Rules of the road

Using the road (159 to 203)

Rules for using the road, including general rules, overtaking, road junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and reversing.

General rules (rules 159 to 161)

Rule 159

Before moving off you should:

• Use all mirrors to check the road is clear
• Look round to check the blind spots (the areas you are unable to see in the mirrors)
• Signal if necessary before moving out
• Look round for a final check.

Move off only when it is safe to do so.

Rule 160

Once moving you should:

• Keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road
• Keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction
• Drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic. These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room, especially if you are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer. You should give way to cyclists when you are changing direction or lane – do not cut across them.
• Select a lower gear before you reach a long downhill slope. This will help to control your speed
• When towing, remember the extra length will affect overtaking and manoeuvring. The extra weight will also affect the braking and acceleration.

Rule 161

Mirrors. All mirrors should be used effectively throughout your journey. You should:

• Use your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you
• Use them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed
• Be aware that mirrors do not cover all areas and there will be blind spots. You will need to look round and check.

Remember: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Overtaking (rules 162 to 169)

Rule 162

Before overtaking you should make sure:

• The road is sufficiently clear ahead
• Road users are not beginning to overtake you
• There is a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake.

Rule 163

Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should:

• Not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake
• Use your mirrors, signal when it is safe to do so, take a quick sideways glance if necessary into the blind spot area and then start to move out
• Not assume that you can simply follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking; there may only be enough room for one vehicle
• Move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in
• Take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance
• Give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked vehicles or other obstructions on your side of the road
• Only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so
• Stay in your lane if traffic is moving slowly in queues. If the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left. Cyclists may pass slower moving or stationary traffic on their right or left and should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you. Be careful about doing so, particularly on the approach to junctions, and especially when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles.
• Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders and horse drawn vehicles at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 211 to 215). As a guide:
  • Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
  • Pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
  • Allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road (for example, where there is no pavement)
  • Take extra care and give more space when overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians in bad weather (including high winds) and at night
  • You should wait behind the motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse drawn vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

Remember: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Rule 164

Large vehicles. Overtaking these is more difficult. You should:

• Drop back. This will increase your ability to see ahead and should allow the driver of the large vehicle to see you in their mirrors. Getting too close to large vehicles, including agricultural vehicles such as a tractor with a trailer or other fixed equipment, will obscure your view of the road ahead and there may be another slow-moving vehicle in front
• Make sure that you have enough room to complete your overtaking manoeuvre before committing yourself. It takes longer to pass a large vehicle. If in doubt do not overtake
• Not assume you can follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking a long vehicle. If a problem develops, they may abort overtaking and pull back in

Rule 165

You MUST NOT overtake:

• If you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you (but see Rule 129)
• If you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded by a solid white line
• The nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross
• If you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation
• After a ‘No Overtaking’ sign and until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction.

Rule 166

DO NOT overtake if there is any doubt, or where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe. For example, when you are approaching:

• A corner or bend
• A hump bridge
• The brow of a hill.

Rule 167

DO NOT overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example

• Approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road
• Where the road narrows
• When approaching a school crossing patrol
• On the approach to crossing facilities
• Where a vehicle ahead is slowing to stop for a pedestrian that is crossing from a pedestrian island (see Rule 165)
• Between the kerb and a bus or tram when it is at a stop
• Where traffic is queuing at junctions or road works
• When you would force another road user to swerve or slow down
• At a level crossing
• When a road user is indicating right, even if you believe the signal should have been cancelled. Do not take a risk; wait for the signal to be cancelled
• Stay behind if you are following a cyclist approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left. Do not cut across cyclists going ahead, including those using cycle lanes and cycle tracks
• Stay behind if you are following a horse rider or horse drawn vehicle approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left. Do not cut across a horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going ahead
• When a tram is standing at a kerbside tram stop and there is no clearly marked passing lane for other traffic.

Rule 168

Being overtaken. If a driver is trying to overtake you, maintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass. Never obstruct drivers who wish to pass. Speeding up or driving unpredictably while someone is overtaking you is dangerous. Drop back to maintain a two-second gap if someone overtakes and pulls into the gap in front of you.

Rule 169

Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.

