres of -reath or a -lood alcohol level of !ore than 1& !illigra!!es>'&& !illilitres of -lood. Alcohol will

give a false sense of confidence reduce co+ordination and slow down reactions affect Dudge!ent of speed, distance and ris6 reduce your driving a-ility, even if you@re -elow the legal li!it
ta6e ti!e to leave your -odyE you !ay -e unfit to drive in the
evening after drin6ing at lunchti!e, or in the !orning after drin6ing the previous evening The -est solution is not to drin6 at all when planning to drive -ecause any a!ount of alcohol affects your a-ility to drive safely. f you are going to drin6, arrange another !eans of transport. +,aw RT2 1.'' sects #4 5 5 11(6)/ ." 8ou ()*T 7$T drive under the influence of drugs or !edicine. Chec6 the instructions or as6 your doctor or phar!acist. 4sing illegal drugs is highly dangerous. ?ever ta6e the! if you intend to driveE the effects are unpredicta-le, -ut can -e even !ore severe than alcohol and !ay result in fatal or serious road crashes. +,aw RT2 1.'' sect #/ .& 7efore setting off. 8ou should ensure that
you have planned your route and allowed sufficient ti!e clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in
the correct !anner you 6now where all the controls are and how to use the! -efore you need the!. ?ot all vehicles are the sa!eE do not wait until it is too late to find out your !irrors and seat are adDusted correctly to ensure co!fort, full control and !a5i!u! vision head restraints are properly adDusted to reduce the ris6 of nec6 and spine inDuries in the event of a collision you have sufficient fuel -efore co!!encing your Dourney, especially if it includes !otorway driving. t can -e dangerous to lose power when driving in traffic ensure your vehicle is legal and roadworthy switch off your !o-ile phone
.' :ehicle towing and loading. As a driver

you ()*T 7$T tow !ore than your licence per!its. f you
passed a car test after ' Lan '220 you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow you ()*T 7$T overload your vehicle or trailer. 8ou should not tow a weight greater than that reco!!ended -y the !anufacturer of your vehicle you ()*T secure your load and it ()*T 7$T stic6 out dangerously. $a6e sure any heavy or sharp o-Dects and any ani!als are secured safely. f there is a collision, they !ight hit so!eone inside the vehicle and cause serious inDury you should properly distri-ute the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy ite!s !ainly over the a5le*s, and ensure a downward load on the tow -all. $anufacturer@s reco!!ended weight and tow -all load should not -e e5ceeded. This should avoid the possi-ility of swerving or sna6ing and going out of control. f this does happen, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control carrying a load or pulling a trailer !ay re3uire you to adDust the headlights
n the event of a -rea6down, -e aware that towing a vehicle on a tow rope is potentially dangerous. 8ou should consider professional recovery. +,aws C)R reg 133 5 (-(8,)R reg #3/
*eat !elts and child restraints .. 8ou ()*T wear a seat -elt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted *see ta-le -elow,. Adults, and children aged '/ years and over, ()*T use a seat -elt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in !ini-uses, -uses and coaches. E5e!ptions are allowed for the holders of !edical e5e!ption certificates and those !a6ing deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than #& !etres *appro5 '.% feet,. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 1# 5 154 (-(<*=)R4 (-(<*=C;*)R 5 (-(<*=)(2)R/ Seat 7elt )e3uire!ents. This ta-le su!!arises the !ain legal re3uire!ents for wearing seat -elts in cars, vans and other goods vehicles ;ront seat Seat -elt ()*T -e worn if fitted Correct child restraint ()*T -e used Rear seat <ho is responsi !le>
Driver
Driver
Child under ( years of age
Correct child restraint ()*T -e used. f one is not Driver availa-le in a ta5i, !ay travel unrestrained. Correct child restraint ()*T Driver -e used where seat -elts fitted. ()*T use adult -elt if correct child restraint is not availa-le in a licensed ta5i or private hire vehicle, or for reasons of une5pected necessity over a short distance, or if two occupied
Child fro! (rd Correct -irthday up to child '.(# !etres in restraint height *or '%th ()*T -e used -irthday, whichever they reach first,
restraints prevent fit!ent of a third. Child over '.(# Adult !etres seat -elt *appro5 /ft Adult seat -elt ()*T -e worn ()*T -e Driver #ins, in height if availa-le worn if or '% or '( availa-le years Adult passengers aged '/ and over '&& The driver $4ST ensure that all children under '/ years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat -elts or sit in an approved child restraint where re3uired *see ta-le a-ove,. f a child is under '.(# !etres *appro5 / feet # inches, tall, a -a-y seat, child seat, -ooster seat or -ooster cushion $4ST -e used suita-le for the child@s weight and fitted to the !anufacturer@s instructions. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 1# 5 154 (-(<*=)R4 (-(<*=C;*)R 5 (-(<*=)(2)R/ Seat -elt Seat -elt ()*T -e worn ()*T -e worn if if availa-le availa-le
9assenger
131 A rear+facing -a-y seat ()*T 7$T -e fitted into a seat protected -y an active frontal air-ag, as in a crash it can cause serious inDury
or death to the child. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 1# 5 154 (-(<*=)R4 (-(<*=C;*)R 5 (-(<*=)(2)R/ 136 Children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles. Drivers who are carrying children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles should also ensure that
children should get into the vehicle through the door nearest
the 6erchild restraints are properly fitted to !anufacturer@s instructions children do not sit -ehind the rear seats in an estate car or hatch-ac6, unless a special child seat has -een fitted the child safety door loc6s, where fitted, are used when children are in the vehicle children are 6ept under control
General rules4 techni?ues and ad%ice for all dri%ers and riders (133-15') This section should -e read -y all drivers, !otorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders. The rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circu!stance, -ut they advise you when you should give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident. 133 Signals warn and infor! other road users, including pedestrians *see BSignals to other road usersB,, of your intended actions. 8ou should always
give clear signals in plenty of ti!e, having chec6ed it is
not !isleading to signal at that ti!e use the! to advise other road users -efore changing course or direction, stopping or !oving off cancel the! after use !a6e sure your signals will not confuse others. f, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. f you signal earlier it !ay give the i!pression that you intend to turn into the road. 8our -ra6e
lights will warn traffic -ehind you that you are slowing down use an ar! signal to e!phasise or reinforce your signal if necessary. )e!e!-er that signalling does not give you priority
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13# 8ou should also

watch out for signals given -y other road users and proceed
only when you are satisfied that it is safe -e aware that an indicator on another vehicle !ay not have -een cancelled 135 8ou ()*T o-ey signals given -y police officers, traffic officers, traffic wardens *see BSignals -y authorised personsB, and signs used -y school crossing patrols. +,aws RTR2 sect 6'4 RT2 1.'' sect 354 T(2 633# sect "4 5 ;T<$ art 3/
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13" 9olice stopping procedures. f the police want to stop your vehicle they will, where possi-le, attract your attention -y
flashing -lue lights, headlights or sounding their siren or horn,
usually fro! -ehind directing you to pull over to the side -y pointing and>or using the left indicator 8ou ()*T then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. +,aw RT2 1.'' sect 1"3/
$ther stopping procedures 13& :ehicle G <perator Services Agency <fficers have powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including !otorways and trun6 roads, in England and Wales. They will attract your attention -y flashing a!-er lights
either fro! the front re3uesting you to follow the! to a safe
place to stop or fro! -ehind directing you to pull over to the side -y pointing and>or using the left indicator t is an offence not to co!ply with their directions. 8ou ()*T o-ey any signals given *see BSignals -y authorised personsB,. +,aws RT2 1.''4 sect "&4 5 0R2 63364 sect #1 5 sched 5(')/
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13' Highways Agency Traffic <fficers have powers to stop vehicles on !ost !otorways and so!e =A@ class roads, in England only. f HA traffic officers in unifor! want to stop your vehicle on safety grounds *e.g. an insecure load, they will, where possi-le, attract your attention -y
flashing a!-er lights, usually fro! -ehind directing you to pull over to the side -y pointing and>or using
the left indicator 8ou ()*T then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. t is an offence not to co!ply with their directions *see BSignals -y authorised personsB,. +,aw RT21.''4 sects 35 51"3 as a sect "/ new window
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ended !y T(2 633#4
13. Traffic light signals and traffic signs. 8ou ()*T o-ey all traffic light signals *see B"ight signals controlling trafficB, and traffic signs giving orders, including te!porary signals and signs *see BSigns giving ordersB, BWarning signsB, BDirection signsB,. $a6e sure you 6now, understand and act on all other traffic and infor!ation signs and road !ar6ings *see BSigns giving ordersB, BWarning signsB, BDirection signsB, B nfor!ation signsB, B)oad !ar6ingsB and B:ehicle !ar6ingsB,. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 134 154 1"4 654 6"4 6&4 6'4 6.4 3"4 3' 5 #3/
Signs and !ar6ings
113 ;lashing headlights. <nly flash your headlights to let other road users 6now that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other !essage or inti!idate other road users. 111 ?ever assu!e that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. 4se your own Dudge!ent and proceed carefully. 116 The horn. 4se only while your vehicle is !oving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. ?ever sound your horn aggressively. 8ou ()*T 7$T use your horn
while stationary on the road when driving in a -uilt+up area -etween the hours of ''.(& p!
and 0.&& a! e5cept when another road user poses a danger. +,aw C)R reg ../ ,ighting re?uire 113 8ou ()*T
ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit
ents (113-11")
-etween sunset and sunrise
use headlights at night, e5cept on a road which has lit street
lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed li!it of (& !ph */1 6!>h, unless otherwise specified use headlights when visi-ility is seriously reduced *see )ule %%., ?ight *the hours of dar6ness, is defined as the period -etween half an hour after sunset and half an hour -efore sunrise,. +,aws R-,R regs 34 6#4 5 654 (In *cotland - RTR2 1.'# sect '6 (as a ended !y 7R*<24 para 5. of sched '))/
Driving in adverse weather conditions *%%.+%(0,
11# 8ou ()*T 7$T

use any lights in a way which would daIIle or cause disco!fort
to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders use front or rear fog lights unless visi-ility is seriously reduced. 8ou ()*T switch the! off when visi-ility i!proves to avoid daIIling other road users *see )ule %%., n stationary 3ueues of traffic, drivers should apply the par6ing -ra6e and, once the following traffic has stopped, ta6e their foot off the foot-ra6e to deactivate the vehicle -ra6e lights. This will !ini!ise glare to road users -ehind until the traffic !oves again. +,aw R-,R reg 6&/
Driving in adverse weather conditions *%%.+%(0,
115 8ou should also

use dipped headlights, or di!+dip if fitted, at night in -uilt+up
areas and in dull dayti!e weather, to ensure that you can -e seen 6eep your headlights dipped when overta6ing until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to !ain -ea! if necessary, unless this would daIIle onco!ing road users slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are daIIled -y onco!ing headlights
11" HaIard warning lights. These !ay -e used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is te!porarily o-structing traffic. ?ever use the! as an e5cuse for dangerous or illegal par6ing. 8ou ()*T 7$T use haIard warning lights while driving or -eing towed unless you are on a !otorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers -ehind you of a haIard or o-struction ahead. <nly use the! for long enough to ensure that your warning has -een o-served. +,aw R-,R reg 6&/ Control of the %ehicle (11&-16") =ra@ing 11& n nor!al circu!stances. The safest way to -ra6e is to do so early and lightly. 7ra6e !ore fir!ly as you -egin to stop. Ease the pressure off Dust -efore the vehicle co!es to rest to avoid a Der6y stop. 11' n an e!ergency. 7ra6e i!!ediately. Try to avoid -ra6ing so harshly that you loc6 your wheels. "oc6ed wheels can lead to loss of control. 11. S6ids. S6idding is usually caused -y the driver -ra6ing, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. f s6idding occurs, re!ove the cause -y releasing the -ra6e pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the s6id. ;or e5a!ple, if the rear of the vehicle s6ids to the right, steer i!!ediately to the right to recover.
163 A7S. f your vehicle is fitted with anti+loc6 -ra6es, you should follow the advice given in the vehicle hand-oo6. However, in the case of an e!ergency, apply the foot-ra6e fir!lyE do not release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed. The A7S should ensure that steering control will -e retained, -ut do not assu!e that a vehicle with A7S will stop in a shorter distance. 161 7ra6es affected -y water. f you have driven through deep water your -ra6es !ay -e less effective. Test the! at the first safe opportunity -y pushing gently on the -ra6e pedal to !a6e sure that they wor6. f they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry the! out. 166 Coasting. This ter! descri-es a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. t can reduce driver control -ecause engine -ra6ing is eli!inated vehicle speed downhill will increase 3uic6ly increased use of the foot-ra6e can reduce its effectiveness steering response will -e affected, particularly on -ends and corners it !ay -e !ore difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed

