The official highway code

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Keep safe, make sure you're up to date with the latest rules of the road. Avoid penalties and fines by getting the latest copy of The Official Highway Code. in narrow lanes, drivers need to keep a good distance from the vehicle in front to be able to clearly see the edges of the lane ahead It remains essential reading for any road user. Many rules are a legal requirement and, if you disobey them, you're committing a criminal offence. Make sure you have the latest copy. New rules The code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely. This is to: You MUSTgive way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing (seeRule 195).

You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing. Updated rule 1 to include reference to footways, and to add guidance about remaining aware of your environment and avoiding unnecessary distractions. October 2014: Removed references of needing to display a tax disc in vehicles following their abolition.Updated the penalties for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs – Penalties. Junctions— You should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you’re turning into It is not only an important reference for new road users and those about to undertake their first test but also for experienced drivers to keep abreast of any changing regulations. It also has handy tips to keep new drivers safe in the first 12 months after removing their L-plates. Keep safe, make sure you are up-to-date with all the latest rules of the road, and avoid penalties and fines by getting your copy of The Official Highway Code, which is seeing one of it's biggest overhauls with new rules coming into force. Find an online Highway Code quiz to test your knowledge - try reading through the book and taking a different quiz every day to make sure you've covered everything.

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. The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, and not just those who are about to take their driving test! Additional traffic joining from left ahead. Traffic on main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from right hand lane of slip road The code now includes advice for people cycling using junctions where signs and markings tell them to turn right in 2 stages. These are: passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of spaceOnce you have passed your driving or riding test, it’s all too easy to fall into ‘bad habits’ and to forget the rules of the road. However, the rules are now available to carry around with you on your mobile device so no matter where you are, you have a handy guide to refer to.

December 2014: Updated rule 95 to reflect the change in law for lower drink drive limits in Scotland. allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement) You MUST NOT do anything illegal – like using a handheld mobile phone, or similar hand-held device. There are exceptions to this, which are set out in Rule 149. at the start and finish of contraflow systems in road works, there may be areas of adverse camber; drivers need to slow down and leave extra space when these areas are signed 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.

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lanes in road works may be narrower than normal and will be marked by studs or temporary road markings Changed rule 75 to be about two-stage turns. The previous rule 75 about dual carriageways has moved to rule 77. Updated rule 61 to include cycle lanes. The previous rule 63 (about cycle lanes) has been merged into this rule. They should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them. This is particularly important: Updated rule 163 on overtaking to advise that cyclists may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on the right or left. Added guidance on safe overtaking distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians.

Changed rule 72 to be about safe road positioning. The previous rule 72 about turning on the left has moved to rule 74. keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them other places of relative safety on motorways and other high-speed roads include lay-bys, emergency areas and hard shoulders 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.

Changes for 2022

New rules on the hierarchy of road users – This means the introduction of new responsibilities towards more vulnerable road users, to keep them safe on the road. These are known as the ‘H’ rules on some motorways, the hard shoulder becomes an extra lane during periods of congestion; signs identify when the extra lane can be used Before: To date, cyclists have only been mandated to ride on the left (i.e. not against the flow of traffic) and ensure bike lights are used at night. They are advised to wear visible clothing and a helmet. Updated rule 8 to clarify other traffic should give way when pedestrians are waiting to cross at a junction. Added guidance about crossing at a place where pedestrians can be seen by drivers. Updated the vehicle maintenance section to add audible warning systems to the list of vehicle features that you should make sure are working.