Road traffic law has developed over the years into a comprehensive set of rules, many with underpinning legislation. Use of MUST or MUST NOT in red within a rule indicates that direct legislation applies, and a reference to that legislation also appears beneath the rule.

If you disobey these rules you’re committing a criminal offence. The Highway Code explains these rules as simply as possible, to make them easy to understand.

Road traffic law changes from time to time, and so do the penalties for breaking it. Make sure you keep up to date. The Highway Code is updated frequently, and you should study and apply the contents of the current edition.

Road signs and signals

You MUST know and comply with

all traffic signs and road markings
signals given by police officers, traffic wardens, school crossing wardens, traffic officers, DVSA officials and any other authorised person (for example, road workers operating ‘stop/go’ boards)
traffic signals at
- junctions and crossroads
- roadworks
- narrow bridges
- pedestrian crossings
- fire and ambulance stations*
- level crossings*
- tramway (light rail transit) crossings.

*usually red flashing lights

Road safety

In everyday driving, you need to follow the rules set down in The Highway Code for your own safety and that of all road users.

Even if you’re an experienced driver, you need to know The Highway Code thoroughly and apply it in your everyday driving.

You MUST NOT drive

dangerously
without due care and attention
without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Although not all the rules in The Highway Code are legal requirements, they can be used in court proceedings to establish liability and support prosecutions under the Traffic Acts.

Look on The Highway Code as an aid to safe driving. Don’t look on it as a restriction.

The Highway Code is available as a book, an eBook and an iPhone app.

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