163 The Driver and the Environ!ent. 8ou ()*T 7$T leave a par6ed vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a pu-lic road. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is li6ely to re!ain so for !ore than a couple of !inutes, you should apply the par6ing -ra6e and switch off the engine to reduce e!issions and noise pollution. However it is per!issi-le to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults. +,aw C)R regs .' 5 13&/ *peed li its =uilt-up areas A ph *6 !>h, *ingle carriageways ph *6!>h, 8ual carriageways ph *6!>h, (otorwa ys ph *6!> h,
Type of %ehicle
Cars 5 otorcycles *including car+ 33 */1, "3 *2., derived vans up to % tonnes !a5i!u! laden weight, Cars towing cara%ans or trailers *including car+ derived vans and !otorcycles,
&3 *''%,
&3 *''%,
33 */1, 53 *1&,
"3 *2.,
"3 *2.,
=uses4 coaches and ini!uses *not e5ceeding '% 33 */1, 53 *1&, !etres in overall length, Goods %ehicles 33 */1, 53 *1&, *not e5ceeding 0.# tonnes !a5i!u!
"3 *2.,
&3 *''%,
"3 *2.,
&3 *''%, MM
laden weight, Goods %ehicles *e5ceeding 0.# tonnes !a5i!u! laden weight,
33 */1, #3 *./,
53 *1&,
"3 *2.,
M The (& !ph li!it usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise. MM .& !ph *2. 6!>h, if articulated or towing a trailer. *peed li 16# 8ou ()*T 7$T e5ceed the !a5i!u! speed li!its for the road and for your vehicle *see the ta-le a-ove,. The presence of street lights generally !eans that there is a (& !ph */1 6!>h, speed li!it unless otherwise specified. +,aw RTR2 sects '14 '"4 '. 5 sch "/ 165 The speed li!it is the a-solute !a5i!u! and does not !ean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. 8ou should always reduce your speed when:
the road layout or condition presents haIards, such as -ends sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders,
its
particularly children, and !otorcyclists weather conditions !a6e it safer to do so driving at night as it is !ore difficult to see other road users
16" *topping 8istances Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to -e clear. 8ou should
leave enough space -etween you and the vehicle in front so
that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance *see Typical Stopping Distances 9D; -elow, allow at least a two+second gap -etween you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster+!oving traffic and in tunnels where visi-ility is reduced. The gap should -e at least dou-led on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads re!e!-er, large vehicles and !otorcycles need a greater distance to stop. f driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four+second gap -etween you and the vehicle in front f you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a #+!etre gap -etween you and the vehicle in front. f you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a #+!etre gap -etween you and the vehicle in front. Download the chart BTypical stopping distancesB *9D;, '%#C,the chart BTypical stopping distancesB *9D;, '%/C, <pens new window "ines and lane !ar6ings on the road *'%0+'(%, See B)oad !ar6ingsB for diagra!s of all lines.
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16& A -ro6en white line. This !ar6s the centre of the road. When this line lengthens and the gaps shorten, it !eans that there is a haIard ahead. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear and wish to overta6e or turn off. 16' Dou-le white lines where the line nearest to you is -ro6en. This !eans you !ay cross the lines to overta6e if it is safe, provided you can co!plete the !anoeuvre -efore reaching a solid white line on your side. White direction arrows on the road indicate that you need to get -ac6 onto your side of the road. 16. Dou-le white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This !eans you ()*T 7$T cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adDoining pre!ises or a side road. 8ou !ay cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overta6e a pedal cycle, horse or road !aintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at '& !ph *'. 6!>h, or less. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 6"/ 133 Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
if the area is -ordered -y a -ro6en white line, you should not
enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so if the area is !ar6ed with chevrons and -ordered -y solid white lines you ()*T 7$T enter it e5cept in an e!ergency +,aws (T(:5<)R regs 54 .4 13 5 1"4 (T(*)R regs #4 '4 . 5 1#4 RT2 sect 3" 5 T*RG8 13(1)/ 131 "ane dividers. These are short, -ro6en white lines which are used on wide carriageways to divide the! into lanes. 8ou should 6eep
-etween the!.
136 )eflective road studs !ay -e used with white lines.

white studs !ar6 the lanes or the !iddle of the road red studs !ar6 the left edge of the road a!-er studs !ar6 the central reservation of a dual
carriageway or !otorway green studs !ar6 the edge of the !ain carriageway at lay+-ys and slip roads green>yellow studs indicate te!porary adDust!ents to lane layouts, e.g. where road wor6s are ta6ing place $ulti+lane carriageways *'((+'/(, ,ane discipline 133 f you need to change lane, first use your !irrors and if necessary ta6e a 3uic6 sideways glance to !a6e sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed. When it is safe to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear, !ove over. 13# 8ou should follow the signs and road !ar6ings and get into the lane as directed. n congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. $erging in turn is reco!!ended -ut only if safe and
appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road wor6s or a road traffic incident. t is not reco!!ended at high speed. *ingle carriageway 135 Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the road !ar6ings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction
use the !iddle lane only for overta6ing or turning right.
)e!e!-er, you have no !ore right to use the !iddle lane than a driver co!ing fro! the opposite direction do not use the right+hand lane 13" Where a single carriageway has four or !ore lanes, use only the lanes that signs or !ar6ings indicate. 8ual carriageways A dual carriageway is a road which has a central reservation to separate the carriageways. 13& <n a two+lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left+hand lane. 4se the right+hand lane for overta6ing or turning right. After overta6ing, !ove -ac6 to the left+hand lane when it is safe to do so. 13' <n a three+lane dual carriageway, you !ay use the !iddle lane or the right+hand lane to overta6e -ut return to the !iddle and then the left+hand lane when it is safe. 13. Cli!-ing and crawler lanes. These are provided on so!e hills. 4se this lane if you are driving a slow+!oving vehicle or if there are vehicles -ehind you wishing to overta6e. 7e aware of the signs and road !ar6ings which indicate the lane is a-out to end.
1#3 Cycle lanes. These are shown -y road !ar6ings and signs. 8ou ()*T 7$T drive or par6 in a cycle lane !ar6ed -y a solid white line during its ti!es of operation. Do not drive or par6 in a cycle lane !ar6ed -y a -ro6en white line unless it is unavoida-le. 8ou ()*T 7$T par6 in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply. +,aw RTR2 sects 5 5 '/ 1#1 7us lanes. These are shown -y road !ar6ings and signs that indicate which *if any, other vehicles are per!itted to use the -us lane. 4nless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a -us lane during its period of operation. 8ou !ay enter a -us lane to stop, to load or unload where this is not prohi-ited. 1#6 High+occupancy vehicle lanes and other designated vehicle lanes. "anes !ay -e restricted for use -y particular types of vehicleE these restrictions !ay apply so!e or all of the ti!e. The operating ti!es and vehicle types will -e indicated on the acco!panying traffic signs. 8ou ()*T 7$T drive in such lanes during their ti!es of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is per!itted *see B nfor!ation signsB,.
Download B nfor!ation signsB *9D;, '.(C,<pens new window Help with 9D; files
:ehicles per!itted to use designated lanes !ay or !ay not include cycles, -uses, ta5is, licensed private hire vehicles, !otorcycles, heavy goods vehicles *HG:s, and high+occupancy vehicles *H<:s,. Where H<: lanes are in operation, they ()*T $7,1 -e used -y
vehicles containing at least the !ini!u! nu!-er of people
indicated on the traffic signs any other vehicles, such as -uses and !otorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the nu!-er of occupants +,aws RTR2 sects 5 5 '4 5 RT2 1.''4 sect 3"/
1#3 <ne+way streets. Traffic ()*T travel in the direction indicated -y signs. 7uses and>or cycles !ay have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your e5it as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. 4nless road signs or !ar6ings indicate otherwise, you should use
the left+hand lane when going left the right+hand lane when going right the !ost appropriate lane when going straight ahead.
)e!e!-er J traffic could -e passing on -oth sides +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 RTR2 sects 5 5 '/ General advice *'//+'#1, 1## 8ou ()*T 7$T
drive dangerously drive without due care and attention drive without reasona-le consideration for other road users
+,aw RT2 1.'' sects 6 5 3 as a 1#5
ended !y RT2 1..1/
8ou ()*T 7$T drive on or over a pave!ent, footpath or -ridleway e5cept to gain lawful access to property, or in the case of an e!ergency. +,aws H2 1'35 sect &6 5 RT2 1.'' sect 3#/ 1#" Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. n particular
do not treat speed li!its as a target. t is often not
appropriate or safe to drive at the !a5i!u! speed li!it ta6e the road and traffic conditions into account. 7e prepared for une5pected or difficult situations, for e5a!ple, the road -eing -loc6ed -eyond a -lind -end. 7e prepared to adDust your speed as a precaution where there are Dunctions, -e prepared for road users e!erging
in side roads and country lanes loo6 out for un!ar6ed
Dunctions where no-ody has priority -e prepared to stop at traffic control syste!s, road wor6s, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists !ight do. f pedestrians, particularly children, are loo6ing the other way, they !ay step out into the road without seeing you 1#& 7e considerate. 7e careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those re3uiring e5tra care *see )ule %&/,. 8ou should
try to -e understanding if other road users cause pro-le!sE
they !ay -e ine5perienced or not 6now the area well -e patientE re!e!-er that anyone can !a6e a !ista6e not allow yourself to -eco!e agitated or involved if so!eone is -ehaving -adly on the road. This will only !a6e the situation worse. 9ull over, cal! down and, when you feel rela5ed, continue your Dourney slow down and hold -ac6 if a road user pulls out into your path at a Dunction. Allow the! to get clear. Do not over+react -y driving too close -ehind to inti!idate the! not throw anything out of a vehicle, for e5a!ple, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier -ags. This can endanger other road users, particularly !otorcyclists and cyclists
)oad users re3uiring e5tra care *%&/+%%#,
1#' Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as

loud !usic *this !ay !as6 other sounds, trying to read !aps inserting a cassette or CD or tuning a radio arguing with your passengers or other road users eating and drin6ing s!o6ing
8ou ()*T 7$T s!o6e in pu-lic transport vehicles or in vehicles used for wor6 purposes in certain prescri-ed circu!stances.
Separate regulations apply to England, Wales and Scotland. +,aws T*f(:-) regs 633&4 T*f0(<) regs 633& 5 T0*C0(*) regs 633"/ (o!ile phones and in-%ehicle technology 1#. 8ou ()*T e5ercise proper control of your vehicle at all ti!es. 8ou ()*T 7$T use a hand+held !o-ile phone, or si!ilar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, e5cept to call 222 or ''% in a genuine e!ergency when it is unsafe or i!practical to stop. ?ever use a hand+held !icrophone when driving. 4sing hands+free e3uip!ent is also li6ely to distract your attention fro! the road. t is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving or riding + find a safe place to stop first or use the voice!ail facility and listen to !essages later. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 6 5 3 5 C)R regs 13# 5 113/ 153 There is a danger of driver distraction -eing caused -y in+vehicle syste!s such as satellite navigation syste!s, congestion warning syste!s, 9Cs, !ulti+!edia, etc. 8ou ()*T e5ercise proper control of your vehicle at all ti!es. Do not rely on driver assistance syste!s such as cruise control or lane departure warnings. They are availa-le to assist -ut you should not reduce your concentration levels. Do not -e distracted -y !aps or screen+-ased infor!ation *such as navigation or vehicle !anage!ent syste!s, while driving or riding. f necessary find a safe place to stop. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 6 5 3 5 C)R reg 13#/
151 n slow+!oving traffic. 8ou should

reduce the distance -etween you and the vehicle ahead
to !aintain traffic flow never get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely leave enough space to -e a-le to !anoeuvre if the vehicle in front -rea6s down or an e!ergency vehicle needs to get past not change lanes to the left to overta6e allow access into and fro! side roads, as -loc6ing these will add to congestion -e aware of cyclists and !otorcyclists who !ay -e passing on either side
8ri%ing in !uilt-up areas 156 )esidential streets. 8ou should drive slowly and carefully on streets where there are li6ely to -e pedestrians, cyclists and par6ed cars. n so!e areas a %& !ph *(% 6!>h, !a5i!u! speed li!it !ay -e in force. "oo6 out for

vehicles e!erging fro! Dunctions or driveways vehicles !oving off car doors opening pedestrians children running out fro! -etween par6ed cars cyclists and !otorcyclists
153 Traffic+cal!ing !easures. <n so!e roads there are features such as road hu!ps, chicanes and narrowings which are intended to slow you down. When you approach these features reduce your speed. Allow cyclists and !otorcyclists roo! to pass through the!. $aintain a reduced speed along the whole of the stretch of road within the cal!ing !easures. Give way to onco!ing road users if directed to do so -y signs. 8ou should not overta6e other !oving road users while in these areas.
Country roads 15# Ta6e e5tra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to -ends, which can -e sharper than they appear, and at Dunctions and turnings, which !ay -e partially hidden. 7e prepared for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, slow+!oving far! vehicles or !ud on the road surface. $a6e sure you can stop within the distance you can see to -e clear. 8ou should also reduce your speed where country roads enter villages. 155 Single+trac6 roads. These are only wide enough for one vehicle. They !ay have special passing places. f you see a vehicle co!ing towards you, or the driver -ehind wants to overta6e, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles co!ing uphill whenever you can. f necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other
vehicle pass. Slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. 15" Do not par6 in passing places. -ehicles prohi!ited fro 15& Certain !otorised vehicles do not !eet the construction and technical re3uire!ents for road vehicles and are generally not intended, not suita-le and not legal for road, pave!ent, footpath, cycle path or -ridleway use. These include !ost types of !iniature !otorcycles, also called !ini !otos, and !otorised scooters, also called go peds, which are powered -y electric or internal co!-ustion engines. These types of vehicle ()*T 7$T -e used on roads, pave!ents, footpaths or -ridleways. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 3#4 #1a4 #64 #&4 "3 5 ""4 H2 1'354 sect &64 5 R(*)2 sect 16./ 15' Certain !odels of !otorcycles, !otor tricycles and 3uadricycles, also called 3uad -i6es, are suita-le only for off+road use and do not !eet legal standards for use on roads. :ehicles that do not !eet these standards ()*T 7$T -e used on roads. They ()*T 7$T -e used on pave!ents, footpaths, cycle paths or -ridleways either. 8ou ()*T !a6e sure that any !otorcycle, !otor tricycle, 3uadricycle or any other !otor vehicle !eets legal standards and is properly registered, ta5ed and insured -efore using it on the roads. Even when registered, ta5ed and insured for the road, vehicles ()*T 7$T -e used on pave!ents. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects 3#4 #1a4 #64 #&4 "34 "" 5 15"4 H2 1'354 sect &64 R(*)2 sect 16.4 5 -:R2 *s 14 6.4 3124 5 #32/ General rules *'#2+'.', )sing the road 15. 7efore !oving off you should using roads and pa%e ents
use all !irrors to chec6 the road is clear loo6 round to chec6 the -lind spots *the areas you are una-le
to see in the !irrors, signal if necessary -efore !oving out loo6 round for a final chec6 $ove off only when it is safe to do so.
1"3 <nce !oving you should

6eep to the left, unless road signs or !ar6ings indicate
otherwise. The e5ceptions are when you want to overta6e, turn right or pass par6ed vehicles or pedestrians in the road 6eep well to the left on right+hand -ends. This will i!prove your view of the road and help avoid the ris6 of colliding with traffic approaching fro! the opposite direction drive with -oth hands on the wheel where possi-le. This will help you to re!ain in full control of the vehicle at all ti!es -e aware of other road users, especially cycles and !otorcycles who !ay -e filtering through the traffic. These are !ore difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnera-le. Give the! plenty of roo!, especially if you are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer select a lower gear -efore you reach a long downhill slope. This will help to control your speed when towing, re!e!-er the e5tra length will affect overta6ing and !anoeuvring. The e5tra weight will also affect the -ra6ing
and acceleration 1"1 $irrors. All !irrors should -e used effectively throughout your Dourney. 8ou should
use your !irrors fre3uently so that you always 6now what is
-ehind and to each side of you use the! in good ti!e -efore you signal or change direction or speed -e aware that !irrors do not cover all areas and there will -e -lind spots. 8ou will need to loo6 round and chec6 )e!e!-er: $irrors J Signal J $anoeuvre
<verta6ing *'.%+'.2,
1"6 7efore overta6ing you should !a6e sure

the road is sufficiently clear ahead road users are not -eginning to overta6e you there is a suita-le gap in front of the road user you plan to
overta6e 1"3 <verta6e only when it is safe and legal to do so. 8ou should
not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overta6e use your !irrors, signal when it is safe to do so, ta6e a 3uic6
sideways glance if necessary into the -lind spot area and then start to !ove out not assu!e that you can si!ply follow a vehicle ahead which is overta6ingE there !ay only -e enough roo! for one vehicle !ove 3uic6ly past the vehicle you are overta6ing, once you have started to overta6e. Allow plenty of roo!. $ove -ac6 to the left as soon as you can -ut do not cut in
ta6e e5tra care at night and in poor visi-ility when it is harder
to Dudge speed and distance give way to onco!ing vehicles -efore passing par6ed vehicles or other o-structions on your side of the road only overta6e on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is roo! to do so stay in your lane if traffic is !oving slowly in 3ueues. f the 3ueue on your right is !oving !ore slowly than you are, you !ay pass on the left give !otorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as !uch roo! as you would when overta6ing a car *see )ules %''+ %'#,
)e!e!-er: $irrors J Signal J $anoeuvre

1"# "arge vehicles. <verta6ing these is !ore difficult. 8ou should drop -ac6. This will increase your a-ility to see ahead and should allow the driver of the large vehicle to see you in their !irrors. Getting too close to large vehicles, including agricultural vehicles such as a tractor with a trailer or other fi5ed e3uip!ent, will o-scure your view of the road ahead and there !ay -e another slow+!oving vehicle in front
!a6e sure that you have enough roo! to co!plete your
overta6ing !anoeuvre -efore co!!itting yourself. t ta6es longer to pass a large vehicle. f in dou-t do not overta6e not assu!e you can follow a vehicle ahead which is overta6ing a long vehicle. f a pro-le! develops, they !ay a-ort overta6ing and pull -ac6 in 1"5 8ou ()*T 7$T overta6e
if you would have to cross or straddle dou-le white lines with a
solid line nearest to you *-ut see )ule '%2, if you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded -y a solid white line the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross if you would have to enter a lane reserved for -uses, tra!s or cycles during its hours of operation after a =?o <verta6ing@ sign and until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction
+,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3"4 T*RG8 regs 134 664 63 5 6#4 B000CRG8 reg 6#/
"ines and lane !ar6ings on the road *'%0+'(%,
1"" 8$ 7$T overta6e if there is any dou-t, or where you cannot see far enough ahead to -e sure it is safe. ;or e5a!ple, when you are approaching
a corner or -end a hu!p -ridge the -row of a hill
1"& 8$ 7$T overta6e where you !ight co!e into conflict with other road users. ;or e5a!ple

approaching or at a road Dunction on either side of the road where the road narrows when approaching a school crossing patrol -etween the 6er- and a -us or tra! when it is at a stop where traffic is 3ueuing at Dunctions or road wor6s when you would force another road user to swerve or slow down at a level crossing when a road user is indicating right, even if you -elieve the signal should have -een cancelled. Do not ta6e a ris6E wait for the signal to -e cancelled stay -ehind if you are following a cyclist approaching a rounda-out or Dunction, and you intend to turn left when a tra! is standing at a 6er-side tra! stop and there is no clearly !ar6ed passing lane for other traffic
1"' 7eing overta6en. f a driver is trying to overta6e you, !aintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass. ?ever o-struct drivers who wish to pass. Speeding up or driving unpredicta-ly while so!eone is overta6ing you is dangerous. Drop -ac6 to !aintain a two+second gap if so!eone overta6es and pulls into the gap in front of you. 1". Do not hold up a long 3ueue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow+!oving vehicle. Chec6 your !irrors fre3uently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass. )oad Dunctions *'0&+'1(,
1&3 Ta6e e5tra care at Dunctions. 8ou should

watch out for cyclists, !otorcyclists, powered
wheelchairs>!o-ility scooters and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. 7e aware that they !ay not have seen or heard you if you are approaching fro! -ehind watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. f they have started to cross they have priority, so give way watch out for long vehicles which !ay -e turning at a Dunction aheadE they !ay have to use the whole width of the road to !a6e the turn *see )ule %%',
watch out for horse riders who !ay ta6e a different line on the
road fro! that which you would e5pect not assu!e, when waiting at a Dunction, that a vehicle co!ing fro! the right and signalling left will actually turn. Wait and !a6e sure loo6 all around -efore e!erging. Do not cross or Doin a road until there is a gap large enough for you to do so safely 1&1 8ou ()*T stop -ehind the line at a Dunction with a =Stop@ sign and a solid white line across the road. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic -efore you !ove off. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 1"/
1&6 The approach to a Dunction !ay have a =Give Way@ sign or a triangle !ar6ed on the road. 8ou ()*T give way to traffic on the !ain road when e!erging fro! a Dunction with -ro6en white lines across the road. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13(1)41"(1) 5 65/
1&3 Dual carriageways. When crossing or turning right, first assess whether the central reservation is deep enough to protect the full length of your vehicle.
if it is, then you should treat each half of the carriageway as a
separate road. Wait in the central reservation until there is a safe gap in the traffic on the second half of the road if the central reservation is too shallow for the length of your vehicle, wait until you can cross -oth carriageways in one go
1&# 7o5 Dunctions. These have criss+cross yellow lines painted on the road *see B)oad !ar6ingsB,. 8ou ()*T 7$T enter the -o5 until your e5it road or lane is clear. However, you !ay enter the -o5 and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped fro! doing so -y onco!ing traffic, or -y other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signalled rounda-outs you ()*T 7$T enter the -o5 unless you can cross over it co!pletely without stopping. +,aw T*RG8 regs 13(1) 5 6.(6)/
Download B)oad !ar6ingsB *9D;, 0'#C,
Cunctions controlled !y traffic lights 1&5 8ou ()*T stop -ehind the white =Stop@ line across your side of the road unless the light is green. f the a!-er light appears you !ay go on only if you have already crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to stop !ight cause a collision. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 3"/ 1&" 8ou ()*T 7$T !ove forward over the white line when the red light is showing. <nly go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is roo! for you to clear the Dunction safely or you are ta6ing up a position to turn right. f the traffic lights are not wor6ing, treat the situation as you would an un!ar6ed Dunction and proceed with great care. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 3"/ 1&& Green filter arrow. This indicates a filter lane only. Do not enter that lane unless you want to go in the direction of the arrow. 8ou !ay proceed in the direction of the green arrow when it, or the full green light shows. Give other traffic, especially cyclists, ti!e and roo! to !ove into the correct lane.
1&' Advanced stop lines. So!e signal+controlled Dunctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to -e positioned ahead of other traffic. $otorists, including !otorcyclists, ()*T stop at the first white line reached if the lights are a!-er or red and should avoid -loc6ing the way or encroaching on the !ar6ed area at other ti!es, e.g. if the Dunction ahead is -loc6ed. f your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the ti!e that the signal goes red, you ()*T stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the !ar6ed area. Allow cyclists ti!e and space to !ove off when the green signal shows. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 134 3"(1) 5 #3(6)/ Turning right 1&. Well -efore you turn right you should
use your !irrors to !a6e sure you 6now the position and
!ove!ent of traffic -ehind you give a right+turn signal ta6e up a position Dust left of the !iddle of the road or in the space !ar6ed for traffic turning right leave roo! for other vehicles to pass on the left, if possi-le 1'3 Wait until there is a safe gap -etween you and any onco!ing vehicle. Watch out for cyclists, !otorcyclists, pedestrians and other
road users. Chec6 your !irrors and -lind spot again to !a6e sure you are not -eing overta6en, then !a6e the turn. Do not cut the corner. Ta6e great care when turning into a !ain roadE you will need to watch for traffic in -oth directions and wait for a safe gap. )e!e!-er: $irrors J Signal J $anoeuvre
1'1 When turning right at crossroads where an onco!ing vehicle is also turning right, there is a choice of two !ethods
turn right side to right sideE 6eep the other vehicle on your
right and turn -ehind it. This is generally the safer !ethod as you have a clear view of any approaching traffic when co!pleting your turn left side to left side, turning in front of each other. This can -loc6 your view of onco!ing vehicles, so ta6e e5tra care. Cyclists and !otorcyclists in particular !ay -e hidden fro! your view. )oad layout, !ar6ings or how the other vehicle is positioned can deter!ine which course should -e ta6en
Turning left 1'6 4se your !irrors and give a left+turn signal well -efore you turn left. Do not overta6e Dust -efore you turn left and watch out for traffic co!ing up on your left -efore you !a6e the turn, especially if driving a large vehicle. Cyclists, !otorcyclists and other road users in particular !ay -e hidden fro! your view.
1'3 When turning

N 6eep as close to the left as is safe and practica-le
N give way to any vehicles using a -us lane, cycle lane or tra!way fro! either direction
)ounda-outs *'1/+'2&,
1'# <n approaching a rounda-out ta6e notice and act on all the infor!ation availa-le to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane !ar6ings which direct you into the correct lane. 8ou should
use $irrors J Signal J $anoeuvre at all stages decide as early as possi-le which e5it you need to ta6e give an appropriate signal *see )ule '1.,. Ti!e your signals
so as not to confuse other road users get into the correct lane adDust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions -e aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you 1'5 When reaching the rounda-out you should
give priority to traffic approaching fro! your right, unless
directed otherwise -y signs, road !ar6ings or traffic lights chec6 whether road !ar6ings allow you to enter the rounda-out without giving way. f so, proceed, -ut still loo6 to the right -efore Doining watch out for all other road users already on the rounda-outE -e aware they !ay not -e signalling correctly or at all loo6 forward -efore !oving off to !a6e sure traffic in front has !oved off
1'" Signals and position. When ta6ing the first e5it to the left, unless signs or !ar6ings indicate otherwise
signal left and approach in the left+hand lane 6eep to the left on the rounda-out and continue signalling left
to leave When ta6ing an e5it to the right or going full circle, unless signs or !ar6ings indicate otherwise
signal right and approach in the right+hand lane 6eep to the right on the rounda-out until you need to change
lanes to e5it the rounda-out signal left after you have passed the e5it -efore the one you want When ta6ing any inter!ediate e5it, unless signs or !ar6ings indicate otherwise
select the appropriate lane on approach to the rounda-out you should not nor!ally need to signal on approach stay in this lane until you need to alter course to e5it the
rounda-out signal left after you have passed the e5it -efore the one you want When there are !ore than three lanes at the entrance to a rounda-out, use the !ost appropriate lane on approach and through it. 1'& n all cases watch out for and give plenty of roo! to
pedestrians who !ay -e crossing the approach and e5it roads traffic crossing in front of you on the rounda-out, especially
vehicles intending to leave -y the ne5t e5it traffic which !ay -e straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly !otorcyclists cyclists and horse riders who !ay stay in the left+hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the rounda-out. Allow the! to do so long vehicles *including those towing trailers,. These !ight
have to ta6e a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the rounda-out -ecause of their length. Watch out for their signals 1'' $ini+rounda-outs. Approach these in the sa!e way as nor!al rounda-outs. All vehicles ()*T pass round the central !ar6ings e5cept large vehicles which are physically incapa-le of doing so. )e!e!-er, there is less space to !anoeuvre and less ti!e to signal. Avoid !a6ing 4+turns at !ini+rounda-outs. 7eware of others doing this. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13(1) 5 1"(1)/ 1'. At dou-le !ini+rounda-outs treat each rounda-out separately and give way to traffic fro! the right. 1.3 $ultiple rounda-outs. At so!e co!ple5 Dunctions, there !ay -e a series of !ini+rounda-outs at each intersection. Treat each !ini+ rounda-out separately and follow the nor!al rules.
9edestrian crossings *'2'+'22, 1.1 8ou ()*T 7$T par6 on a crossing or in the area covered -y the Iig+Iag lines. 8ou ()*T 7$T overta6e the !oving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped
to give way to pedestrians. +,aws B000CRG8 regs 1'4 63 5 6#4 RTR2 sect 65(5) 5 T*RG8 regs 134 6& 5 6'/ 1.6 n 3ueuing traffic, you should 6eep the crossing clear.
1.3 8ou should ta6e e5tra care where the view of either side of the crossing is -loc6ed -y 3ueuing traffic or incorrectly par6ed vehicles. 9edestrians !ay -e crossing -etween stationary vehicles. 1.# Allow pedestrians plenty of ti!e to cross and do not harass the! -y revving your engine or edging forward. 1.5 Ke-ra crossings. As you approach a Ie-ra crossing
loo6 out for pedestrians waiting to cross and -e ready to slow
down or stop to let the! cross you ()*T give way when a pedestrian has !oved onto a crossing allow !ore ti!e for stopping on wet or icy roads do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians acrossE this could -e dangerous if another vehicle is approaching -e aware of pedestrians approaching fro! the side of the crossing
A Ie-ra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings *see )ule %&,. +,aw B000CRG8 reg 65/
)ules for pedestrians *'+(#,
1." *ignal-controlled crossings 9elican crossings. These are signal+controlled crossings where flashing a!-er follows the red =Stop@ light. 8ou ()*T stop when the red light shows. When the a!-er light is flashing, you ()*T give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. f the a!-er light is flashing and there are no pedestrians on the crossing, you !ay proceed with caution. +,aws B000CRG8 regs 63 5 6" 5 RTR2 sect 65(5)/
1.& 9elican crossings which go straight across the road are one crossing, even when there is a central island. 8ou ()*T wait for pedestrians who are crossing fro! the other side of the island. +,aws B000CRG8 reg 6" 5 RTR2 sect 65(5)/ 1.' Give way to anyone still crossing after the signal for vehicles has changed to green. This advice applies to all crossings.
1.. Toucan, puffin and e3uestrian crossings. These are si!ilar to pelican crossings, -ut there is no flashing a!-er phaseE the light se3uence for traffic at these three crossings is the sa!e as at traffic lights. f the signal+controlled crossing is not wor6ing, proceed with e5tre!e caution. )eversing *%&&+%&(,
633 Choose an appropriate place to !anoeuvre. f you need to turn your vehicle around, wait until you find a safe place. Try not to reverse or turn round in a -usy roadE find a 3uiet side road or drive round a -loc6 of side streets. 631 Do not reverse fro! a side road into a !ain road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can. 636 "oo6 carefully -efore you start reversing. 8ou should
use all your !irrors chec6 the =-lind spot@ -ehind you *the part of the road you
cannot see easily in the !irrors, chec6 there are no pedestrians *particularly children,, cyclists, other road users or o-structions in the road -ehind you
)everse slowly while

