Highway Code: A Complete Guide to the Rules of the Road

16/02/2021

The Highway Code has been updated over 10 times in the last five years, though many drivers haven't consulted the guide since they passed their driver's test.

But it's clearly something that all motorists need to refresh themselves on from time to time. And though the Highway Code offers advice and useful information for UK-based drivers, a lot of the mandatory rules included are official UK driving laws.

It's important to be aware of what they are for your safety and those around you. 

So, whether you are learning to drive or want to refresh your knowledge of the Highway Code, this is a good overview of the main rules and guidelines. Particularly the rules that are often misunderstood or forgotten about by UK drivers.

Overview of the Highway Code

This is a UK Highway Code overview targeted at motorists, but the Highway Code is aimed at anyone who uses the road. There are sections for pedestrians, cyclists and even horse riders.

It's annually updated by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and has existed for almost 100 years.

The Highway Code includes advice on handling road works, accidents, weather, level crossings and common road signals from other drivers. It also guides you on how to maintain your vehicle and suggests mechanical and medical tools to keep in your car.

There are also vocabulary pointers in the Highway Code as to how seriously the rules should be taken:

• Must/must not - These are laws and should be treated as such
• Do/do not/should/should not - Not necessarily laws, but can be used as evidence in a civil or criminal court case

Highway Code: Signs

There is an entire section on traffic and road signs in the Highway Code. 

There are five different kinds of road signs in the UK and they are all purposefully designed so you can spot what kind of sign they are from their colour and shape.

Signs giving orders: Generally, signs with a red circle and white interior e.g. speed limit signs. But the national speed limit sign and STOP signs are also signs giving orders despite not following the same design.

Direction signs: These signs depend on the type of road and place. Blue is generally used for motorways, green for A roads, white for local routes and brown for tourist attractions.

Information signs: Signs stating useful information, such as controlled zones or low bridges, are generally rectangular. They could be in a variety of colours depending on the type of information.

Warning signs: Generally, warning signs are an inverted triangle shape and have a red outline with a white interior. Give way and bend signs are examples of warning signs.

Road works signs: Many road works signs have the same design as warning signs, but temporary road signs that are put in place due to road works often have a yellow background.

The most misunderstood road signs are minimum speed signs (yes, those actually exist, especially in tunnels!) and signs for bus lanes that can also be used by taxis and cyclists.

If you would like to completely brush up on your knowledge of road signs, there is a handy traffic signs guide you can purchase.

Highway Code: Traffic Lights

The majority of drivers are probably clued up on traffic light signals, especially if you live in a city. It might seem like you can't drive two minutes without stopping at another set of traffic lights, but they're essential for managing the flow of traffic.

Red always means stop no matter what kind of light signal it is, traffic or otherwise. Amber is also, technically, a type of stop signal because you certainly can't go on any amber light! And green, of course, is the traffic light signal meaning you can go as long as it is safe to do so.

Though there is much more to learn about traffic light signals, that is the general gist. 

One of the most common mistakes by drivers made at traffic lights is continuing to drive when the traffic light turns from green to amber. As long as the driver won't cause an accident by stopping, they should absolutely stop at an amber traffic light.

Highway Code: Roundabouts

The most important thing to notice about roundabouts is how many exits there are. This information will determine which lane you need to be in and how to indicate.

Always give priority to those driving on the roundabout to your right and don't assume that they are signalling correctly or in the right lane. 

Often, motorists drive right over a mini roundabout (a small roundabout with no central obstruction) and ignore the markings. Only lorries and large vehicles that have to drive over the markings are allowed to do this! If you are caught ignoring roundabout markings, you could expect a fine.

Highway Code: Parking

When learning about parking in the UK, it's a good idea to also brush up on road markings as there are specific types of road markings that apply to parking. If you are practising for your driving test, here are some great books to help you learn more and pass.

Though most people, drivers or not, are well aware that parking on double yellow lines is a big no-no. 

There are also different rules for parking at night. For example, if you are parking at night, in fog and on the side of a road, you must leave your sidelights or parking lights on.

Despite it being common practice in some narrow cul-de-sacs and residential areas, it's not advised to park on the curb where you might obstruct pedestrians. And in fact, it's illegal in London without permission.

Likewise, don't abandon your vehicle more than 50cm away from the pavement because you may get an on-the-spot fine.

Learn the Highway Code From Cover to Cover

This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything included in the Highway Code. There is still plenty of information on road markings, speed, motorways and other subjects left to uncover. But hopefully, you've had one or two rules cleared up and you feel more confident on the road.

It's important, especially if you're a learner driver, to read the entire Highway Code. Not just to pass your test, but to be as educated and safe as possible whenever you get behind the wheel.

The Highway Code is a small and inexpensive guide and you can purchase a copy here. You can pop it in your glove box so you always have it to hand!