Introduction

Who The Highway Code is for, how it's worded, the consequences of not following the rules, self-driving vehicles, and the hierarchy of road users (Rules H1 to H3).

Introduction

This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.

The aim of The Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system.

Wording of The Highway Code

Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence. See an explanation of the abbreviations.

Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see The road user and the law) to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.

Knowing and applying the rules

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility. Further information on driving/riding techniques can be found in ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills’ and ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Riding - the essential skills’.

Self-driving vehicles

By ‘self-driving vehicles’, we mean those listed as automated vehicles by the Secretary of State for Transport under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018.

To check if your vehicle is self-driving, visit Self-driving vehicles listed for use in Great Britain.

These vehicles are capable of safely driving themselves when the self-driving function is correctly turned on and the driver follows the manufacturer’s instructions. While the vehicle is driving itself, you do not need to monitor it.

Self-driving vehicles differ from vehicles that are fitted only with assisted driving features (like cruise control and lane-keeping assistance). Assisted driving features can do some of the driving, but the driver still needs to be responsible for driving at all times. If you are driving a vehicle using only its assisted driving features, Rule 150 applies.

A self-driving vehicle’s ability to drive itself may be limited to certain situations or parts of a journey. Things like the type of road, time of day, weather, location and speed may affect this. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions about when and how to use the self-driving function safely.

While a self-driving vehicle is driving itself in a valid situation, you are not responsible for how it drives. You may turn your attention away from the road and you may also view content through the vehicle’s built-in infotainment apparatus, if available.

But you MUST still follow all relevant laws

If a self-driving vehicle needs to hand control back to the driver, it will give you enough warning to do this safely. You MUST always be able and ready to take control, and do it when the vehicle prompts you. For example, you should stay in the driving seat and stay awake. When you have taken back control or turned off the self-driving function, you are responsible for all aspects of driving.

Laws RTA sects 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 14 & 15, AEVA section 1 & CUR regs 100, 104, 109 (as modified by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Automated Vehicles) Order 2022) & 110 as amended by CUR(A)(No.2 Regulations 2022)

Hierarchy of Road Users

The ‘hierarchy of road users’ is a concept that places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. The hierarchy does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly. The road users most likely to be injured in the event of a collision are pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, with children, older adults and disabled people being more at risk. The following H rules clarify this concept.

It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others.

Everyone suffers when road collisions occur, whether they are physically injured or not. But those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.

Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.

Always remember that the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility and that this may not be obvious.

At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.

You MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing (see Rule 195).

Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.

You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.

Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.

Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks and to horse riders on bridleways.

Only pedestrians may use the pavement. Pedestrians include wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Pedestrians may use any part of the road and use cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs prohibiting pedestrians.

Rule H2: Wait for the pedestrian to cross the junction before turning. This applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.

Rule H2: Wait for the pedestrian to cross the junction before turning. This applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.

Laws TSRGD Schedule 14 part 1 and part 5 & HA 1835 sect 72, R(S)A 1984, sect 129 & Countryside Act 1968 Sect 1 part 30

You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles 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, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them.

Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve.

You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary. This includes when cyclists are:

  • approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
  • moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
  • 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.

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.
Want to pass your theory test first time?
Download the Driving Theory Test Assistant app for FREE

Industry leading reviews from 617 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...
What are we tweeting?

