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UK Highway Code Laws and Guidance

The Highway Code guidance is essential reading for all vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and all other road users.

BASIC HIGHWAY CODE RULES: UK motorists and pedestrians share a common responsibility. That is reducing daily road fatalities and injuries.

The main purpose of the Highway Code regulations is to reduce road casualties and deaths for drivers and wayfarers on the streets.

UK Highway Code Laws give strict instructions with essential safe driving techniques. Follow the UK rules of the road to meet these objectives.

This section has invaluable driving rules and safety information. They also apply to the most vulnerable road users. Motorists must use extra caution around small children, older pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

Is The Highway Code Law or a Guide?

Highway Code wording makes it clear to identify the law. The words of MUST and MUST NOT are the rules.

Disobeying National Highway Laws is committing a criminal offence. As a rule, it results in a fine, penalty points, or a disqualification.

Severe prosecutions can result in a prison sentence for offenders. The British Highway Code can also get used to provide evidence or establish liability in a court of law as per the United Kingdom Road Traffic Acts.

Highway Code Guidance Manual A to Z

Note: British Highway Code rules apply in England, Scotland, and Wales. Road laws differ in Northern Ireland. The Department for Transport update the UK Highway Code on a regular basis.

Adverse Weather

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER: The Highway Code for driving in bad weather conditions is essential reading. The section explains how to drive in snow, fog, in wet and windy weather, and on slippery icy roads.

Animals

HIGHWAY CODE ANIMALS: The UK Highways Code of Practice regulate the rules for animals in the road. The laws apply to dogs as well as the horses riding rules on the road.

Before Setting Off

AWARENESS CHECKS: The Highway Code issues safety standards for drivers before moving off. Take a few moments to conduct a roadworthiness checklist before setting off on a journey.

Breakdowns

VEHICLE BREAKDOWN PROCEDURE: What should you do if your car breaks down on a public road or on a motorway? The Highway Code emergency car breakdown and incidents section has the answers.

Cyclists Highway Code

CYCLE RIDERS: The section covers vital information about the Highway Code for cyclists. There is extra guidance addressing bike positioning at junctions and crossing busy roads.

ELECTRIC BIKE LAW: Electric bikes, also called a booster bike, use an integrated electric motor for propulsion. Check EAPC road rules and electric bike regulations for riding pedal assist e bikes.

General Road Rules

ASSESSING READINESS: All motorists should be aware of the Highway Code fitness to drive road rules. They relate to the general readiness needed for safe and legal motoring.

HIGHWAY CODE ADVICE: Rules 144 to 154 cover the Highway Code general advice for all motorists. Learn the stopping distances while keeping control of the vehicle in tricky situations.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: Information on UK vehicle lighting requirements for all motorists. Check how and when to use car sidelights, dipped headlights, and hazard warning lights.

MIRRORS SIGNAL MANOEUVRE: Driving safely and courteously means following the Highway Code. The basic rules for using the road apply to safety checks made before you move off and throughout the full journey.

MULTI LANE CARRIAGEWAY: A section about lane discipline on single carriage way and dual carriageways. The guide also explains road furniture on multi lane carriageways.

ROAD MARKINGS: Test your knowledge of Highway Code road markings and meaning. Check the rules for solid, broken, white or yellow lines and lane dividers.

SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES: A section covering the rules for giving signals and signalling to other road users. Further details cover Highway Code stopping procedures and how DVSA may stop you.

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS: Highway Code rules 204 to 225 address situations requiring extra care on the roads. Check out the additional consideration needed by drivers and riders.

Highway Code for Children

CHILDREN'S HIGHWAY CODE: The Highway Code for Children is a simplified version of the rules. Parents can use it to teach kids how to cross a road safely.

Mobility Scooters

INVALID CARRIAGES: Read the guidance on mobility scooters Highway Code rules 36 to 46. It explains the use of all types of invalid carriages on the pavements and on the roads.

Motorcyclists

MOTORBIKE RULES: Read through the Highway Code for motorcyclists and for moped riders. The motorbike Highway Code also governs pillion passenger rules in the United Kingdom.

MOTOCYCLE HELMET LAWS: The page explains motorcycle helmet laws in the United Kingdom. It is compulsory for all motorbike riders to wear a safety helmet.

QUAD BIKE LAWS: Most quad bikes do not meet road safety standards for the United Kingdom. Find out the quad bikes law for type approval, registration, tax, and MOT (where required).

Motorways

MOTORWAY DRIVING: The Highway Code motorway driving rules cover the procedures for using motorways. Rules 253 to 273 explain the proper use of lanes, signals, and slip road exits.

MOT Rules

VEHICLE TESTING: Find out how to get an MOT test certificate for a vehicle and the fees. Check MOT rules and regulation on exemptions, a retest, and how to appeal if it fails the test.

National Speed Limits

UK SPEED ALLOWANCES: What are the national speed limits in the United Kingdom? Check the speeding maximums that apply for safe motoring in 'optimum conditions'.

Parking Laws

UK PARKING RULES: The roadside stop laws and restrictions have severe penalties. Check the Highway Code parking rules near a corner, on the pavement, at a junction, and in front of a driveway.

Pedestrians

RULES FOR WALKERS: There are specific rules for pedestrians when using pavements and roadside paths. As a rule, stay away from the kerbside and face forwards towards oncoming traffic.

Roadside First Aid

EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Rendering first aid at the scene of a road accident is a temporary procedure. Follow the DR ABC first aid routine until professional Emergency Medical Service personnel arrive.

Traffic Signs

ROAD SIGNS: Learn common signage from a UK road signs PDF with free download option. The knowledge is essential reading for new drivers and riders to pass the driving theory test.

Trams and Tramways

TRAMWAY RULES: A section explaining how to drive near tramcar systems. Special road markings represent the 'swept path' for trams and tramways.

TRAM SIGNAGE: Tram drivers get their instructions from road traffic signals. The signage is usually diamond-shaped tram signs and white light signals.

Vehicle Condition

RVLR 1989: The United Kingdom amended the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations act. It now covers the legal requirements for the use of headlamps and front fog lamps.

SEAT BELTS: Under the law, you MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans, and other goods vehicles (if fitted). Check a table showing Highway Code seat belts law for child passengers.

TINTED WINDOWS LAW: What is the law on tinted vehicle windows and car side glasses? Check the legal tint measurement and window tinting law in the United Kingdom.

Note: The most susceptible victims of road accidents are children, senior citizens, and the disabled. Statistics show annual road deaths are falling. The Reported Road Casualties of Great Britain suggest around 1,780 road deaths occur each year.

UK Highway Code Rules of the Road: Safe Driving for Life Guide
Last Updated 2018