Road junctions (rules 170 to 183)

Rule 170

Take extra care at junctions. You should:

• Watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians including powered wheelchairs/mobility scooter users as they are not always easy to see. Be aware that they may not have seen or heard you if you are approaching from behind
• Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way
• Remain behind cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and motorcyclists at junctions even if they are waiting to turn and are positioned close to the kerb
• Watch out for long vehicles which may be turning at a junction ahead; they may have to use the whole width of the road to make the turn (see Rule 221)
• Watch out for horse riders who may take a different line on the road from that which you would expect
• Not assume, when waiting at a junction, that a vehicle coming from the right and signalling left will actually turn. Wait and make sure
• Look all around before emerging. Do not cross or join a road until there is a gap large enough for you to do so safely.

Rule 171

You MUST stop behind the line at a junction with a ‘Stop’ sign and a solid white line across the road. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move off.

Rule 172

The approach to a junction may have a ‘Give Way’ sign or a triangle marked on the road. You MUST give way to traffic on the main road when emerging from a junction with broken white lines across the road.

Rule 173

Dual carriageways. When crossing or turning right, first assess whether the central reservation is deep enough to protect the full length of your vehicle.

• If it is, then you should treat each half of the carriageway as a separate road. Wait in the central reservation until there is a safe gap in the traffic on the second half of the road.
• If the central reservation is too shallow for the length of your vehicle, wait until you can cross both carriageways in one go.

Rule 174

Box junctions. These have crisscross yellow lines painted on the road (see ‘Road markings’). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signaled roundabouts you MUST NOT enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping.

Junctions controlled by traffic lights

Rule 175

You MUST stop behind the white ‘Stop’ line across your side of the road unless the light is green. If the amber light appears you may go on only if you have already crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to stop might cause a collision.

Rule 176

You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing. Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or you are taking up a position to turn right. If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care.

Rule 177

Green filter arrow. This indicates a filter lane only. Do not enter that lane unless you want to go in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed in the direction of the green arrow when it, or the full green light shows. Give other traffic, especially cyclists, time and room to move into the correct lane.

Rule 178

Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cyclists to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you should stop as soon as possible and MUST stop at the second white line. Allow cyclists, including any moving or waiting alongside you, enough time and space to move off when the green signal shows.

Drivers of large vehicles should stop sufficiently far behind the first white line so that they can see the whole area where cyclists may be waiting, allowing for any blind spot in front of the vehicle.

Turning right

Rule 179

Well before you turn right you should:

• Use your mirrors to make sure you know the position and movement of traffic behind you
• Give a right-turn signal
• Take up a position just left of the middle of the road or in the space marked for traffic turning right
• Leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left, if possible.

Rule 180

Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle. Watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users. Check your mirrors and blind spot again to make sure you are not being overtaken, then make the turn. Do not cut the corner. Take great care when turning into a main road; you will need to watch for traffic in both directions and wait for a safe gap.

Remember: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Rule 181

When turning right at crossroads where an oncoming vehicle is also turning right, there is a choice of two methods:

• Turn right side to right side; keep the other vehicle on your right and turn behind it. This is generally the safer method as you have a clear view of any approaching traffic when completing your turn
• Left side to left side, turning in front of each other. This can block your view of oncoming vehicles, so take extra care. Cyclists and motorcyclists in particular may be hidden from your view. Road layout, markings or how the other vehicle is positioned can determine which course should be taken.

Turning left

Rule 182

Use your mirrors and give a left-turn signal well before you turn left. Do not overtake just before you turn left and watch out for traffic coming up on your left before you make the turn, especially if driving a large vehicle. Cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users in particular may be hidden from your view.

Rule 183

When turning:

• Keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable
• Give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane, cycle track or tramway from either direction, including when they are passing slow moving or stationary vehicles on either side.

Roundabouts (rules 184 to 190)

Rule 184

On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. You should:

• Use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre at all stages
• Decide as early as possible which exit you need to take
• Give an appropriate signal (see Rule 186, below). Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users
• Get into the correct lane
• Adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions
• Be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you.

Rule 185

When reaching the roundabout you should:

• Give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
• Check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
• Watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all
• Look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

Rule 186

Signals and position. When taking the first exit to the left, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise:

• Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
• Keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise:

• Signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
• Keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout
• Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise:

• Select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout
• You should not normally need to signal on approach
• Stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
• Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.

You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorized traffic. Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.

Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout. Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.

Rule 187

In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to:

• Pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads
• Traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit
• Traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly
• Motorcyclists
• Long vehicles (including those towing trailers). These might have to take a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals.

Rule 188

Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.

Rule 189

At double mini-roundabouts treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right.

Rule 190

Multiple roundabouts. At some complex junctions, there may be a series of mini-roundabouts at each intersection. Treat each mini-roundabout separately and follow the normal rules.

