The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders(Lines and lane markings on the road)

The Highway Code Introduction

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

127)	A broken white line. This marks the centre of the road. When this line  lengthens and the gaps shorten, it means that there is a hazard  ahead. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear and wish  to overtake or turn off.
128)	Double white lines where the line nearest to you is broken. This means  you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe, provided you can  complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your  side. White direction arrows on the road indicate that you need to  get back onto your side of the road. Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk/
129)	Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.   Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 26
130)	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 bordered by a broken 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 marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
	Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9  & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)
131)	Lane dividers. These are short, broken white lines which are used on wide carriageways to divide them into lanes. You should keep between them.
132)	Reflective road studs may be used with white lines. white studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road red studs mark the left edge of the road amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, e.g. where road works are taking place Visit here for hazard perception test information with clips

The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders( Control of the vehicle )

Braking

117) In normal circumstances. The safest way to brake is to do so early and  lightly. Brake more firmly as you begin to stop. Ease the pressure  off just before the vehicle comes to rest to avoid a jerky stop. 118) In an emergency,Brake immediately. Try to avoid braking so harshly  that you lock your wheels. Locked wheels can lead to loss of control. 119) Skids. Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. If skidding occurs, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover. Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk  120) ABS. If your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes, you should follow the advice given in the vehicle handbook. However, in the case of an  emergency, apply the footbrake firmly; do not release the pressure until  the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed. The ABS should ensure  that steering control will be retained, but do not assume that a vehicle  with ABS will stop in a shorter distance. 121) Brakes affected by water. If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out. 122) Coasting. This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. It can reduce driver control because engine braking is eliminated vehicle speed downhill will increase quickly increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness steering response will be affected, particularly on bends and corners it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed. 123) The Driver and the Environment. You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution. However it is permissible to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults.  Law CUR regs 98 & 107 Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/product_list.asp

             Speed limits

124)	You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle (see the table above). The presence of street lights generally means that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified. Law RTRA sects 81,86,89 & sch 6
125)	The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, particularly children, and motorcyclists weather conditions make it safer to do so driving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users.
126)	Stopping Distances. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between 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 shown below) allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads
	remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
	If you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front.

The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders(Lighting requirements)

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders(Signals)

113)	You MUST ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226). Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. Laws RVLR regs 3, 24, & 25 (In Scotland – RTRA 1984 sect 82 (as amended by NRSWA, para 59 of sched 8)) For more information visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk
114)	You MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users. (see Rule 226). In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again. Law RVLR reg 27
115)	You should also use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights.
116)	Hazard warning lights. These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. Law RVLR reg 27 For hazard information visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/hazard_perception_info.asp

The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders(Signals)

The Highway Code Introduction

The Highway Code - Rules for pedestrians(1-35)

The Highway Code - Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters(36-46)

The Highway Code - Rules about animals (47 - 58)

The Highway Code - Rules for cyclists (59-82)

The Highway Code - Rules for Motorcyclists (83-88)

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

103) Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians (see ‘Signals to other road users’), of your intended actions. You should always give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off cancel them after use make sure your signals will not confuse others. If, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. If you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. Your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary. Remember that signalling does not give you priority 104) You should also watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled. 105) You MUST obey signals given by police officers, traffic officers, traffic wardens (see ‘Signals by authorised persons’) and signs used by school crossing patrols. Laws RTRA sect 28, RTA 1988 sect 35, TMA 2004 sect 6, & FTWO art 3 106) Police stopping procedures. If the police want to stop your vehicle they will, where possible, attract your attention by flashing blue lights, headlights or sounding their siren or horn, usually from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. Law RTA 1988 sect 163

Speed limitsee

107) Vehicle & Operator Services Agency Officers have powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads, in England and Wales. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. It is an offence not to comply with their directions. You MUST obey any signals given (see ‘Signals by authorised persons’). Laws RTA 1988, sect 67, & PRA 2002, sect 41 & sched 5(8) 108) Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads, in England only. If HA traffic officers in uniform want to stop your vehicle on safety grounds (e.g. an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention by flashing amber lights, usually from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. It is an offence not to comply with their directions (see ‘Signals by authorised persons’). Law RTA1988, sects 35 &163 as amended by TMA 2004, sect 6  For more information visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk   109) Traffic light signals and traffic signs. You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’) and road traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs (see ‘Signs giving orders’, ‘Warning signs’, ‘Direction signs’). Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic and information signs and road markings (see ‘Signs giving orders’, ‘Warning signs’, ‘Direction signs’, ‘Information signs’, ‘Road markings’ and ‘Vehicle markings’). Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 15, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 36, 38 & 40 110) Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. 111) Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully. 112) The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am except when another road user poses a danger. Law CUR reg 99

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

The Highway Code Introduction

The Highway Code - Rules for pedestrians(1-35)

The Highway Code - Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters(36-46)

The Highway Code - Rules about animals (47 - 58)

The Highway Code - Rules for cyclists (59-82)

The Highway Code - Rules for Motorcyclists (83-88)

89) Vehicle condition. You MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (see ‘The road user and the law’).

Fitness to drive

90) Make sure that you are fit to drive. You MUST report to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) any health condition likely to affect your driving. Law RTA 1988 sect 94. 91) Driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision. To minimise this risk make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long journey avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended if you feel at all sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway. the most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to drink, for example, two cups of caffeinated coffee and to take a short nap (at least 15 minutes). 92) Vision. You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used). If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times while driving. The police have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test.   Laws RTA 1988 sect 96 & MV(DL)R reg 40 & sch 8 93) Slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight. 94) At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision.

Alcohol and drugs

95) Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. Alcohol will give a false sense of confidence reduce co-ordination and slow down reactions affect judgement of speed, distance and risk reduce your driving ability, even if you are below the legal limit take time to leave your body; you may be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening. The best solution is not to drink at all when planning to drive because any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport. Law RTA 1988 sects 4, 5 & 11(2) 96) You MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Using illegal drugs is highly dangerous. Never take them if you intend to drive; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and may result in fatal or serious road crashes. Law RTA 1988 sect 4 97) Before setting off. You should ensure that you have planned your route and allowed sufficient time clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner you know where all the controls are and how to use them before you need them. Not all vehicles are the same; do not wait until it is too late to find out your mirrors and seat are adjusted correctly to ensure comfort, full control and maximum vision head restraints are properly adjusted to reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries in the event of a collision you have sufficient fuel before commencing your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving. It can be dangerous to lose power when driving in traffic ensure your vehicle is legal and roadworthy switch off your mobile phone. 98) Vehicle towing and loading. As a driver you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after 1 Jan 1997 you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow you MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer. You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle you MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and any animals are secured safely. If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury you should properly distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Manufacturer’s recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should avoid the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control. If this does happen, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control carrying a load or pulling a trailer may require you to adjust the headlights In the event of a breakdown, be aware that towing a vehicle on a tow rope is potentially dangerous. You should consider professional recovery. Laws CUR reg 100 & MV(DL)R reg 43

Seat belts and child restraints

100) The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required (see table above). If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions. Laws RTA 1988 sects 14 & 15, MV(WSB)R, MV(WSBCFS)R & MV(WSB)(A)R 101) A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child. Laws RTA 1988 sects 14 & 15, MV(WSB)R,  MV(WSBCFS)R & MV(WSB)(A)R 102) 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 kerb child restraints are properly fitted to manufacturer’s instructions children do not sit behind the rear seats in an estate car or hatchback, unless a special child seat has been fitted the child safety door locks, where fitted, are used when children are in the vehicle children are kept under control.