chec6ing all around loo6ing !ainly through the rear window -eing aware that the front of your vehicle will swing out as you
turn Get so!eone to guide you if you cannot see clearly. 633 8ou ()*T 7$T reverse your vehicle further than necessary. F"aw C4) reg '&.H Road users re?uiring eDtra care (63#-665) 63# The !ost vulnera-le road users are pedestrians, cyclists, !otorcyclists and horse riders. t is particularly i!portant to -e aware of children, older and disa-led people, and learner and ine5perienced drivers and riders. 0edestrians 635 There is a ris6 of pedestrians, especially children, stepping une5pectedly into the road. 8ou should drive with the safety of children in !ind at a speed suita-le for the conditions. 63" Drive carefully and slowly when
in crowded shopping streets, Ho!e Kones and Ouiet "anes
*see )ule %'1, or residential areas driving past -us and tra! stopsE pedestrians !ay e!erge suddenly into the road passing par6ed vehicles, especially ice crea! vansE children are !ore interested in ice crea! than traffic and !ay run into the road une5pectedly needing to cross a pave!ent or cycle trac6E for e5a!ple, to reach or leave a driveway. Give way to pedestrians and cyclists on the pave!ent
reversing into a side roadE loo6 all around the vehicle and give
way to any pedestrians who !ay -e crossing the road turning at road DunctionsE give way to pedestrians who are already crossing the road into which you are turning the pave!ent is closed due to street repairs and pedestrians are directed to use the road approaching pedestrians on narrow rural roads without a footway or footpath. Always slow down and -e prepared to stop if necessary, giving the! plenty of roo! as you drive past
63& 9articularly vulnera-le pedestrians. These include

children and older pedestrians who !ay not -e a-le to Dudge
your speed and could step into the road in front of you. At /& !ph *./ 6!>h, your vehicle will pro-a-ly 6ill any pedestrians it hits. At %& !ph *(% 6!>h, there is only a ' in %& chance of the pedestrian -eing 6illed. So 6ill your speed older pedestrians who !ay need !ore ti!e to cross the road. 7e patient and allow the! to cross in their own ti!e. Do not hurry the! -y revving your engine or edging forward people with disa-ilities. 9eople with hearing i!pair!ents !ay not -e aware of your vehicle approaching. Those with wal6ing difficulties re3uire !ore ti!e -lind or partially sighted people, who !ay -e carrying a white cane using a guide dog. They !ay not -e a-le to see you approaching deaf-lind people who !ay -e carrying a white cane with a red -and or using a dog with a red and white harness. They !ay not see or hear instructions or signals
63' ?ear schools. Drive slowly and -e particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. n so!e places, there !ay -e a flashing a!-er signal -elow the =School@ warning sign which tells you that there !ay -e children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area. 63. Drive carefully and slowly when passing a stationary -us showing a =School 7us@ sign *see B:ehicle !ar6ingsB, as children !ay -e getting on or off.
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613 8ou ()*T stop when a school crossing patrol shows a =Stop for children@ sign *see BSignals -y authorised personsB and BSigns giving ordersB, +,aw RTR2 sect 6'/
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(otorcyclists and cyclists 611 t is often difficult to see !otorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are co!ing up fro! -ehind, co!ing out of Dunctions, at rounda-outs, overta6ing you or filtering through traffic. Always loo6 out for the! -efore you e!erge fro! a DunctionE they could -e approaching faster than you thin6. When turning right across a line of slow+!oving or stationary traffic, loo6 out for cyclists or !otorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. 7e especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. 7e sure to chec6 !irrors and -lind spots carefully.
616 When passing !otorcyclists and cyclists, give the! plenty of roo! *see )ules '.%+'.0,. f they loo6 over their shoulder it could !ean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give the! ti!e and space to do so.
<verta6ing *'.%+'.2,
613 $otorcyclists and cyclists !ay suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and o-stacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give the! plenty of roo! and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they !ay have to !a6e. $ther road users 61# Ani!als. When passing ani!als, drive slowly. Give the! plenty of roo! and -e ready to stop. Do not scare ani!als -y sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed the!. "oo6 out for ani!als -eing led, driven or ridden on the road and ta6e e5tra care. Ceep your speed down at -ends and on narrow country roads. f a road is -loc6ed -y a herd of ani!als, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for ani!als on unfenced roads.
615 Horse riders and horse+drawn vehicles. 7e particularly careful of horse riders and horse+drawn vehicles especially when overta6ing. Always pass wide and slowly. Horse riders are often children, so ta6e e5tra care and re!e!-er riders !ay ride in dou-le file when escorting a young or ine5perienced horse or rider. "oo6 out for horse riders@ and horse drivers@ signals and heed a re3uest to slow down or stop. Ta6e great care and treat all horses as a potential haIardE they can -e unpredicta-le, despite the efforts of their rider>driver. 61" <lder drivers. Their reactions !ay -e slower than other drivers. $a6e allowance for this. 61& "earners and ine5perienced drivers. They !ay not -e so s6ilful at anticipating and responding to events. 7e particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers. Drivers who have recently passed their test !ay display a =new driver@ plate or stic6er *see BSafety code for new driversB,.
Safety code for new drivers
61' Ho!e Kones and Ouiet "anes. These are places where people could -e using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children playing or for a co!!unity event. 8ou should drive slowly and carefully and -e prepared to stop to allow people e5tra ti!e to
!a6e space for you to pass the! in safety. $ther %ehicles 61. E!ergency and ncident Support vehicles. 8ou should loo6 and listen for a!-ulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other e!ergency vehicles using flashing -lue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic <fficer and ncident Support vehicles using flashing a!-er lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and ta6e appropriate action to let it pass, while co!plying with all traffic signs. f necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, -ut try to avoid stopping -efore the -row of a hill, a -end or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid !ounting the 6er-. Do not -ra6e harshly on approach to a Dunction or rounda-out, as a following vehicle !ay not have the sa!e view as you. 663 9owered vehicles used -y disa-led people. These s!all vehicles travel at a !a5i!u! speed of 1 !ph *'% 6!>h,. <n a dual carriageway where the speed li!it e5ceeds #& !ph *1& 6!>h, they ()*T have a flashing a!-er -eacon, -ut on other roads you !ay not have that advance warning *see )ules (.+/. inclusive,. +,aw R-,R reg 1&(1) 5 6"/
)ules for users of powered wheelchairs and !o-ility scooters
*(.+/., 661 "arge vehicles. These !ay need e5tra road space to turn or to deal with a haIard that you are not a-le to see. f you are following a large vehicle, such as a -us or articulated lorry, -e aware that the driver !ay not -e a-le to see you in the !irrors. 7e prepared to stop and wait if it needs roo! or ti!e to turn.
666 "arge vehicles can -loc6 your view. 8our a-ility to see and to plan ahead will -e i!proved if you pull -ac6 to increase your separation distance. 7e patient, as larger vehicles are su-Dect to lower speed li!its than cars and !otorcycles. $any large vehicles !ay -e fitted with speed li!iting devices which will restrict speed to #. !ph *2& 6!>h, even on a !otorway. 663 7uses, coaches and tra!s. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away fro! stops. "oo6 out for people getting off a -us or tra! and crossing the road. 66# Electric vehicles. 7e careful of electric vehicles such as !il6 floats and tra!s. Tra!s !ove 3uic6ly -ut silently and cannot steer to avoid you. 665 :ehicles with flashing a!-er -eacons. These warn of a slow+!oving or stationary vehicle *such as a Traffic <fficer vehicle, salt spreader, snow plough or recovery vehicle, or a-nor!al loads, so approach with caution. <n unrestricted dual carriageways, !otor vehicles first used on or after ' Lanuary '2/0 with a !a5i!u! speed of %# !ph */& 6!>h, or less *such as tractors, ()*T use a flashing a!-er -eacon *also see )ule %%&,.
+,aw R-,R 1.'.4 reg 1&/ 8ri%ing in ad%erse weather conditions (66"-63&) 66" 8ou ()*T use headlights when visi-ility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for !ore than '&& !etres *(%1 feet,. 8ou !ay also use front or rear fog lights -ut you ()*T switch the! off when visi-ility i!proves *see )ule %(.,. +,aw R-,R regs 65 5 6&/ 66& Wet weather. n wet weather, stopping distances will -e at least dou-le those re3uired for stopping on dry roads *see )ule '%.,. This is -ecause your tyres have less grip on the road. n wet weather
you should 6eep well -ac6 fro! the vehicle in front. This will
increase your a-ility to see and plan ahead if the steering -eco!es unresponsive, it pro-a-ly !eans that water is preventing the tyres fro! gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually the rain and spray fro! vehicles !ay !a6e it difficult to see and -e seen -e aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will !a6e the surface very slippery *see B:ehicle !aintenance, safety and securityB, ta6e e5tra care around pedestrians, cyclists, !otorcyclists and horse riders
Control of the vehicle *''0+'%., :ehicle !aintenance, safety and security
Icy and snowy weather 66' n winter chec6 the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. D< ?<T drive in these conditions unless your Dourney is essential. f it is, ta6e great care and allow !ore ti!e for your Dourney. Ta6e an e!ergency 6it of de+icer and ice scraper, torch, war! clothing and -oots, first aid 6it, Du!p leads and a
shovel, together with a war! drin6 and e!ergency food in case you get stuc6 or your vehicle -rea6s down. 66. 7efore you set off
you ()*T -e a-le to see, so clear all snow and ice fro! all
your windows you ()*T ensure that lights are clean and nu!-er plates are clearly visi-le and legi-le !a6e sure the !irrors are clear and the windows are de!isted thoroughly re!ove all snow that !ight fall off into the path of other road users chec6 your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted
+,aws C)R reg 334 R-,R reg 634 -:R2 sect #3 5 R-(8R()R reg 11/
633 When driving in icy or snowy weather

drive with care, even if the roads have -een treated 6eep well -ac6 fro! the road user in front as stopping
distances can -e ten ti!es greater than on dry roads ta6e care when overta6ing vehicles spreading salt or other de+ icer, particularly if you are riding a !otorcycle or cycle watch out for snowploughs which !ay throw out snow on either side. Do not overta6e the! unless the lane you intend
to use has -een cleared -e prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances listen to travel -ulletins and ta6e note of varia-le !essage signs that !ay provide infor!ation a-out weather, road and traffic conditions ahead 631 Drive e5tre!ely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. 8ou should
drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possi-leE accelerate
and -ra6e very gently drive particularly slowly on -ends where loss of control is !ore li6ely. 7ra6e progressively on the straight -efore you reach a -end. Having slowed down, steer s!oothly round the -end, avoiding sudden actions chec6 your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice -y choosing a safe place to -ra6e gently. f the steering feels unresponsive this !ay indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres !a6e virtually no noise <indy weather 636 High+sided vehicles are !ost affected -y windy weather, -ut strong gusts can also -low a car, cyclist, !otorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road e5posed to strong crosswinds, or when passing -ridges or gaps in hedges. 633 n very windy weather your vehicle !ay -e affected -y tur-ulence created -y large vehicles. $otorcyclists are particularly affected, so 6eep well -ac6 fro! the! when they are overta6ing a high+sided vehicle.
;og 63# 7efore entering fog chec6 your !irrors then slow down. f the word =;og@ is shown on a roadside signal -ut the road is clear, -e prepared for a -an6 of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it see!s to -e clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thic6 fog. 635 When driving in fog you should
use your lights as re3uired *see )ule %%., 6eep a safe distance -ehind the vehicle in front. )ear lights
can give a false sense of security -e a-le to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly i!portant on !otorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster use your windscreen wipers and de!isters -eware of other drivers not using headlights not accelerate to get away fro! a vehicle which is too close -ehind you chec6 your !irrors -efore you slow down. Then use your -ra6es so that your -ra6e lights warn drivers -ehind you that you are slowing down stop in the correct position at a Dunction with li!ited visi-ility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to e!erge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles
63" 8ou ()*T 7$T use front or rear fog lights unless visi-ility is seriously reduced *see )ule %%., as they daIIle other road users and can o-scure your -ra6e lights. 8ou ()*T switch the! off when visi-ility i!proves. +,aw R-,R regs 65 5 6&/ 63& Hot weather. Ceep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. 7e aware that the road surface !ay -eco!e soft or if it rains after
a dry spell it !ay -eco!e slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and -ra6ing. f you are daIIled -y -right sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop. <aiting and par@ing (63'-656) 63' 8ou ()*T 7$T wait or par6 on yellow lines during the ti!es of operation shown on near-y ti!e plates *or Ione entry signs if in a Controlled 9ar6ing Kone, J see B nfor!ation signsB and B)oad !ar6ingsB. Dou-le yellow lines indicate a prohi-ition of waiting at any ti!e even if there are no upright signs. 8ou ()*T 7$T wait or par6, or stop to set down and pic6 up passengers, on school entrance !ar6ings *see B)oad !ar6ingsB, when upright signs indicate a prohi-ition of stopping. +,aw RTR2 sects 5 5 '/
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0ar@ing 63. 4se off+street par6ing areas, or -ays !ar6ed out with white lines on the road as par6ing places, wherever possi-le. f you have to stop on the roadside:
do not par6 facing against the traffic flow stop as close as you can to the side do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a 7lue 7adge J
re!e!-er, the occupant !ay need !ore roo! to get in or out you ()*T switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights you ()*T apply the hand-ra6e -efore leaving the vehicle you ()*T ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door J chec6 for cyclists or other traffic it is safer for your passengers *especially children, to get out of the vehicle on the side ne5t to the 6erput all valua-les out of sight and !a6e sure your vehicle is secure loc6 your vehicle
+,aws C)R reg .'4 135 5 13&4 R-,R reg 6& 5 RT2 1.'' sect #6/
6#3 8ou ()*T 7$T stop or par6 on:

the carriageway or the hard shoulder of a !otorway e5cept in
an e!ergency *see )ule %0&, a pedestrian crossing, including the area !ar6ed -y the Iig+ Iag lines *see )ule '2', a clearway *see BTraffic signsB, ta5i -ays as indicated -y upright signs and !ar6ings an ur-an clearway within its hours of operation, even when a -ro6en white line is on your side of the road, e5cept to pic6 up or set down passengers *see BTraffic signsB, a road !ar6ed with dou-le white lines, e5cept to pic6 up or set down passengers a tra! or cycle lane during its period of operation a cycle trac6 red lines, in the case of specially designated =red routes@, unless otherwise indicated -y signs
Any vehicle !ay enter a -us lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohi-ited *see )ule '/',. +,aws (T(:5<)R regs & 5 .4 (T(*)R regs " 5 '4 B000CRG8 regs 1' 5 634 RTR2 sects 54 " 5 '4 T*RG8 regs 134 6" 5 6&4 RT2 1.'' sects 61(1) 5 3"/
$ulti+lane carriageways *'((+'/(, 9edestrian crossings *'2'+'22,
$otorways *%#(+%0(, Download BTraffic signsB *9D;, './C,<pens new window Help with 9D; files
6#1 8ou ()*T 7$T par6 in par6ing spaces reserved for specific users, such as 7lue 7adge holders, residents or !otorcycles, unless entitled to do so. +,aws C*802 sect 61 5 RTR2 sects 5 5 '/ 6#6 8ou ()*T 7$T leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary o-struction of the road. +,aws RT2 1.''4 sect 66 5 C)R reg 133/ 6#3 8$ 7$T stop or par6