Pedestrian crossings (rules 191 to 199)

Rule 191

You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians.

Rule 192

In slow-moving and queuing traffic you should keep crossings completely clear, as blocking these makes it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to cross. You should not enter a pedestrian crossing if you are unable to completely clear the crossing. Nor should you block advanced stop lines for cycles.

Rule 193

You should take extra care where the view of either side of the crossing is blocked by queuing traffic or incorrectly parked vehicles. Pedestrians may be crossing between stationary vehicles.

Rule 194

Allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross and do not harass them by revving your engine or edging forward.

Rule 195

Zebra and parallel crossings. As you approach a zebra crossing:

• Look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross
• You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross
• You MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
• Allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
• Do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
• Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine as this can be intimidating
• Be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.

A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see Rules 19 and 20).

Parallel crossings are similar to zebra crossings, but include a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes.

As you approach a parallel crossing:

• Look out for pedestrians or cyclists waiting to cross and slow down or stop
• You should give way to pedestrians or cyclists waiting to cross
• You MUST give way when a pedestrian or cyclist has moved onto a crossing
• Allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
• Do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians or cyclists across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
• Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine as this can be intimidating
• Be aware of pedestrians or cyclists approaching from the side of the crossing.

A parallel crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see Rules 19 and 20).

Signal-controlled crossings

Rule 196

Pelican crossings. These are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red ‘Stop’ light. You MUST stop when the red light shows. When the amber light is flashing, you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians on the crossing, you may proceed with caution.

Rule 197

Pelican crossings which go straight across the road are one crossing, even when there is a central island. You MUST wait for pedestrians who are crossing from the other side of the island.

Rule 198

Give way to anyone still crossing after the signal for vehicles has changed to green. This advice applies to all crossings.

Rule 199

Toucan, puffin and equestrian crossings. These are similar to pelican crossings, but there is no flashing amber phase; the light sequence for traffic at these three crossings is the same as at traffic lights. If the signal-controlled crossing is not working, proceed with extreme caution. Do not enter the crossing if you are unable to completely clear it, to avoid obstructing pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders.

Reversing (200 to 203)

Rule 200

Choose an appropriate place to manoeuvre. If you need to turn your vehicle around, wait until you find a safe place. Try not to reverse or turn round in a busy road; find a quiet side road or drive round a block of side streets.

Rule 201

Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can.

Rule 202

Look carefully before you start reversing. You should;

• Use all your mirrors
• Check the ‘blind spot’ behind you (the part of the road you cannot see easily in the mirrors)
• Check there are no pedestrians (particularly children), cyclists, other road users or obstructions in the road behind you.

Reverse slowly while:

• Checking all around
• Looking mainly through the rear window
• Being aware that the front of your vehicle will swing out as you turn.

Get someone to guide you if you cannot see clearly.

Rule 203

You MUST NOT reverse your vehicle further than necessary.

Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225)

Rules for road users requiring extra care, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, other road users and other vehicles.

Overview (rule 204)

Rule 204

The road users most at risk from road traffic are pedestrians, in particular children, older adults and disabled people, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. It is particularly important to be aware of children, older adults and disabled people, and learner and inexperienced drivers and riders. In any interaction between road users, those who can cause the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they pose to others.

Pedestrians (rules 205 to 210)

Rule 205

There is a risk of pedestrians, especially children, stepping unexpectedly into the road. You should drive with the safety of children in mind at a speed suitable for the conditions.

Rule 206

Drive carefully and slowly when:

• In crowded shopping streets, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes (see Rule 218) or residential areas
• Driving past bus and tram stops; pedestrians may emerge suddenly into the road
• Passing parked vehicles, especially ice cream vans; children are more interested in ice cream than traffic and may run into the road unexpectedly
• Needing to cross a pavement, cycle lane or cycle track; for example, to reach or leave a driveway or private access. Give way to pedestrians on the pavement and cyclists using a cycle lane or cycle track
• Reversing into a side road; look all around the vehicle and give way to any pedestrians who may be crossing the road
• Turning at road junctions; you should give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road into which or from which you are turning
• Going through road works or when passing roadside rescue and recovery vehicles, as there may be people working in or at the side of the road
• The pavement is closed due to street repairs and pedestrians are directed to use the road
• Approaching pedestrians on narrow rural roads without a footway or footpath. Always slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, giving them plenty of room as you drive past
• Approaching zebra and parallel crossings as you MUST give way to pedestrians and cyclists on the crossing (see Rule 195)
• Approaching pedestrians who have started to cross the road ahead of you. They have priority when crossing at a junction or side road so you should give way.