💡 What is a clearway? 💡 Clearways are parts of the road where you shouldn't stop, not even to pick up or drop off passengers 🚗 At urban clearways, you can stop but only to set down or pick up passengers 🛣️ Get theory test ready now 👇 https://t.co/61UUK6gwX4 #theorytest https://t.co/rIcqk8wVbI
20 hours ago
Defensive Driving 🤔 Always be on the lookout for other vehicles creating dangerous situations and act accordingly ✔️ Example: A vehicle is following too closely. Slow down to increase the gap between you and the car ahead! Learn your theory 👇 https://t.co/BsDkKiRiLf https://t.co/kXYBglLroP
1 day ago
Defensive Driving 🤔 Always be on the lookout for other vehicles creating dangerous situations and act accordingly ✔️ Example: A vehicle is following too closely. Slow down to increase the gap between you and the car ahead! Learn your theory 👇 https://t.co/mT5ZSqzF9g https://t.co/sgO1u9OrqA
1 day ago
🐕‍🦺 Highway Code Rule 56 🐕‍🦺 You shouldn't allow your dog to go onto the road. Keep the lead short when walking your dog on the pavement or road. Learn everything you need to pass your car theory test 👇 https://t.co/vSZBbqjSSa #cartheorytest #theorytest #highwaycode https://t.co/kZDV5nn8jV
4 days ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/HJ9XYTz83B
5 days ago
Are you looking to take your car theory test ❓ Our online training platform will guide you through every aspect of the UK driving theory test step by step to allow you to smash it first time 😀 Try our training platform now 👇 https://t.co/TOnOI4AFML https://t.co/K6FNRkXMkg
6 days ago
Does the car theory test expire? 🚗 Your car theory test certificate is valid for two years. You'll need to resit your theory test if you don't pass your practical test within this period 😱 Get help to PASS your car theory test now 👇 https://t.co/Zt9psGFO3Q #theorytest https://t.co/kuvGa7ErwF
1 week ago
Did you know ❓ Alcohol can... ❌ Reduce concentration, control and coordination ❌ Give you a false sense of confidence ❌ Reduce your judgment of speed ❌ Slow your reactions DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE🍺 Get theory test ready 👇 https://t.co/Yn2Y8lrp8p #theorytest #cartheory https://t.co/h4vGWEtF7D
1 week ago
🌟 HIGHWAY CODE RULE 101 🌟 You MUST NOT fit a rear-facing baby seat to a seat with a frontal airbag because it can cause serious injury or even death if you're involved in an incident ⚠️ Prepare for your theory test today 👇 https://t.co/y6qD5vhErV #theorytest #cartheorytest https://t.co/xr9ZBC4SeT
1 week ago
🌟 Highway Code Rule 37 🌟 When using a mobility scooter on the road, you must follow the rules for other vehicles. When on the pavement, you must follow the rules for pedestrians. Get theory test ready with us 👇 https://t.co/gWLUBMC4Uu #drivingtheorytest #theorytest https://t.co/LaEAFdwiD7
1 week ago
💡🚗 SEAT BELTS 🚗💡 Unless exempt, you and your passengers must wear a seat belt (or suitable child restraint). ✔️ The seat belts in your car must be in good condition and working properly. 👩‍🔧 https://t.co/dUShYZamHV #theorytest #theorytestrevision #seatbelts #driving https://t.co/tcqX7NWqbE
1 week ago
🌟 HIGHWAY CODE RULE 101 🌟 You MUST NOT fit a rear-facing baby seat to a seat with a frontal airbag because it can cause serious injury or even death if you're involved in an incident ⚠️ Prepare for your theory test today 👇 https://t.co/y6qD5vhErV #theorytest #cartheorytest https://t.co/9M8sp16ocT
2 weeks ago
Where should you avoid overtaking? Test your knowledge now by answering this DVSA practice theory test question 👇 https://t.co/rrKqTWNmio #theorytest #theorytestquestion #practicetheorytest #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/6FYiadhP8J
2 weeks ago
💡 DRIVING THEORY TEST TOP TIP ✔️ You should never wave people across at pedestrian crossings because other vehicles may be coming. 🚗 Slow down and prepare to stop if you see people waiting at a pedestrian crossing. ⛔ https://t.co/8ga8uBk5N1 #theorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/jTB5aqiCpl
2 weeks ago
What's the DVSA theory test pass mark? 🚗‍🎓 Here's everything you need to know about the pass marks for the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections of the DVSA theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytestpassmark #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #booktheorytest https://t.co/WzTnLlB7tX
2 weeks ago
🌟 HIGHWAY CODE RULE 101 🌟 You MUST NOT fit a rear-facing baby seat to a seat with a frontal airbag because it can cause serious injury or even death if you're involved in an incident ⚠️ Prepare for your theory test today 👇 https://t.co/y6qD5vhErV #theorytest #cartheorytest https://t.co/uWRjynVQzH
3 weeks ago
What is the highway code?! 🤔 It is essential reading for any driver 👀 Find out more by reading our handy article below! 👇 https://t.co/8u3AxCUHB3 https://t.co/6LQT7TJBWu
3 weeks ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/V7StPakxgm
4 weeks ago
💡 Driving theory test tips 💡 Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective when vehicles have poor contact with the road surface because it could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. 🚗 Start practising to pass the DVSA theory test now 👇 https://t.co/LIcCIaVlUv https://t.co/HmV7VgJixe
4 weeks ago
🚗 Worried about your theory test? 🚗 Here's how to pass your theory test first time WITHOUT reading a single book 👇 https://t.co/O0nYHgRNdO #theorytest #theorytestpractice #theorytestrevision #booktheorytest https://t.co/BKrR01upCj
4 weeks ago