near a school entrance anywhere you would prevent access for E!ergency Services at or near a -us or tra! stop or ta5i ran6 on the approach to a level crossing or tra!way crossing opposite or within '& !etres *(% feet, of a Dunction, e5cept in an authorised par6ing space near the -row of a hill or hu!p -ridge opposite a traffic island or *if this would cause an o-struction, another par6ed vehicle where you would force other traffic to enter a tra! lane where the 6er- has -een lowered to help wheelchair users and powered !o-ility vehicles in front of an entrance to a property on a -end where you would o-struct cyclists@ use of cycle facilities
e5cept when forced to do so -y stationary traffic. 6## 8ou ()*T 7$T par6 partially or wholly on the pave!ent in "ondon, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs per!it it.
9ar6ing on the pave!ent can o-struct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual i!pair!ents and people with pra!s or pushchairs. +,aw G,(G0)2 sect 15/ 6#5 Controlled 9ar6ing Kones. The Ione entry signs indicate the ti!es when the waiting restrictions within the Ione are in force. 9ar6ing !ay -e allowed in so!e places at other ti!es. <therwise par6ing will -e within separately signed and !ar6ed -ays. 6#" Goods vehicles. :ehicles with a !a5i!u! laden weight of over 0.# tonnes *including any trailer, ()*T 7$T -e par6ed on a verge, pave!ent or any land situated -etween carriageways, without police per!ission. The only e5ception is when par6ing is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle ()*T 7$T -e left unattended. +,aw RT2 1.'' sect 1./ 6#& "oading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow !ar6ings on the 6er- and upright signs advise restrictions are in place *see B)oad !ar6ingsB,. This !ay -e per!itted where par6ing is otherwise restricted. <n red routes, specially !ar6ed and signed -ays indicate where and when loading and unloading is per!itted. +,aw RTR2 sects 5 5 '/
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0ar@ing at night 6#' 8ou ()*T 7$T par6 on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised par6ing space. +,aws C)R reg 131 5 R-,R reg 6#/
6#. All vehicles ()*T display par6ing lights when par6ed on a road or a lay+-y on a road with a speed li!it greater than (& !ph */1 6!>h,. +,aw R-,R reg 6#/ 653 Cars, goods vehicles not e5ceeding '#%# 6g unladen weight, invalid carriages, !otorcycles and pedal cycles !ay -e par6ed without lights on a road *or lay+-y, with a speed li!it of (& !ph */1 6!>h, or less if they are
at least '& !etres *(% feet, away fro! any Dunction, close to
the 6er- and facing in the direction of the traffic flow in a recognised par6ing place or lay+-y <ther vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with proDecting loads, ()*T 7$T -e left on a road at night without lights. +,aws R-,R reg 6# 5 C)R reg '6(&)/ 651 9ar6ing in fog. t is especially dangerous to par6 on the road in fog. f it is unavoida-le, leave your par6ing lights or sidelights on. 656 9ar6ing on hills. f you par6 on a hill you should
par6 close to the 6er- and apply the hand-ra6e fir!ly select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away fro!
the 6er- when facing uphill select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the 6er- when facing downhill use =par6@ if your car has an auto!atic gear-o5
(otorways (653-6&3) General 653 9rohi-ited vehicles. $otorways ()*T 7$T -e used -y pedestrians or holders of provisional !otorcycle or car licences. $otorcycles under #& cc, cyclists, horse riders, certain slow+!oving vehicles and those carrying oversiIed loads *e5cept -y special per!ission, also ()*T 7$T use !otorways. Agricultural vehicles and powered wheelchairs>powered !o-ility scooters *see )ules (.+/. incl, are also -anned fro! !otorways. +,aws H2 1.'3 sects 1"4 1& 5 sch #4 (T(:5<)R regs 3(d)4 # 5 114 (T(:5<)(2)R4 R(*)2 sects &4 ' 5 sch 34 RTR2 sects 1&(6) 5 (3)4 5 (T(*)R reg 13/
)ules for users of powered wheelchairs and !o-ility scooters
*(.+/., 65# Traffic on !otorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less ti!e to react. t is especially i!portant to use your !irrors earlier and loo6 !uch further ahead than you would on other roads.
(otorway signals 655 $otorway signals *see B"ight signals controlling trafficB, are used to warn you of a danger ahead. ;or e5a!ple, there !ay -e an incident, fog, a spillage or road wor6ers on the carriageway which you !ay not i!!ediately -e a-le to see.
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65" Signals situated on the central reservation apply to all lanes. <n very -usy stretches, signals !ay -e overhead with a separate signal for each lane. 65& A!-er flashing lights. These warn of a haIard ahead. The signal !ay show a te!porary !a5i!u! speed li!it, lanes that are closed or a !essage such as =;og@. AdDust your speed and loo6 out for the danger until you pass a signal which is not flashing or one that gives the =All clear@ sign and you are sure it is safe to increase your speed. 65' )ed flashing lights. f red lights on the overhead signals flash a-ove your lane and a red =P@ is showing, you ()*T 7$T go -eyond the signal in that lane. f red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or at the side of the road, you ()*T 7$T go -eyond the signal in any lane. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 3'/ 8ri%ing on the 65. Loining the !otorway. When you Doin the !otorway you will nor!ally approach it fro! a road on the left *a slip road, or fro! an adDoining !otorway. 8ou should otorway
give priority to traffic already on the !otorway chec6 the traffic on the !otorway and !atch your speed to fit
safely into the traffic flow in the left+hand lane not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or use the hard shoulder stay on the slip road if it continues as an e5tra lane on the !otorway re!ain in the left+hand lane long enough to adDust to the speed of traffic -efore considering overta6ing $n the 6"3 When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should
drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle
otorway
can handle safely and is within the speed li!it *see )ule '%/, 6eep a safe distance fro! the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog *see )ules '%. and %(#,
Control of the vehicle *''0+'%., Driving in adverse weather conditions *%%.+%(0,
6"1 8ou ()*T 7$T e5ceed 0& !ph *''% 6!>h,, or the !a5i!u! speed li!it per!itted for your vehicle *see )ule '%/,. f a lower speed li!it is in force, either per!anently or te!porarily, at road wor6s for e5a!ple, you ()*T 7$T e5ceed the lower li!it. <n so!e !otorways, !andatory !otorway signals *which display the speed within a red ring, are used to vary the !a5i!u! speed li!it to i!prove traffic flow. 8ou ()*T 7$T e5ceed this speed li!it. +,aw RTR2 sects 1&4 '"4 '. 5 sch "/
Control of the vehicle *''0+'%.,
6"6 The !onotony of driving on a !otorway can !a6e you feel sleepy. To !ini!ise the ris6, follow the advice in )ule 2'.
)ules for drivers and !otorcyclists *12+'&%,
6"3 8ou ()*T 7$T reverse, cross the central reservation, or drive against the traffic flow. f you have !issed your e5it, or have ta6en the wrong route, carry on to the ne5t e5it. +,aws (T(:5<)R regs "4 ' 5 13 5 (T(*)R regs #4 54 & 5 ./ ,ane discipline 6"# 8ou should always drive in the left+hand lane when the road ahead is clear. f you are overta6ing a nu!-er of slower+!oving vehicles, you should return to the left+hand lane as soon as you are safely past. Slow+!oving or speed+restricted vehicles should always re!ain in the left+hand lane of the carriageway unless overta6ing. 8ou ()*T 7$T drive on the hard shoulder e5cept in an e!ergency or if directed to do so -y the police, HA traffic officers in unifor! or -y signs. +,aws (T(:5<)R regs 54 . 5 1"(1)(a)4 (T(*)R regs #4 ' 5 1#(1)(a)4 and RT2 1.''4 sects 35 5 1'"4 as a ended !y T(2 633# sect "/ 6"5 The right+hand lane of a !otorway with three or !ore lanes ()*T 7$T -e used *e5cept in prescri-ed circu!stances, if you are driving
any vehicle drawing a trailer a goods vehicle with a !a5i!u! laden weight e5ceeding (.#
tonnes -ut not e5ceeding 0.# tonnes, which is re3uired to -e fitted with a speed li!iter a goods vehicle with a !a5i!u! laden weight e5ceeding 0.# tonnes a passenger vehicle with a !a5i!u! laden weight e5ceeding 0.# tonnes constructed or adapted to carry !ore than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver a passenger vehicle with a !a5i!u! laden weight not e5ceeding 0.# tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry !ore than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is re3uired to -e fitted with a speed li!iter
+,aws (T(:5<)R reg 164 (T(:5<)2R (633#)4 (T(*)R reg 11 5 (T(*)2R (633#)/ 6"" Approaching a Dunction. "oo6 well ahead for signals or signs. Direction signs !ay -e placed over the road. f you need to change lanes, do so in good ti!e. At so!e Dunctions a lane !ay lead directly off the !otorway. <nly get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated on the overhead signs. $%erta@ing 6"& Do not overta6e unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. <verta6e only on the right. 8ou should
chec6 your !irrors ta6e ti!e to Dudge the speeds correctly !a6e sure that the lane you will -e Doining is sufficiently clear
ahead and -ehind ta6e a 3uic6 sideways glance into the -lind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that !ay have disappeared fro! your view in the !irror re!e!-er that traffic !ay -e co!ing up -ehind you very 3uic6ly. Chec6 all your !irrors carefully. "oo6 out for !otorcyclists. When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of ti!e, then !ove out ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overta6en -e especially careful at night and in poor visi-ility when it is harder to Dudge speed and distance
6"' Do not overta6e on the left or !ove to a lane on your left to overta6e. n congested conditions, where adDacent lanes of traffic are !oving at si!ilar speeds, traffic in left+hand lanes !ay so!eti!es -e !oving faster than traffic to the right. n these conditions you !ay 6eep up with the traffic in your lane even if this !eans passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overta6e.
6". Hard shoulder. 8ou ()*T 7$T use the hard shoulder for overta6ing. n areas where an Active Traffic $anage!ent *AT$, Sche!e is in force, the hard shoulder !ay -e used as a running lane. 8ou will 6now when you can use this -ecause a speed li!it sign will -e shown a-ove all open lanes, including the hard shoulder. A red cross or -lan6 sign a-ove the hard shoulder !eans that you ()*T 7$T drive on the hard shoulder e5cept in an e!ergency or -rea6down. E!ergency refuge areas have also -een -uilt into these areas for use in cases of e!ergency or -rea6down. +,aws (T(:5<)R regs 54 52 5 .4 (T(*)R regs # 5 '/
*topping 6&3 8ou ()*T 7$T stop on the carriageway, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge e5cept in an e!ergency, or when told to do so -y the police, HA traffic officers in unifor!, an e!ergency sign or -y flashing red light signals. Do not stop on the hard shoulder to either !a6e or receive !o-ile phone calls. +,aws (T(:5<)R regs 524 &4 .4 13 5 1"4(T(*)R regs "(1)4 '4 . 5 1#4 0R2 6336 sect #1 5 sched 5(')4 5 RT2 1.'' sects 35 5 1"3 as a ended !y T(2 633#4 sect "/ 6&1 8ou ()*T 7$T pic6 up or set down anyone, or wal6 on a !otorway, e5cept in an e!ergency.
+,aws RTR2 sect 1& 5 (T(:5<)R reg 15/ ,ea%ing the 6&6 4nless signs indicate that a lane leads directly off the !otorway, you will nor!ally leave the !otorway -y a slip road on your left. 8ou should
watch for the signs letting you 6now you are getting near your
otorway
e5it !ove into the left+hand lane well -efore reaching your e5it signal left in good ti!e and reduce your speed on the slip road as necessary 6&3 <n leaving the !otorway or using a lin6 road -etween !otorways, your speed !ay -e higher than you realise + #& !ph !ay feel li6e (& !ph. Chec6 your speedo!eter and adDust your speed accordingly. So!e slip+roads and lin6 roads have sharp -ends, so you will need to slow down. =rea@downs and incidents (6&#-6'&) =rea@downs 6&# f your vehicle -rea6s down, thin6 first of all other road users and + get your vehicle off the road if possi-le + warn other traffic -y using your haIard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an o-struction + help other road users see you -y wearing light+coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visi-ility + put a warning triangle on the road at least /# !etres *'/0 feet, -ehind your -ro6en+down vehicle on the sa!e side of the road, or use other per!itted warning devices if you have the!. Always ta6e great care when placing or retrieving the!, -ut never use the! on !otorways + if possi-le, 6eep your sidelights on if it is dar6 or visi-ility is poor
+ do not stand *or let any-ody else stand, -etween your vehicle and onco!ing traffic + at night or in poor visi-ility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights 2dditional rules for the 6&5 f your vehicle develops a pro-le!, leave the !otorway at the ne5t e5it or pull into a service area. f you cannot do so, you should
pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as
otorway
possi-le, with your wheels turned to the left try to stop near an e!ergency telephone *situated at appro5i!ately one+!ile intervals along the hard shoulder, leave the vehicle -y the left+hand door and ensure your passengers do the sa!e. 8ou ()*T leave any ani!als in the vehicle or, in an e!ergency, 6eep the! under proper control on the verge. ?ever atte!pt to place a warning triangle on a !otorway do not put yourself in danger -y atte!pting even si!ple repairs ensure that passengers 6eep away fro! the carriageway and hard shoulder, and that children are 6ept under control
wal6 to an e!ergency telephone on your side of the
carriageway *follow the arrows on the posts at the -ac6 of the hard shoulder, J the telephone is free of charge and connects directly to the Highways Agency or the police. 4se these in preference to a !o-ile phone *see )ule %1(,. Always face the
traffic when you spea6 on the phone give full details to the Highways Agency or the policeE also infor! the! if you are a vulnera-le !otorist such as disa-led, older or travelling alone return and wait near your vehicle *well away fro! the carriageway and hard shoulder, if you feel at ris6 fro! another person, return to your vehicle -y a left+hand door and loc6 all doors. "eave your vehicle again as soon as you feel this danger has passed +,aws (T(:5<)R reg 1# 5 (T(*)R reg 16/ 6&" 7efore you reDoin the carriageway after a -rea6down, -uild up speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic. 7e aware that other vehicles !ay -e stationary on the hard shoulder. 6&& f you cannot get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder
do not atte!pt to place any warning device on the
carriageway switch on your haIard warning lights leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway 6&' Disa-led drivers. f you have a disa-ility which prevents you fro! following the a-ove advice you should
stay in your vehicle switch on your haIard warning lights
display a =Help@ pennant or, if you have a car or !o-ile telephone, contact the e!ergency services and -e prepared to advise the! of your location $!structions 6&. f anything falls fro! your vehicle *or any other vehicle, on to the
road, stop and retrieve it only if it is safe to do so. 6'3 $otorways. <n a !otorway do not try to re!ove the o-struction yourself. Stop at the ne5t e!ergency telephone and call the Highways Agency or the police. Incidents 6'1 Warning signs or flashing lights. f you see or hear e!ergency or incident support vehicles in the distance, -e aware there !ay -e an incident ahead *see )ule %'2,. 9olice <fficers and Highways Agency Traffic <fficers !ay -e re3uired to wor6 in the carriageway, for e5a!ple dealing with de-ris, collisions or conducting rolling road -loc6s. 9olice officers will use rear+facing flashing red and -lue lights and HA Traffic <fficers will use rear+facing flashing red and a!-er lights in these situations. Watch out for such signals, slow down and -e prepared to stop. 8ou ()*T follow any directions given -y 9olice officers or Traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or -loc6age. +,aws RT21.''4 sects 35 51"34 and as a 633#4 sect "/
ended !y T(2
6'6 When passing the scene of an incident or crash do not -e distracted or slow down unnecessarily *for e5a!ple if an incident is on the other side of a dual carriageway,. This !ay cause a collision or traffic congestion, -ut see )ule %1(. 6'3 f you are involved in a crash or stop to give assistance
use your haIard warning lights to warn other traffic as6 drivers to switch off their engines and stop s!o6ing arrange for the e!ergency services to -e called i!!ediately
with full details of the incident location and any casualties *on a !otorway, use the e!ergency telephone which allows easy
location -y the e!ergency services. f you use a !o-ile phone, first !a6e sure you have identified your location fro! the !ar6er posts on the side of the hard shoulder, !ove uninDured people away fro! the vehicles to safetyE on a !otorway this should, if possi-le, -e well away fro! the traffic, the hard shoulder and the central reservation do not !ove inDured people fro! their vehicles unless they are in i!!ediate danger fro! fire or e5plosion do not re!ove a !otorcyclist@s hel!et unless it is essential to do so -e prepared to give first aid as shown in B;irst aid on the roadB stay at the scene until e!ergency services arrive
f you are involved in any other !edical e!ergency on the !otorway you should contact the e!ergency services in the sa!e way.
;irst aid on the road
Incidents in%ol%ing dangerous goods 6'# :ehicles carrying dangerous goods in pac6ages will -e !ar6ed with plain orange reflective plates. )oad tan6ers and vehicles carrying tan6 containers of dangerous goods will have haIard warning plates *see B:ehicle !ar6ingsB,.
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6'5 f an incident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods, follow the advice in )ule %1( and, in particular
switch off engines and D< ?<T S$<CE 6eep well away fro! the vehicle and do not -e te!pted to try
to rescue casualties as you yourself could -eco!e one call the e!ergency services and give as !uch infor!ation as possi-le a-out the la-els and !ar6ings on the vehicle. D< ?<T use a !o-ile phone close to a vehicle carrying fla!!a-le loads
8ocu 6'"
entation
f you are involved in a collision which causes da!age or inDury to any other person, vehicle, ani!al or property, you ()*T
stop give your own and the vehicle owner@s na!e and address, and
the registration nu!-er of the vehicle, to anyone having reasona-le grounds for re3uiring the! if you do not give your na!e and address at the ti!e of the collision, report it to the police as soon as reasona-ly practica-le, and in any case within %/ hours +,aw RT2 1.'' sect 1&3/ 6'& f another person is inDured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the ti!e of the crash to a police officer or to anyone having reasona-le grounds to re3uest it, you ()*T
report it to the police as soon as possi-le and in any case
within %/ hours produce your insurance certificate for the police within seven days +,aw RT2 1.'' sect 1&3/ Road wor@s4 le%el crossings and tra Road wor@s 6'' When the =)oad Wor6s Ahead@ sign is displayed, you will need to -e !ore watchful and loo6 for additional signs providing !ore specific instructions. <-serve all signs + they are there for your safety and the safety of road wor6ers.
you ()*T 7$T e5ceed any te!porary !a5i!u! speed li!it use your !irrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle
ways (6''-33&)
in good ti!e and as signs direct do not switch lanes to overta6e 3ueuing traffic ta6e e5tra care near cyclists and !otorcyclists as they are
vulnera-le to s6idding on grit, !ud or other de-ris at road wor6s where lanes are restricted due to road wor6s, !erge in turn *see )ule '(/, do not drive through an area !ar6ed off -y traffic cones watch out for traffic entering or leaving the wor6s area, -ut do not -e distracted -y what is going on there. Concentrate on the road ahead, not the road wor6s -ear in !ind that the road ahead !ay -e o-structed -y the wor6s or -y slow !oving or stationary traffic 6eep a safe distance + there could -e 3ueues in front
To o-tain further infor!ation a-out road wor6s see B<ther infor!ationB. +,aw RTR2 sect 1"/
$ulti+lane carriageways *'((+'/(, <ther infor!ation
