Highway Code

We’re going to level with you – making the Highway Code seem sexy is a difficult job.

But it is, nonetheless, important to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road.

Buy the Highway Code (£4.99)

We know it’s a long read – so here are our key takeaways to help you stay safe:

Separation distance the two-second rule

The Highway Code tells motorists to allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. The gap should be wider as speeds increase. It rises to 2.4 seconds – about 53 metres – when driving at 50mph and 3.1 seconds – or 96 metres – at 70mph. Furthermore, the gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads. To use the rule, drivers should allow the vehicle in front to pass a fixed object such as a lamp post or road sign then count to two seconds. If they reach two seconds before reaching the reference marker they need to drop back.

Basic road signs

Test yourself here ? <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/traffic-signs">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/traffic-signs</a> (No cheating ?)

Basic road markings

Test yourself here ? <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/road-markings">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/road-markings</a>

The hierarchy of road users

In January 2022, the Government made changes to modernise the Highway Code, designed principally to improve safety for vulnerable road users.

At the heart of the changes was the creation of a new hierarchy of road users.

The hierarchy means drivers of quicker or heavier modes of travel now have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others on the road.

This video, courtesy of road safety charity Brake, explains it all: