introduction
The highway code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Rules are identified using terms
MUST / MUST NOT - SHOULD / SHOULD NOT - DO / DO NOT
- Self driving vehicles - automated vehicles by the Secretary of State for Transport
under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018. These are vehicles which have
the feature to safely drive themselves without the driver needing to monitor its
functioning. Said vehicles are not the same as those fitted with cruise control or lane
keeping assistance as the driver still needs to remain responsible. You are not
responsible for how a self-drive vehicle drives, and you are allowed to divert your
attention from the road. However the following laws must still be followed:
1. You must still be fit to drive, ie, within the drink drive limits.
2. The vehicle but be road legal, ie, have an MOT certificate.
3. You must not do anything illegal, ie, handling a phone or hand-held device.
4. You MUST always be ready to take back control of the car and to do this, you
must be prepared, ie, awake and sat in your seat.
Hierarchy of road users - ie, greater responsibility in the case of an accident
1. Large goods
2. Passenger vehicles
3. Vans / minibuses
4. Cars / taxi
5. Motorbikes
6. Cyclist
7. Horse riders / horse-drawn vehicles
8. Pedestrians
- At a junction, the pedestrian must always be given way whether they are crossing or
waiting to cross in which you are on, or waiting to turn. You must give way to
pedestrians on a zebra crossing and parallel crossings.
- Only pedestrians must use the pavement this applies to wheelchair and mobility
users. However, they may be allowed to use other parts of the road as well such as a
cycle lane - unless prohibited.
1. Rule H2: “wait for the pedestrian to cross the junction before turning. This
applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.
2. Rule H3 - rule for drivers and motorcyclist:
- Never cut across cyclist, horse riders or horse drawn carriages going
ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing
direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another
motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, cycle
track or riding ahead on the road and they should be given way. Do
not turn at a junction if it would cause a cyclist, horse rider and horse
drawn carriage to stop or swerve.
- You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclist if necessary. This
includes when cyclist are:
1. Approaching, passing or moving off of a junction
2. Moving past or waiting alongside stationary or non-moving traffic
3. Travelling around a roundabout
, - “Rule H3: Wait for the cyclist to pass the junction before turning. This also applies if
there is a cycle lane or cycle track and if you are turning right or left into the junction.
Rules for pedestrians (page 1):
- Pavements and footways: Pavements and pathways should always be used when
provided - avoiding the curb and having their back facing the oncoming traffic.
- No pavement: If there is no pavement, then a pedestrian should walk on the
right-hand side of the road so that they can see oncoming traffic
- Visibility: Pedestrians should always attempt to make themself seen to drivers,
whether this means wearing or carrying something light or bright
- Children: Young children must not walk on pavements or roads alone. When walking
with a child, you should place yourself between them and the curb holding their hand
- Walking groups: When a group of people are walking along the road, they need to
use a pavement, if one is not available, they need to stick to the left with look outs
positioned at the front and back of the group. At night, the front look out should hold a
white light whilst the back lookout hold a red light.
- Motorways: Pedestrians must never walk on the motorway or sliproads unless their
is an emergency
Rules for pedestrians (page 2):
- The green cross code:
1. Find a safe place to cross the road where there is space to reach the
pavement on the other side of the road. Crossings are safer when using a
subway, footbridge, an island, zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossing or a
crossing being monitored by an authoritative figure. If these are not available,
cross in an area which is clear, being able to see clearly in all directions and
not one obstructed by parked cars, blind bends or the brow of a hill.
2. Stop just before you get to the kerb - so you can be seen and can see
3. Look and listen
4. If traffic is coming, let it pass
5. When it is safe too, cross the road calmly.
6. At a junction, other traffic should give way to pedestrians, however still be
mindful
Rules for pedestrians (page 3):
- At all crossings: a pedestrian should always check that traffic has stopped before
stepping out, always cross between the studs or over the zebra lines
- Zebra crossings: always give traffic plenty of time to see you before you cross -
especially on occasions where the road maybe slippery. Before crossing, wait until
traffic has stopped on both sides. Pedestrians have priority.
1. When there is an island in the middle of the crossing, wait on the island
before you can once again safely cross
- The different crossings:
1. Pelican: crossings operated by buttons telling pedestrians when it is safe to
cross
2. Puffin: similar idea, but the lights showing when to cross is above the
activation button
, 3. Toucan: these are push button operated crossings designed for both cyclists
and pedestrians.
