Highway Code

Highway Code Rule 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)

Highway Code Rule 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

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 96
• The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999: Regulation 40 & Schedule 8

Highway Code Rule 93

Slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight.

Highway Code Rule 94

At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision.

Highway Code Rule 95

Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities.

In England and Wales 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.

In Scotland the legal limits are lower. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 22 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 50 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’re 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.

Laws

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 4, 5 & 11(2)
• The Road Traffic Act 1988 (Prescribed Limit) (Scotland) Regulations 2014

Highway Code Rule 96

You MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. For medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist and do not drive if you are advised that you may be impaired.

You MUST NOT drive if you have illegal drugs or certain medicines in your blood above specified limits. It is highly dangerous so never take illegal drugs if you intend to drive; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and result in fatal or serious road crashes. Illegal drugs have been specified at very low levels so even small amounts of use could be above the specified limits. The limits for certain medicines have been specified at higher levels, above the levels generally found in the blood of patients who have taken normal therapeutic doses. If you are found to have a concentration of a drug above its specified limit in your blood because you have been prescribed or legitimately supplied a particularly high dose of medicine, then you can raise a statutory medical defence, provided your driving was not impaired by the medicine you are taking.

Law

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 4 & 5

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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

• The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986: Regulation 100
• The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999: Regulation 43

Highway Code Rule 99

You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted (see table below). Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches. Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet).

Laws

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 14 & 15
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2006

Seat belt requirements. This table summarises the main legal requirements for wearing seat belts in cars, vans and other goods vehicles.

Highway Code Rule 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

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 14 & 15
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2006

Highway Code Rule 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

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 14 & 15
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2006

Highway Code Rule 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.

This section should be read by all drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders. The rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance, but they advise you when you should give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident.

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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

• Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 28
• Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 35
• Traffic Management Act Section 6
• The Functions of Traffic Wardens (Amendment) Order 2002: Article 3

Highway Code Rule 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

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 163

Highway Code Rule 107

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers have the power to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads. 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

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 67
• Police Reform Act Section 41 & Schedule 5(8)

Highway Code Rule 108

Traffic officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads,in England and Wales. If 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

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 35 & 163 as amended by Traffic Management Act Section 6

Highway Code Rule 109

Traffic light signals and traffic signs. You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic‘) and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals & signs (see ‘Traffic signs‘). Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic and information signs and road markings (see ‘Traffic signs‘, ‘Road markings‘ and ‘Vehicle markings‘).

Laws

• Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 36
• The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002: Regulations 10, 15, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36, 38 & 40

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 111

Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.

Highway Code Rule 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

• The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986: Regulation 99

Highway Code Rule 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

• The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989: Regulations 3, 24 & 25 (In Scotland – Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 82 (as amended by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Paragraph 59 of Schedule 8))

Highway Code Rule 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

• The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989: Regulation 27

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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

• The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989: Regulation 27

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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.

Highway Code Rule 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.