2dditional rules for high-speed roads 6'. Ta6e special care on !otorways and other high+speed dual carriageways.
one or !ore lanes !ay -e closed to traffic and a lower speed
li!it !ay apply wor6s vehicles that are slow !oving or stationary with a large =Ceep "eft@ or =Ceep )ight@ sign on the -ac6 are so!eti!es used to close lanes for repairs, and a flashing light arrow !ay also -e used to !a6e the wor6s vehicle !ore conspicuous fro! a distance and give earlier warning to drivers that they need to !ove over to the ne5t lane chec6 !irrors, slow down and change lanes if necessary 6eep a safe distance fro! the vehicle in front *see )ule '%.,
Control of the vehicle *''0+'%.,
6.3 Contraflow syste!s !ean that you !ay -e travelling in a narrower lane than nor!al and with no per!anent -arrier -etween you and onco!ing traffic. The hard shoulder !ay -e used for traffic, -ut -e
aware that there !ay -e -ro6en+down vehicles ahead of you. Ceep a good distance fro! the vehicle ahead and o-serve any te!porary speed li!its. ,e%el crossings 6.1 A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tra!way line. Approach and cross it with care. ?ever drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front. ?ever stop or par6 on, or near, a crossing. 6.6 <verhead electric lines. t is dangerous to touch overhead electric lines. 8ou ()*T o-ey the safe height warning road signs and you should not continue forward onto the railway if your vehicle touches any height -arrier or -ells. The clearance availa-le is usually # !etres *'. feet . inches, -ut !ay -e lower. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3"4 T*RG8 6336 reg 1&(5)/ 6.3 Controlled crossings. $ost crossings have traffic light signals with a steady a!-er light, twin flashing red stop lights *see B"ight signals controlling trafficB and BWarning signsB, and an audi-le alar! for pedestrians. They !ay have full, half or no -arriers.
you ()*T always o-ey the flashing red stop lights
you ()*T stop -ehind the white line across the road
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6eep going if you have already crossed the white line when the
a!-er light co!es on do not reverse onto or over a controlled crossing you ()*T wait if a train goes -y and the red lights continue to flash. This !eans another train will -e passing soon only cross when the lights go off and -arriers open never Iig+Iag around half+-arriers, they lower auto!atically -ecause a train is approaching at crossings where there are no -arriers, a train is approaching when the lights show
+,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 #3/ 6.# )ailway telephones. f you are driving a large or slow+!oving vehicle, a long, low vehicle with a ris6 of grounding, or herding ani!als, a train could arrive -efore you are clear of the crossing. 8ou ()*T o-ey any sign instructing you to use the railway telephone to o-tain per!ission to cross. 8ou ()*T also telephone when clear of the crossing if re3uested to do so. +,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 1"(1)/ 6.5 Crossings without traffic lights. :ehicles should stop and wait at the -arrier or gate when it -egins to close and not cross until the -arrier or gate opens.
6." 4ser+operated gates or -arriers. So!e crossings have =Stop@ signs and s!all red and green lights. 8ou ()*T 7$T cross when the red light is showing, only cross if the green light is on. f crossing with a vehicle, you should
open the gates or -arriers on -oth sides of the crossing chec6 that the green light is still on and cross 3uic6ly close the gates or -arriers when you are clear of the crossing
+,aws RT2 1.'' sect 3" 5 T*RG8 regs 13 5 56(6)/ 6.& f there are no lights, follow the procedure in )ule %2#. Stop, loo6 -oth ways and listen -efore you cross. f there is a railway telephone, always use it to contact the signal operator to !a6e sure it is safe to cross. nfor! the signal operator again when you are clear of the crossing. 6.' <pen crossings. These have no gates, -arriers, attendant or traffic lights -ut will have a =Give Way@ sign. 8ou should loo6 -oth ways, listen and !a6e sure there is no train co!ing -efore you cross. 6.. ncidents and -rea6downs. f your vehicle -rea6s down, or if you have an incident on a crossing you should
get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing
i!!ediately use a railway telephone if availa-le to tell the signal operator. ;ollow the instructions you are given !ove the vehicle clear of the crossing if there is ti!e -efore a train arrives. f the alar! sounds, or the a!-er light co!es on, leave the vehicle and get clear of the crossing i!!ediately Tra 333 8ou ()*T 7$T enter a road, lane or other route reserved for tra!s. Ta6e e5tra care where tra!s run along the road. 8ou should ways
avoid driving directly on top of the rails and should ta6e care where tra!s leave the !ain carriageway to enter the reserved route, to ensure you do not follow the!. The width ta6en up -y tra!s is often shown -y tra! lanes !ar6ed -y white lines, yellow dots or -y a different type of road surface. Dia!ond+shaped signs and white light signals give instructions to tra! drivers only. +,aw RTR2 sects 5 5 '/ 331 Ta6e e5tra care where the trac6 crosses fro! one side of the road to the other and where the road narrows and the trac6s co!e close to the 6er-. Tra! drivers usually have their own traffic signals and !ay -e per!itted to !ove when you are not. Always give way to tra!s. Do not try to race or overta6e the! or pass the! on the inside, unless they are at tra! stops or stopped -y tra! signals and there is a designated tra! lane for you to pass. 336 8ou ()*T 7$T par6 your vehicle where it would get in the way of tra!s or where it would force other drivers to do so. Do not stop on any part of a tra! trac6, e5cept in a designated -ay where this has -een provided alongside and clear of the trac6. When doing so, ensure that all parts of your vehicle are outside the delineated tra! path. )e!e!-er that a tra! cannot steer round an o-struction. +,aw RTR2 sects 5 5 '/ 333 Tra! stops. Where the tra! stops at a platfor!, either in the !iddle or at the side of the road, you ()*T follow the route shown -y the road signs and !ar6ings. At stops without platfor!s you ()*T 7$T drive -etween a tra! and the left+hand 6er- when a tra! has stopped to pic6 up passengers. f there is no alternative route signed, do not overta6e the tra! + wait until it !oves off. +,aw RTR2 sects 5 5 '/ 33# "oo6 out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tra! approaching a stop.
335 Always give priority to tra!s, especially when they signal to pull away fro! stops, unless it would -e unsafe to do so. )e!e!-er that they !ay -e carrying large nu!-ers of standing passengers who could -e inDured if the tra! had to !a6e an e!ergency stop. "oo6 out for people getting off a -us or tra! and crossing the road. 33" All road users, -ut particularly cyclists and !otorcyclists, should ta6e e5tra care when driving or riding close to or crossing the trac6s, especially if the rails are wet. 8ou should ta6e particular care when crossing the rails at shallow angles, on -ends and at Dunctions. t is safest to cross the trac6s directly at right angles. <ther road users should -e aware that cyclists and !otorcyclists !ay need !ore space to cross the trac6s safely. 33& <verhead electric lines. Tra!way overhead wires are nor!ally #.1 !etres a-ove any carriageway, -ut can -e lower. 8ou should ensure that you have sufficient clearance -etween the wire and your vehicle *including any load you are carrying, -efore driving under an overhead wire. Drivers of vehicles with e5tending cranes, -oo!s, tipping apparatus or other types of varia-le height e3uip!ent should ensure that the e3uip!ent is fully lowered. Where overhead wires are set lower than #.1 !etres, these will -e indicated -y height clearance !ar6ings + si!ilar to =low -ridge@ signs. The height clearances on these plates should -e carefully noted and o-served. f you are in any dou-t as to whether your vehicle will pass safely under the wires, you should always contact the local police or the tra!way operator. ?ever ta6e a chance as this can -e e5tre!ely haIardous. 1ou and your !icycle $a6e sure that you feel confident of your a-ility to ride safely on the road. 7e sure that
you choose the right siIe and type of cycle for co!fort and
safety lights and reflectors are 6ept clean and in good wor6ing order tyres are in good condition and inflated to the pressure shown
on the tyre gears are wor6ing correctly the chain is properly adDusted and oiled the saddle and handle-ars are adDusted to the correct height t is reco!!ended that you fit a -ell to your cycle. 8ou ()*T
ensure your -ra6es are efficient
at night, use lit front and rear lights and have a red rear reflector +,aws 0C)R regs " 5 13 5 R-,R reg 1'/ Cycle training can help -oth children and adults, especially those adults returning to cycling to develop the s6ills needed to cycle safely on today@s roads. A new national cycle training standard has -een developed which the Govern!ent is pro!oting and !a6ing funding availa-le for delivery in schools. All cyclists should consider the -enefits of underta6ing cycle training. ;or infor!ation, contact your local authority. (otorcycle licence re?uire ents This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. f you have a provisional !otorcycle licence, you ()*T satisfactorily co!plete a Co!pulsory 7asic Training *C7T, course. 8ou can then ride on the pu-lic road, with " plates *in Wales either D plates, " plates or -oth can -e used,, for up to two years. To o-tain your full !otorcycle licence you ()*T pass a !otorcycle theory test and then a practical test. +,aw (-(8,)R regs 1" 5 "'/ f you have a full car licence you !ay ride !otorcycles up to '%# cc and '' 6W power output, with " plates *and>or D plates in Wales,, on pu-lic roads. However you ()*T first satisfactorily co!plete a C7T course if you have not already done so. +,aw (-(8,)R reg #3/ f you have a full !oped licence and wish to o-tain full !otorcycle entitle!ent, you will -e re3uired to ta6e a !otorcycle theory test if you did not ta6e a separate theory test when you o-tained your !oped licence. 8ou ()*T then pass a practical !otorcycle test.
?ote that if C7T was co!pleted for the full !oped licence there is no need to repeat it. However, if the !oped test was ta6en -efore '>'%>2& C7T will need to -e co!pleted -efore riding a !otorcycle as a learner. +,aw (-(8,)R regs #6(1) 5 ".(1)/ "ight !otorcycle licence *A',: you ta6e a test on a !otorcycle of -etween 0# and '%# cc. f you pass you !ay ride a !otorcycle up to '%# cc with power output up to '' 6W. Standard !otorcycle licence *A,: if your test vehicle is -etween '%& and '%# cc and capa-le of !ore than '&& 6!>h you will -e given a standard *A, licence. 8ou will then -e restricted to !otorcycles of up to %# 6W for two years. After two years you !ay ride any siIe !achine. Direct or Accelerated Access ena-les riders over the age of %', or those who reach %' -efore their two+year restriction ends, to ride larger !otorcycles sooner. To o-tain a licence to do so they are re3uired to
have successfully co!pleted a C7T course pass a theory test, if they are re3uired to do so pass a practical test on a !achine with power output of at
least (# 6W To practise, they can ride larger !otorcycles, with " plates *and>or D plates in Wales,, on pu-lic roads, -ut only when acco!panied -y an approved instructor on another !otorcycle in radio contact. 8ou ()*T 7$T carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your test. +,aw (-(8,)R reg 1"/ (oped licence re?uire ents
A !oped ()*T have an engine capacity not e5ceeding #& cc, not weigh !ore than %#& 6g and -e designed to have a !a5i!u! speed not e5ceeding (' !ph *#& 6!>h,. ;ro! Lune %&&( all EC Type Approved !opeds have -een restricted to %1 !ph */# 6!>h,. +,aw RT2 1.'' (as a
-e '. or over
ended) sect 13'/
To ride a !oped, learners ()*T
have a provisional !oped licence co!plete C7T training
8ou ()*T first pass the theory test for !otorcycles and then the !oped practical test to o-tain your full !oped licence. f you passed your driving test -efore ' ;e-ruary %&&' you are 3ualified to ride a !oped without " plates *and>or D plates in Wales,, although it is reco!!ended that you co!plete C7T -efore riding on the road. f you passed your driving test after this date you ()*T co!plete C7T -efore riding a !oped on the road. +,aws RT2 1.'' sects .&(e) 5 131 5 (-(8,)R regs 3'(#) 5 #3/ ?ote. ;or !otorcycle and !oped riders wishing to upgrade, the following give e5e!ption fro! ta6ing the !otorcycle theory test
full A' !otorcycle licence full !oped licence, if gained after '>0>2.
+,aw (-(8,)R reg #6/ (otor %ehicle docu re?uire ents 8ocu ents entation and learner dri%er
Driving licence. 8ou ()*T have a valid driving licence for the category of !otor vehicle you are driving. 8ou ()*T infor! the Driver and :ehicle "icensing Agency *D:"A, if you change your na!e and>or address. +,aw RT2 1.'' sects '& 5 ..(#)/ Holders of non+European Co!!unity licences who are now resident in the 4C !ay only drive on that licence for a !a5i!u! of '% !onths fro! the date they -eco!e resident in this country. To ensure continuous driving entitle!ent
a 7ritish provisional licence should -e o-tained and a driving
test*s, passed -efore the '%+!onth period elapses, or in the case of a driver who holds a licence fro! a country which has -een designated in law for licence e5change purposes, the driver should e5change the licence for a 7ritish one $<T. Cars and !otorcycles ()*T nor!ally pass an $<T test three years fro! the date of the first registration and every year after
that. 8ou ()*T 7$T drive a !otor vehicle without an $<T certificate when it should have one. E5ceptionally, you !ay drive to a pre+arranged test appoint!ent or to a garage for repairs re3uired for the test. Driving an unroadworthy !otor vehicle !ay invalidate your insurance. +,aw RT2 1.'' sects #54 #&4 #. 5 53/ nsurance. To use a !otor vehicle on the road, you ()*T have a valid insurance policy. This ()*T at least cover you for inDury or da!age to a third party while using that !otor vehicle. 7efore driving any !otor vehicle, !a6e sure that it has this cover for your use or that your own insurance provides ade3uate cover. 8ou ()*T 7$T drive a !otor vehicle without insurance. Also, -e aware that even if a road traffic incident is not your fault, you !ay still -e held lia-le -y insurance co!panies. +,aw RT2 1.'' sect 1#3/ 4ninsured drivers can now -e auto!atically detected -y roadside ca!eras. ;urther to the penalties for uninsured driving listed in B9enaltiesB, an offender@s vehicle can now -e seiIed -y the 9olice, ta6en away and crushed. +,aw RT2 1.''4 sects 1"5a 5 1"5!/
9enalties
The types of cover availa-le are indicated -elow: Third+party insurance + this is often the cheapest for! of insurance, and is the !ini!u! cover re3uired -y law. t covers anyone you !ight inDure or whose property you !ight da!age. t does not cover da!age to your own !otor vehicle or inDury to yourself. Third+party, ;ire and Theft insurance + si!ilar to third+party, -ut also covers you against your !otor vehicle -eing stolen, or da!aged -y fire. Co!prehensive insurance + this is the !ost e5pensive -ut the -est insurance. Apart fro! covering other persons and property against inDury or da!age, it also covers da!age to your own !otor vehicle, up to the !ar6et value of that vehicle, and personal inDury to yourself. )egistration certificate. )egistration certificates *also called har!onised registration certificates, are issued for all !otor vehicles used on the road, descri-ing the! *!a6e, !odel, etc, and
giving details of the registered 6eeper. 8ou ()*T notify the Driver and :ehicle "icensing Agency in Swansea as soon as possi-le when you -uy or sell a !otor vehicle, or if you change your na!e or address. ;or registration certificates issued after %0 $arch '220, the -uyer and seller are responsi-le for co!pleting the registration certificates. The seller is responsi-le for forwarding the! to D:"A. The procedures are e5plained on the -ac6 of the registration certificates. +,aw R-(R5,)R regs 614 664 63 5 6#/ :ehicle E5cise Duty *:ED,. All !otor vehicles used or 6ept on pu-lic roads ()*T display a valid :ehicle E5cise Duty disc *ta5 disc, displayed at all ti!es. Even !otor vehicles e5e!pt fro! duty ()*T display a ta5 disc at all ti!es. +,aw -:R2 sects 6. and 33/ Statutory <ff+)oad ?otification *S<)?,. This is a notification to the D:"A that a !otor vehicle is not -eing used on the road. f you are the vehicle 6eeper and want to 6eep a !otor vehicle unta5ed and off the pu-lic road you ()*T declare S<)? + it is an offence not to do so. 8ou then won@t have to pay any road ta5 for that vehicle for a period of '% !onths. 8ou need to send a further declaration after that period if the vehicle is still off the pu-lic road. The S<)? will end if you sell the vehicle and the new owner will -eco!e i!!ediately responsi-le. +,aw R-(R,)R 63364 reg 6" sched #/ 9roduction of docu!ents. 8ou ()*T -e a-le to produce your driving licence and counterpart, a valid insurance certificate and *if appropriate, a valid $<T certificate, when re3uested -y a police officer. f you cannot do this you !ay -e as6ed to ta6e the! to a police station within seven days. +,aw RT2 1.'' sects 1"# 5 1"5/ ,earner dri%ers "earners driving a car ()*T hold a valid provisional licence. They ()*T -e supervised -y so!eone at least %' years old who holds a full EC>EEA licence for that type of car *auto!atic or !anual, and has held one for at least three years. +,aws (-(8,)R reg 1" 5 RT2 1.'' sect '&/
:ehicles. Any vehicle driven -y a learner ()*T display red " plates. n Wales, either red D plates, red " plates, or -oth, can -e used. 9lates ()*T confor! to legal specifications and ()*T -e clearly visi-le to others fro! in front of the vehicle and fro! -ehind. 9lates should -e re!oved or covered when not -eing driven -y a learner *e5cept on driving school vehicles,. +,aw (-(8,)R reg 1" 5 sched #/ 8ou ()*T pass the theory test *if one is re3uired, and then a practical driving test for the category of vehicle you wish to drive -efore driving unacco!panied. +,aw (-(8,)R reg #3/ The road user and the law Road traffic law The following list can -e found a--reviated throughout the Code. t is not intended to -e a co!prehensive guide, -ut a guide to so!e of the i!portant points of law. ;or the precise wording of the law, please refer to the various Acts and )egulations *as a!ended, indicated in the Code. A--reviations are listed -elow. $ost of the provisions apply on all roads throughout Great 7ritain, although there are so!e e5ceptions. The definition of a road in England and Wales is =any highway and any other road to which the pu-lic has access and includes -ridges over which a road passes@ *)TA '211 sect '2%*',,. n Scotland, there is a si!ilar definition which is e5tended to include any way over which the pu-lic have a right of passage *)*S,A '21/ sect '#'*',,. t is i!portant to note that references to =road@ therefore generally include footpaths, -ridleways and cycle trac6s, and !any roadways and driveways on private land *including !any car par6s,. n !ost cases, the law will apply to the! and there !ay -e additional rules for particular paths or ways. So!e serious driving offences, including drin6+driving offences, also apply to all pu-lic places, for e5a!ple pu-lic car par6s. 2cts and regulations +a!!re%iations in !rac@ets/ Acts and regulations fro! '211 can -e viewed on the 4C legislation we-site. Acts and regulations prior to '211 are only availa-le in their original print for!at which !ay -e o-tained fro! The
Stationery <ffice. ;or further infor!ation visit the Stationery <ffice we-site *TS<,.
4C legislation<pens new window The Stationery <ffice we-site<pens new window
2cts and regulations prior to 1.'' Chronically Sic6 G Disa-led 9ersons Act '20& ;unctions of Traffic Wardens <rder '20& Highway Act '1(# or '21& *as indicated, Greater "ondon *General 9owers, Act '20/ FCSD9AH FG"*G9,AH FHAH F$C*9H,)H F;TW<H
$otor Cycles *9rotective Hel!ets, )egulations '21&
$otorways Traffic *England G Wales, )egulations '21% F$T*EGW,)H $otorways Traffic *England G Wales, A!ended )egulations F$T*EGW,*A,)H 9edal Cycles *Construction G 4se, )egulations '21( F9C4)H 9u-lic 9assenger :ehicles Act '21' F99:AH )oad Traffic Act '21/, '211 or '22' *as indicated, F)TAH )oad Traffic )egulation Act '21/ F)T)AH FC4)H )oad :ehicles *Construction G 4se, )egulations '21. )oads *Scotland, Act '21/ F)*S,AH 2cts and regulations fro 1.'' onwards
Horses *9rotective Headgear for 8oung )iders, Act '22&
FH*9H8),AH<pens new window