4. Equestian: these crossings are wider and have pavement barriers. Instead of
the lights showing a pedestrian, it would show a rider figure and a horse.
5. Staggered pelican or puffin crossings: typically found in busy areas like
cities, these crossings require a pedestrian to click a button twice, once when
initially crossing and then again when reaching an island.
Rules for pedestrians (page 4):
- Emergency vehicles: if there is an emergency vehicle approaching with their blue
flashing lights on or sirens, then a pedestrian needs to get off of the road
- Buses: when getting off of the bus, look out for cyclist. Never cross a road directly
infront of or behind a bus, instead wait for it to move so you can see in both
directions
- Railway crossings: a railway crossing must never be crossed when the red lights
are showing (including the light of a red pedestrian.) The line must also not be
crossed if an alarm is sounding and the barriers are being lowered.
- Street and pavement repairs: a pavement may be closed temporarily if it is not safe
to use.
Rules for users of powered wheelchairs (page 1):
- Categories: All manual forms of wheelchairs are known as class 1 invalid carriages,
whilst electric wheelchairs such as powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are
considered class 2 (these have a speed limit of 4mph.) Class 3 wheelchairs, are
those that have a speed limit higher than 8mph and designed to be used both on the
road and on pavements.
- On pavement: on the pavement, pedestrians should receive priority. Wheelchairs
and scooters must not go faster than 4mph when on a pavement or a pedestrianised
area
Rules for users of powered wheelchairs (page 2):
- Class 3 vehicles when travelling on the road must always follow the flow of traffic
- Depending on the wheelchairs design, users must always use lights, indicators and
horns as other vehicles would, and, at night, must always have their lights on.
- Road junctions:
1. Stop on the left hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic
2. Turn as if you were a pedestrian, this means travelling across the pavement
and crossing between pavements when it is safe and clear too.
3. If this is hazardous, an alternative route should be considered - especially
when a roundabout is involved
- Parking: all parking restrictions apply to wheelchairs in this case. It should not be left
unattended if causes an obstruction to others, and a valid blue badge needs to be
displayed when required.
- Restrictions: these vehicles must not be used on motorways, unrestricted dual
carriageways where the speed limit exceeds 50mphs - if they are used here however,
they must have a flashing amber beacon.
, Rules about animals (page 1):
- Horse drawn vehicles: horse drawn vehicles used on the highway should be
operated and maintained in accordance with the standards of the Department for
Transport’s Code of Practice for Horse Drawn Vehicles. This practice details
requirements and safety checks to ensure that a carriage and its fittings are safe to
travel. All horse-drawn carriages must have two red rear reflectors. When travelling
at night, these red lights must be accompanied by a white light on the front
Rules about animals (page 2):
- Horse riders:
1. Safety equipment: children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet when
riding a horse, and fastened securely. This does not apply however to Sikhs
wearing turbans.
2. Other clothing: rider must wear boots or shoes with a hard sole and heel,
light coloured clothing during the day and at night, reflective clothing.
3. At night: riders should not ride on a horse during the night or when it is
getting dark, but if they do, they should wear reflective clothing and the horse
must have reflective bands about their fetlock joints. The rider must wear a
band on their right arm/leg which shows white on the front and red on the
back. A torch should be carried in the right hand.
Rules about animals (page 3):
- Riding: before riding a horse on the road, it must be made sure that all tacks fit
accordingly and is in good condition and that the horse can be controlled. If you
believe your horse may be skittish or nervous, then another horse less nervous
should also be brought. Horses must be ridden with a saddle and bridle.
Before riding off or turning, riders must look behind themselves to ensure it is safe and then
give a clear arm signal. When they are riding on the road, they must:
1. Keep to the left
2. Keep both hands on the reins unless signalling
3. Keep both feet in the stirrups
4. Not carry another person
5. Not carry anything which may ruin balance, or become tangled in the rein
6. Keep any horses you are leading to the left
7. Move in the direction of the traffic flow
8. Ride in a single file on narrow or busy roads, as well as when riding around bends.
Horses must never be road on a footpath, pavement nor cycle track. A bridleway must be
used where possible. Roundabouts should also be avoided, but, if used, the rider must keep
to the left, signal right when riding across exits, and signal left before you leave the
roundabout.
- Dogs: dogs should not be let on the road by itself, and instead must be kept on a
short lead when walking on the pavement, road or paths shared with cyclist and
horse riders. When in a car, dogs must be appropriately restrained so they are not
being a distraction or potential harm.
