Highway Code Free Download

[Hollie Kipps]

TheHighway Code is a set of information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. Its objective is to promote road safety. The Code applies to all road users including pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, as well as motorcyclists and drivers. It gives information on road signs, road markings, vehicle markings and road safety, and has annexes on vehicle maintenance, licence requirements, documentation, penalties, and vehicle security.

The Highway Code was first published in 1931, and is regularly updated.[1] It is prepared by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and is published by The Stationery Office in both electronic form and as a printed book.

The 17th edition (2022) introduced some significant changes. In particular, a new "hierarchy of road users" classifies road users according to their risk in the event of a collision, with the most vulnerable at the top.

The Great Britain version, available in English and Welsh, applies to England, Scotland and Wales, but region-specific signs such as driver location signs in England and bilingual signs in Scotland and Wales are not covered. There is also a Northern Ireland version, available in English and Irish.

In 1923 a booklet costing one penny was published by His Majesty's Stationery Office and approved by the Home Office (and Scottish Office). Entitled Traffic Signals to be used by the Police and Drivers of Vehicles, this booklet arose from discussions between the Police and The Automobile Association.[3] In subsequent years, in addition to being promoted by the automobile associations, the code was publicised using posters by the National Safety First Association (which still continues this work, having been renamed the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in 1936).

The formal introduction of The Highway Code was one of the provisions of the wide-reaching Road Traffic Act 1930. Costing one penny, the first edition of the code was published on 14 April 1931. It contained 21 pages of advice, including the arm signals to be given by drivers and police officers controlling traffic.[4] The second edition, considerably expanded, appeared in 1934, and now illustrated road signs for the first time. During its preparation the Ministry of Transport consulted with the Pedestrians' Association.[5]

Further major revisions followed after the Second World War so that, for example, references to trams were removed after the 1954 version. (Blackpool was for decades the only place in the UK with a tram system. Tramway rules returned to the Code in 1994, after the first modern tram systems in Britain had opened.) Motorway driving was included in the fifth edition. The sixth edition, in 1968, used photographs as well as drawings for the first time, and also updated the illustrations of road signs to take the new 'continental' designs into account. The 70-page 1978 edition introduced the Green Cross Code for pedestrians and orange badges for unskilled drivers. The format was changed to a 'taller' size in the 1990s. An electronic Highway Code app followed in 2012. Following public consultations in 2020,[6] a new "hierarchy of road users" was incorporated into the 17th edition (2022), classifying road users according to their risk in the event of a collision, with the most vulnerable at the top.[6]

The "hierarchy of road users", according to The Official Highway Code "is a concept that places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy". Three special rules are provided which cover the concept:[7]

Sets out the principle that those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. The principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Pedestrians have priority on zebra crossings and on shared use cycle tracks. Only pedestrians (including wheelchair and mobility scooter users) may use the pavement. Pedestrians may use any part of the road and may use cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs to the contrary.

Drivers and motorcyclists should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when they are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane (just as they would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle). The code says "do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the [more vulnerable road user] going straight ahead to stop or swerve". This applies not only when the more vulnerable road user is on the road, but also when they are in a cycle lane or on a cycle track.

Certain rules in The Highway Code are legal requirements, and are identified by the words 'must' or 'must not', presented in bold red block capitals. In these cases, the rules also include references to the corresponding legislation. Offenders may be cautioned, given licence penalty points, fined, banned from driving, or imprisoned, depending on the severity of the offence. Although failure to comply with the other rules would not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, the Highway Code may be used in court under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to establish liability. These include advisory rules with wording 'should' and 'should not' or 'do' (or a simple imperative) and 'do not'. The latest official printed version of the Highway Code is the one in force at any time, but in legal proceedings the version current at the time of the incident applies.

A failure on the part of a person to observe a provision of The Highway Code shall not of itself render that person liable to criminal proceedings of any kind but any such failure may in any proceedings (whether civil or criminal...) be relied upon by any party to the proceedings as tending to establish or negative any liability which is in question in those proceedings.[8]

The currently applicable Highway Code for England, Scotland, and Wales is available to read online at the Highway Code website, with links to download as free PDF eBook, app, and audio book.[9] A printed version is widely available for purchase.[10]

For stays in the U.S. of less than 3 months, it is a good idea to have an international driver's license. An international license is actually a translation of your driver's license (you must show it WITH your original driver's license). Then, if you get stopped, you can be sure that the police will understand your legal document!

Note that you must have a valid driver's license to rent a car. You must also provide a credit card (to pre-authorize the damage deposit) and finally, you must be at least 18 years old (note that there is a fee for young drivers, i.e. under 25 years old).

Authentik Tip: just like in Canada, roads running north-south have odd numbers (e.g.: I-95 for Interstate-95) and those running east-west have even numbers (like the famous Route 66). Almost all highways are called "Interstate" because they connect one state to another.

When renting a vehicle, we recommend that you carry the equivalent of $20 in one-dollar and five-dollar bills for easy payment at tollbooths ("toll plazas"). Payment is in cash only for visitors, so you will have to pull into a lane where cash is accepted (do not stay in the EZ PASS lane).

Highways in the United States are lined with well-marked rest stops. If you are traveling with children, you'll be glad to know that you can take breaks if necessary. If you plan to make a few stops, it may be wise to leave early in the morning to avoid getting stuck in tourist traffic!

Speed limits

Speed limits vary between 30 km/h and 100 km/h, depending whether you are in town or on the highway. Speed limit signs are posted on all roads indicating the maximum speed permitted.

Turning right on a red light

It is generally permitted to turn right when facing a red light everywhere in Canada, EXCEPT on the Island of Montral and at intersections where it is expressly prohibited by the sign on the right.

When you want to turn right on a red light, you must proceed with extra caution because you have a responsibility towards pedestrians. Before turning right on a red light, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop!!! A complete stop is mandatory. Immobilize your vehicle before the stop line or before the pedestrian crossing zone. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way if their pedestrian crossing light allows them to cross. In the absence of a pedestrian crossing light, pedestrians have the right-of-way on a green light.

Turning right on a red light is not an obligation; it is a privilege. If you decide to turn, you must wait until the way is clear. Respect the decision of a driver who does not turn right on a red light; do not honk your horn to make him/her advance. Courtesy towards others on the road is always the order of the day!

Green light vs. flashing green

In Canada, there are 2 types of green light: the green light, and the flashing green. A green light means the same thing as in Europe. But when you are facing a flashing green light, it means that you have the right-of-way to make a left turn.

Required right turn, left turn, straight ahead,...

Pay attention to these road signs (right): they are important, especially for city driving. This sign indicates that you must turn right or continue straight ahead. You are not allowed to turn left under any circumstances.

4-way stops

In a 4-way stop situation, the first to stop is the first to go. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, you yield to the vehicle on your right. It is a good idea to make visual contact with the other drivers to indicate your intentions.

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