Rule 207

Particularly vulnerable pedestrians. These include:

• Children and older pedestrians who may not be able to judge your speed and could step into the road in front of you. At 40 mph (64 km/h) your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrians it hits. At 20 mph (32 km/h) there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed. So kill your speed
• Older pedestrians who may need more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time. Do not hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward
• People with disabilities. People with hearing impairments may not be aware of your vehicle approaching. Those with walking difficulties require more time
• Blind or partially sighted people, who may be carrying a white cane using a guide dog. They may not be able to see you approaching
• Deafblind people who may be carrying a white cane with a red band or using a dog with a red and white harness. They may not see or hear instructions or signals.

Rule 208

Near schools. Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the ‘School’ warning sign which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area.

Rule 209

Drive carefully and slowly when passing a stationary bus showing a ‘School Bus’ sign as children may be getting on or off.

Rule 210

You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a ‘Stop for children’ sign (see ‘Signals by authorised persons’ and ‘Traffic signs’).

Motorcyclists and cyclists (rules 211 to 213)

Rule 211

It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are waiting alongside you, coming up from behind, coming out of or moving off from junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think.

Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve, just as you would do with a motor vehicle.

When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for and give way to cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when moving off, turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

Rule 212

Give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians walking in the road (for example, where there is no pavement), at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 162 to 167). Drivers should take extra care and give more space when overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians in bad weather (including high winds) and at night. If the rider looks over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213

On narrow sections of road, on quiet roads or streets, at road junctions and in slower-moving traffic, cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, rather than towards the side of the road. It can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these situations. Allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen. Cyclists are also advised to ride at least a door’s width or 1 metre from parked cars for their own safety.

On narrow sections of road, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane. Allow them to do so for their own safety to ensure they can see and be seen.

Motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Other road users (rules 214 to 218)

Rule 214

Animals. When passing animals, drive slowly. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare animals by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed them. Look out for animals being led, driven or ridden on the road and take extra care. Keep your speed down at bends and on narrow country roads. If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for animals on unfenced roads.

Rule 215

Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when approaching, overtaking, passing or moving away. Always pass wide and slowly. When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph. Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2 metres of space.

Feral or semi feral ponies found in areas such as the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor require the same consideration as ridden horses when approaching or passing.

Horse riders are often children, so take extra care and remember riders may ride in double file when escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider. Look out for horse riders’ and horse drivers’ signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard; they can be unpredictable, despite the efforts of their rider/driver. Remember there are three brains at work when you pass a horse; the rider’s, the driver’s and the horse’s. Do not forget horses are flight animals and can move incredibly quickly if startled.

Rule 216

Older drivers. Their reactions may be slower than other drivers. Make allowance for this.

Rule 217

Learners and inexperienced drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events. Be particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers. Drivers who have recently passed their test may display a ‘new driver’ plate or sticker (see ‘Safety code for new drivers’).

Rule 218

Home Zones and Quiet Lanes. These are places where people could be using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children playing or for a community event. You should drive slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you to pass them in safety.

Other vehicles (rules 219 to 225)

Rule 219

Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.

Rule 220

Powered vehicles used by disabled people. These small vehicles travel at a maximum speed of 8 mph (12 km/h). On a dual carriageway where the speed limit exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h) they MUST have a flashing amber beacon, but on other roads you may not have that advance warning (see Rules 36 to 46 inclusive).

Rule 221

Large vehicles. These may need extra road space to turn or to deal with a hazard that you are not able to see. If you are following a large vehicle, such as a bus or articulated lorry, be aware that the driver may not be able to see you in the mirrors. Be prepared to stop and wait if it needs room or time to turn.

Rule 222

Large vehicles can block your view. Your ability to see and to plan ahead will be improved if you pull back to increase your separation distance. Be patient, as larger vehicles are subject to lower speed limits than cars and motorcycles. Many large vehicles may be fitted with speed limiting devices which will restrict speed to 56 mph (90 km/h) even on a motorway.

Rule 223

Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.

Rule 224

Electric vehicles. Be careful of electric vehicles such as milk floats and trams. Trams move quickly but silently and cannot steer to avoid you.

Rule 225

Vehicles with flashing amber beacons. These warn of a slow-moving or stationary vehicle (such as a traffic officer vehicle, salt spreader, snow plough or recovery vehicle) or abnormal loads, so approach with caution. On unrestricted dual carriageways, motor vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1947 with a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less (such as tractors) MUST use a flashing amber beacon (also see Rule 220).