The highway code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Rules are identified using terms
MUST / MUST NOT - SHOULD / SHOULD NOT - DO / DO NOT
- Self driving vehicles - automated vehicles by the Secretary of State for Transport
under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018. These are vehicles which have
the feature to safely drive themselves without the driver needing to monitor its
functioning. Said vehicles are not the same as those fitted with cruise control or lane
keeping assistance as the driver still needs to remain responsible. You are not
responsible for how a self-drive vehicle drives, and you are allowed to divert your
attention from the road. However the following laws must still be followed:
1. You must still be fit to drive, ie, within the drink drive limits.
2. The vehicle but be road legal, ie, have an MOT certificate.
3. You must not do anything illegal, ie, handling a phone or hand-held device.
4. You MUST always be ready to take back control of the car and to do this, you
must be prepared, ie, awake and sat in your seat.
Hierarchy of road users - ie, greater responsibility in the case of an accident
1. Large goods
2. Passenger vehicles
3. Vans / minibuses
4. Cars / taxi
5. Motorbikes
6. Cyclist
7. Horse riders / horse-drawn vehicles
8. Pedestrians
- At a junction, the pedestrian must always be given way whether they are crossing or
waiting to cross in which you are on, or waiting to turn. You must give way to
pedestrians on a zebra crossing and parallel crossings.
- Only pedestrians must use the pavement this applies to wheelchair and mobility
users. However, they may be allowed to use other parts of the road as well such as a
cycle lane - unless prohibited.
1. Rule H2: “wait for the pedestrian to cross the junction before turning. This
applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.
2. Rule H3 - rule for drivers and motorcyclist:
- Never cut across cyclist, horse riders or horse drawn carriages going
ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing
direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another
motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, cycle
track or riding ahead on the road and they should be given way. Do
not turn at a junction if it would cause a cyclist, horse rider and horse
drawn carriage to stop or swerve.
- You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclist if necessary. This
includes when cyclist are:
1. Approaching, passing or moving off of a junction
2. Moving past or waiting alongside stationary or non-moving traffic
3. Travelling around a roundabout
, - “Rule H3: Wait for the cyclist to pass the junction before turning. This also applies if
there is a cycle lane or cycle track and if you are turning right or left into the junction.
Rules for pedestrians (page 1):
- Pavements and footways: Pavements and pathways should always be used when
provided - avoiding the curb and having their back facing the oncoming traffic.
- No pavement: If there is no pavement, then a pedestrian should walk on the
right-hand side of the road so that they can see oncoming traffic
- Visibility: Pedestrians should always attempt to make themself seen to drivers,
whether this means wearing or carrying something light or bright
- Children: Young children must not walk on pavements or roads alone. When walking
with a child, you should place yourself between them and the curb holding their hand
- Walking groups: When a group of people are walking along the road, they need to
use a pavement, if one is not available, they need to stick to the left with look outs
positioned at the front and back of the group. At night, the front look out should hold a
white light whilst the back lookout hold a red light.
- Motorways: Pedestrians must never walk on the motorway or sliproads unless their
is an emergency
Rules for pedestrians (page 2):
- The green cross code:
1. Find a safe place to cross the road where there is space to reach the
pavement on the other side of the road. Crossings are safer when using a
subway, footbridge, an island, zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossing or a
crossing being monitored by an authoritative figure. If these are not available,
cross in an area which is clear, being able to see clearly in all directions and
not one obstructed by parked cars, blind bends or the brow of a hill.
2. Stop just before you get to the kerb - so you can be seen and can see
3. Look and listen
4. If traffic is coming, let it pass
5. When it is safe too, cross the road calmly.
6. At a junction, other traffic should give way to pedestrians, however still be
mindful
Rules for pedestrians (page 3):
- At all crossings: a pedestrian should always check that traffic has stopped before
stepping out, always cross between the studs or over the zebra lines
- Zebra crossings: always give traffic plenty of time to see you before you cross -
especially on occasions where the road maybe slippery. Before crossing, wait until
traffic has stopped on both sides. Pedestrians have priority.
1. When there is an island in the middle of the crossing, wait on the island
before you can once again safely cross
- The different crossings:
1. Pelican: crossings operated by buttons telling pedestrians when it is safe to
cross
2. Puffin: similar idea, but the lights showing when to cross is above the
activation button
, 3. Toucan: these are push button operated crossings designed for both cyclists
and pedestrians.