Horses *9rotective Headgear for 8oung )iders, )egulations
'22% FH*9H8),)H<pens new window

$otor Cycles *Eye 9rotectors, )egulations '222 F$C*E9,)H
*9D;, /&C,<pens new window

$otorways Traffic *Scotland, )egulations '22# F$T*S,)H<pens
new window
$otor :ehicles *Driving "icences, )egulations '222 F$:*D",)H
*9D;, (#(C,<pens new window
$otor :ehicles *Wearing of Seat 7elts, )egulations '22(
F$:*WS7,)H<pens new window

$otor :ehicles *Wearing of Seat 7elts, *A!end!ent,
)egulations %&&. F$:*WS7,*A,)H<pens new window

$otor :ehicles *Wearing of Seat 7elts -y Children in ;ront
Seats, )egulations '22( F$:*WS7C;S,)H<pens new window

?ew )oads and Streetwor6s Act '22' F?)SWAH<pens new
window
9owers of Cri!inal Courts *Sentencing, Act %&&&
F9CC*S,AH<pens new window

9olice )efor! Act %&&% F9)AH<pens new window 9rohi-ition of S!o6ing in Certain 9re!ises *Scotland,
)egulations %&&. *S no 2&, F9SC9*S,)HM *9D;, .(C,<pens new window

)oad Safety Act %&&. F)SAH *9D;, #/0C,<pens new window )oad Traffic Act '211 F)TAH<pens new window )oad Traffic Act '22' F)TAH<pens new window )oad Traffic *?ew Drivers, Act '22# F)T*?D,AH<pens new
window
)oad Traffic <ffenders Act '211 F)T<AH<pens new window )oad :ehicles *Display of )egistration $ar6s, )egulations %&&'
F):*D)$,)H *9D;, '/.C,<pens new window

)oad :ehicles "ighting )egulations '212 F):")H<pens new
window
)oad :ehicles *)egistration G "icensing, )egulations %&&%
F):*)G",)H *9D;, /#C,<pens new window

Traffic $anage!ent Act %&&/ FT$AH<pens new window Traffic Signs )egulations G General Directions %&&%
FTS)GDH<pens new window

4se of nvalid Carriages on Highways )egulations '211
F4 CH)H<pens new window

:ehicle E5cise and )egistration Act '22/ F:E)AH<pens new
window
Ke-ra, 9elican and 9uffin 9edestrian Crossings )egulations and
General Directions '220 FK999C)GDH
-ehicle -ehicle
aintenance4 safety and security aintenance
Ta6e special care that lights, -ra6es, steering, e5haust syste!, seat -elts, de!isters, wipers and washers are all wor6ing. Also
lights, indicators, reflectors, and nu!-er plates ()*T -e 6ept
clean and clear windscreens and windows ()*T -e 6ept clean and free fro! o-structions to vision lights ()*T -e properly adDusted to prevent daIIling other road users. E5tra attention needs to -e paid to this if the vehicle is heavily loaded e5haust e!issions ()*T 7$T e5ceed prescri-ed levels ensure your seat, seat -elt, head restraint and !irrors are adDusted correctly -efore you drive ensure that ite!s of luggage are securely stowed
+,aws R-,R 1.'. regs 63 5 6& 5 C)R 1.'"4 regs 33 5 "1/ Warning displays. $a6e sure that you understand the !eaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instru!ent panel. Do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing.
when you turn the ignition 6ey, warning lights will -e
illu!inated -ut will go out when the engine starts *e5cept the hand-ra6e warning light,. f they do not, or if they co!e on while you are driving, stop and investigate the pro-le!, as you could have a serious fault if the charge warning light co!es on while you are driving, it !ay !ean that the -attery isnBt charging. This should also -e chec6ed as soon as possi-le to avoid loss of power to lights and other electrical syste!s Window tints. 8ou ()*T 7$T use a vehicle with e5cessively dar6 tinting applied to the windscreen, or to the glass in any front window to either side of the driver. Window tinting applied during !anufacture co!plies with the :isual "ight Trans!ittance *:"T, standards. There are no :"T li!its for rear windscreens or rear passenger windows.
+,aws RT2 1.'' sect #6 5 C)R reg 36/ Tyres. Tyres ()*T -e correctly inflated to the vehicle !anufacturer@s specification for the load -eing carried. Always refer to the vehicle@s hand-oo6 or data. Tyres should also -e free fro! certain cuts and other defects. Cars, light vans and light trailers ()*T have a tread depth of at least '.. !! across the central three+3uarters of the -readth of the tread and around the entire circu!ference. $otorcycles, large vehicles and passenger+carrying vehicles ()*T have a tread depth of at least ' !! across three+ 3uarters of the -readth of the tread and in a continuous -and around the entire circu!ference. $opeds should have visi-le tread. 7e aware that so!e vehicle defects can attract penalty points. +,aw C)R reg 6&/ f a tyre -ursts while you are driving, try to 6eep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel fir!ly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road. f you have a flat tyre, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. <nly change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at ris6 J otherwise call a -rea6down service. Tyre pressures. Chec6 wee6ly. Do this -efore your Dourney, when tyres are cold. War! or hot tyres !ay give a !isleading reading. 8our -ra6es and steering will -e adversely affected -y under+ inflated or over+inflated tyres. E5cessive or uneven tyre wear !ay -e caused -y faults in the -ra6ing or suspension syste!s, or wheels which are out of align!ent. Have these faults corrected as soon as possi-le. ;luid levels. Chec6 the fluid levels in your vehicle at least wee6ly. "ow -ra6e fluid !ay result in -ra6e failure and a crash. $a6e sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights if your vehicle has the! fitted. 7efore winter. Ensure that the -attery is well !aintained and that there are appropriate anti+freeIe agents in your radiator and windscreen -ottle. <ther pro-le!s. f your vehicle
pulls to one side when -ra6ing, it is !ost li6ely to -e a -ra6e
fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Consult a garage or !echanic i!!ediately continues to -ounce after pushing down on the front or rear, its shoc6 a-sor-ers are worn. Worn shoc6 a-sor-ers can seriously affect the operation of a vehicle and should -e replaced s!ells of anything unusual such as -urning ru--er, petrol or an electrical faultE investigate i!!ediately. Do not ris6 a fire <verheated engines or fire. $ost engines are water+cooled. f your engine overheats you should wait until it has cooled naturally. <nly then re!ove the coolant filler cap and add water or other coolant. f your vehicle catches fire, get the occupants out of the vehicle 3uic6ly and to a safe place. Do not atte!pt to e5tinguish a fire in the engine co!part!ent, as opening the -onnet will !a6e the fire flare. Call the fire -rigade. 9etrol stations>fuel tan6>fuel lea6s. Ensure that, when filling up your vehicle@s tan6 or any fuel cans you are carrying, you do not spill fuel on the forecourt. Any spilled fuel should -e i!!ediately reported to the petrol station attendant. Diesel spillage is dangerous to other road users, particularly !otorcyclists, as it will significantly reduce the level of grip -etween the tyres and road surface. Dou-le+chec6 for fuel lea6s and !a6e sure that
you do not overfill your fuel tan6 the fuel cap is fastened securely the seal in the cap is not torn, perished or !issing
there is no visual da!age to the cap or the fuel tan6 E!ergency fuel caps, if fitted, should for! a good seal. ?ever s!o6e, or use a !o-ile phone, on the forecourt of petrol stations as these are !aDor fire ris6s and could cause an e5plosion. -ehicle security When you leave your vehicle you should

re!ove the ignition 6ey and engage the steering loc6 loc6 the car, even if you only leave it for a few !inutes close the windows co!pletely never leave children or pets in an unventilated car ta6e all contents with you, or loc6 the! in the -oot.
)e!e!-er, for all a thief 6nows a carrier -ag !ay contain valua-les never leave vehicle docu!ents in the car ;or e5tra security fit an anti+theft device such as an alar! or i!!o-iliser. f you are -uying a new car it is a good idea to chec6 the level of -uilt+in security features. Consider having your registration nu!-er etched on all your car windows. This is a cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves. ;irst aid on the road n the event of an incident, you can do a nu!-er of things to help, even if you have had no training. 1E 8eal with danger ;urther collisions and fire are the !ain dangers following a crash. Approach any vehicle involved with care. Switch off all engines and, if possi-le, warn other traffic. Stop anyone fro! s!o6ing. 6E Get help Try to get the assistance of -ystanders. Get so!eone to call the appropriate e!ergency services as soon as possi-le. They will need to 6now the e5act location of the incident and the nu!-er of vehicles involved. 3E Help those in%ol%ed D< ?<T !ove casualties still in vehicles unless further danger is threatened. D< ?<T re!ove a !otorcyclist@s hel!et unless it is essential. )e!e!-er the casualty !ay -e suffering fro! shoc6. D< ?<T give the! anything to eat or drin6. D< try to !a6e the! war! and as co!forta-le as you can, -ut avoid unnecessary !ove!ent. D< give reassurance confidently and try not to leave the! alone or let the! wander into the path of other traffic. #E 0ro%ide e ergency care
)e!e!-er the letters D) A 7 C: D + Danger + chec6 that you are not in danger. ) + )esponse + try to get a response -y as6ing 3uestions and gently sha6ing their shoulders. A + Airway + the airway should -e clear and 6ept open. 9lace one
hand on the forehead, two fingers under the chin and gently tilt the head -ac6. 7 + 7reathing + nor!al -reathing should -e esta-lished. <nce the airway is open chec6 -reathing for up to '& seconds. C + Co!pressions + if they are not -reathing nor!ally co!pressions should -e ad!inistered to !aintain circulationE place two hands in the centre of the chest and press down /+# c!s at a rate of '&&>!inute. 8ou !ay only need one hand for a child. Give (& chest co!pressions. Then tilt the head -ac6 gently, pinch the casualty@s nostrils together and place your !outh over theirs. Give two -reaths, each lasting one second *use gentle -reaths for a s!all child,.
7leeding ;irst chec6 for anything that !ay -e in the wound, such as glass. f there is nothing e!-edded apply fir! pressure over the wound. Ta6e care not to press on the o-Dect + -uild up padding on either side of it. ;asten a pad to the wound with a -andage or length of cloth. 4se the cleanest !aterial availa-le. f a li!- is -leeding, -ut not -ro6en, raise it a-ove the level of the heart to reduce the flow of -lood. Any restriction of -lood circulation for !ore than a short ti!e could cause long+ter! inDuries. 7urns Try to cool the -urn -y dousing it with clean, cold water or si!ilar non+to5ic li3uid for at least '& !inutes. Do not try to re!ove anything stic6ing to the -urn. 5E =e prepared Always carry a first aid 6it. 8ou could save a life -y learning
e!ergency aid and first aid fro! a 3ualified organisation, such as the local a!-ulance services:
St Lohn A!-ulance Association and 7rigade, St Andrew@s A!-ulance Association, the 7ritish )ed Cross
or any suita-le 3ualified -ody *see B<ther infor!ationB for contact details,. <ther infor!ation *afety code for new dri%ers <nce you have passed the driving test you will -e a-le to drive on your own. This will provide you with lots of opportunities -ut you need to re!ain safe. Even though you have shown you have the s6ills you need to drive safely, !any newly 3ualified drivers lac6 e5perience. 8ou need to continue to develop your s6ills, especially anticipating other road users@ -ehaviour to avoid having a collision. As !any as one new driver in five has so!e 6ind of collision in their first year of driving. This code provides advice to help you get through the first twelve !onths after passing the driving test, when you are !ost vulnera-le, as safely as possi-le.
!any of the worst collisions happen at night. 7etween
!idnight and . a! is a ti!e of high ris6 for new drivers. Avoid driving then unless it@s really necessary if you are driving with passengers, you are responsi-le for their safety. Don@t let the! distract you or encourage you to ta6e ris6s. Tell your passengers that you need to concentrate if you are to get to your destination safely never show off or try to co!pete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving -adly don@t drive if you have consu!ed any alcohol or ta6en drugs. Even over+the+counter !edicines can affect your a-ility to drive safely + read the la-el to see if they !ay affect your driving !a6e sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat -elt throughout the Dourney 6eep your speed down + !any serious collisions happen -ecause the driver loses control, particularly on -ends !ost new drivers have no e5perience of driving high+powered or sporty cars. 4nless you have learnt to drive in such a vehicle you need to get plenty of e5perience driving on your
own -efore driving a !ore powerful car driving while uninsured is an offence. See B$otor vehicle docu!entation and learner driver re3uire!entsB for infor!ation on types of insurance cover
$otor vehicle docu!entation and learner driver re3uire!ents
)E$E$7E) that under the ?ew Drivers Act you will have your licence revo6ed if you get si5 penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your first driving test. 8ou will need to pass -oth the theory and practical tests again to get -ac6 your full licence. 8ou could consider ta6ing further training such as 9ass 9lus, which could also save you !oney on your insurance, as well as helping you reduce your ris6 of -eing involved in a collision. *igns and ar@ings The signs and !ar6ings found in The Highway Code are -ro6en down into several categories, which can -e downloaded in 9D; for!at fro! this page. ;or help with 9D; files, follow the lin6 -elow
8ownload F,ight signals controlling trafficF (08;4 '3G)$pens new window 8ownload F*ignals to other road usersF (08;4 133G)$pens new window 8ownload F*ignals !y authorised personsF (08;4 163G)$pens new window 8ownload F*igns gi%ing ordersF (08;4 13#G)$pens new window 8ownload F<arning signsF (08;4 11&G)$pens new window 8ownload F8irection signsF (08;4 1&3G)$pens new window 8ownload FInfor window ation signsF (08;4 1"3G)$pens new
8ownload FRoad wor@s signsF (08;4 13#G)$pens new window 8ownload FRoad 8ownload F-ehicle ar@ingsF (08;4 &15G)$pens new window ar@ingsF (08;4 53&G)
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The Highway Code

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The Highway Code

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Get ready for your Theory Test online

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55 Avoid rounda-outs wherever possi-le. f you use the! you should

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5. Clothing. 8ou should wear

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"& 8ou should

"' 8ou ()*T 7$T

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plan your Dourney to ta6e sufficient -rea6s. A !ini!u! -rea6

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.' :ehicle towing and loading. As a driver

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Child under ( years of age

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13# 8ou should also

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ended !y T(2 633#4

Download BSignals -y authorised personsB *9D;, '%(C,<pens

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-etween sunset and sunrise

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use headlights at night, e5cept on a road which has lit street

11# 8ou ()*T 7$T

115 8ou should also

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Help with 9D; files

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136 )eflective road studs !ay -e used with white lines.

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+,aw RT2 1.'' sects 6 5 3 as a 1#5

ended !y RT2 1..1/