4. Equestian: these crossings are wider and have pavement barriers. Instead of
the lights showing a pedestrian, it would show a rider figure and a horse.
5. Staggered pelican or puffin crossings: typically found in busy areas like
cities, these crossings require a pedestrian to click a button twice, once when
initially crossing and then again when reaching an island.
Rules for pedestrians (page 4):
- Emergency vehicles: if there is an emergency vehicle approaching with their blue
flashing lights on or sirens, then a pedestrian needs to get off of the road
- Buses: when getting off of the bus, look out for cyclist. Never cross a road directly
infront of or behind a bus, instead wait for it to move so you can see in both
directions
- Railway crossings: a railway crossing must never be crossed when the red lights
are showing (including the light of a red pedestrian.) The line must also not be
crossed if an alarm is sounding and the barriers are being lowered.
- Street and pavement repairs: a pavement may be closed temporarily if it is not safe
to use.
Rules for users of powered wheelchairs (page 1):
- Categories: All manual forms of wheelchairs are known as class 1 invalid carriages,
whilst electric wheelchairs such as powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are
considered class 2 (these have a speed limit of 4mph.) Class 3 wheelchairs, are
those that have a speed limit higher than 8mph and designed to be used both on the
road and on pavements.
- On pavement: on the pavement, pedestrians should receive priority. Wheelchairs
and scooters must not go faster than 4mph when on a pavement or a pedestrianised
area
Rules for users of powered wheelchairs (page 2):
- Class 3 vehicles when travelling on the road must always follow the flow of traffic
- Depending on the wheelchairs design, users must always use lights, indicators and
horns as other vehicles would, and, at night, must always have their lights on.
- Road junctions:
1. Stop on the left hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic
2. Turn as if you were a pedestrian, this means travelling across the pavement
and crossing between pavements when it is safe and clear too.
3. If this is hazardous, an alternative route should be considered - especially
when a roundabout is involved
- Parking: all parking restrictions apply to wheelchairs in this case. It should not be left
unattended if causes an obstruction to others, and a valid blue badge needs to be
displayed when required.
- Restrictions: these vehicles must not be used on motorways, unrestricted dual
carriageways where the speed limit exceeds 50mphs - if they are used here however,
they must have a flashing amber beacon.
, Rules about animals (page 1):
- Horse drawn vehicles: horse drawn vehicles used on the highway should be
operated and maintained in accordance with the standards of the Department for
Transport’s Code of Practice for Horse Drawn Vehicles. This practice details
requirements and safety checks to ensure that a carriage and its fittings are safe to
travel. All horse-drawn carriages must have two red rear reflectors. When travelling
at night, these red lights must be accompanied by a white light on the front
Rules about animals (page 2):
- Horse riders:
1. Safety equipment: children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet when
riding a horse, and fastened securely. This does not apply however to Sikhs
wearing turbans.
2. Other clothing: rider must wear boots or shoes with a hard sole and heel,
light coloured clothing during the day and at night, reflective clothing.
3. At night: riders should not ride on a horse during the night or when it is
getting dark, but if they do, they should wear reflective clothing and the horse
must have reflective bands about their fetlock joints. The rider must wear a
band on their right arm/leg which shows white on the front and red on the
back. A torch should be carried in the right hand.
Rules about animals (page 3):
- Riding: before riding a horse on the road, it must be made sure that all tacks fit
accordingly and is in good condition and that the horse can be controlled. If you
believe your horse may be skittish or nervous, then another horse less nervous
should also be brought. Horses must be ridden with a saddle and bridle.
Before riding off or turning, riders must look behind themselves to ensure it is safe and then
give a clear arm signal. When they are riding on the road, they must:
1. Keep to the left
2. Keep both hands on the reins unless signalling
3. Keep both feet in the stirrups
4. Not carry another person
5. Not carry anything which may ruin balance, or become tangled in the rein
6. Keep any horses you are leading to the left
7. Move in the direction of the traffic flow
8. Ride in a single file on narrow or busy roads, as well as when riding around bends.
Horses must never be road on a footpath, pavement nor cycle track. A bridleway must be
used where possible. Roundabouts should also be avoided, but, if used, the rider must keep
to the left, signal right when riding across exits, and signal left before you leave the
roundabout.
- Dogs: dogs should not be let on the road by itself, and instead must be kept on a
short lead when walking on the pavement, road or paths shared with cyclist and
horse riders. When in a car, dogs must be appropriately restrained so they are not
being a distraction or potential harm.
