The Highway Code rules, explained
The short answer
The Highway Code has 307 numbered rules plus the H rules that open it. Below, a selection of them is explained in plain English and grouped by where you meet them. Each page names its rule numbers, links the rule on GOV.UK and has a short quiz.
Source: The Highway Code, GOV.UK
This text was written with AI help, checked against The Highway Code on GOV.UK and approved by Fri Vei AS. The questions on this page are written by the editorial team at Fri Vei AS, with AI help. Last updated .
Checked against The Highway Code on GOV.UK · Report a mistake
These pages explain the rules in our own words. Each one quotes at most one short sentence of the Highway Code, links the rule itself on GOV.UK and says when we last checked it. The Highway Code is one of the three books the theory test’s multiple-choice questions are based on (GOV.UK).
At junctions and roundabouts
- Junctions: rules 170 to 183Rule 170’s extra care, STOP and give way lines, traffic lights, turning right and turning left.
- Roundabouts: rules 184 to 190Who has priority, which lane, when to signal, cyclists and mini-roundabouts.
- Box junctions: rule 174When you may wait in the yellow box, and when you must not go in.
- Moving off and mirrors: rules 159 to 161Blind spots, keeping left and mirrors, signal, manoeuvre.
Sharing the road with people on foot, bikes and horses
- The hierarchy of road users: rules H1 to H3Who carries the most responsibility, and giving way at junctions.
- Pedestrian crossings: rules 191 to 199Zebra, parallel, pelican, puffin and toucan crossings, and the zig-zags.
- Pedestrians and children: rules 204 to 210Schools, school buses, crossing patrols, and older and disabled people.
- Passing distances: rule 1631.5 metres for cyclists, 2 metres for horses and walkers.
- Cyclists and motorcyclists: rules 211 to 213Looking for bikes, turning across queues and riding in the middle of the lane.
- Horse riders and animals: rules 214 and 21510 mph past horses, no horn, and herds on the road.
- Emergency vehicles: rule 219Letting an ambulance or fire engine past without breaking the rules.
Speed, overtaking and lanes
- Overtaking: rules 162 to 169When you may, when you must not, and what to do when you are overtaken.
- Lanes and bus lanes: rules 133 to 143Changing lanes, three-lane roads, cycle lanes, bus lanes and one-way streets.
- Stopping distances: rule 126The chart from 20 to 70 mph, the two-second gap, and wet and icy roads.
- Speed limits: rules 124 and 125The national limits for cars, lit roads and towing, as a quiz.
On the motorway
- Joining, lanes and leaving: rules 259 to 274Slip roads, keeping left, the right-hand lane and missed exits.
- Red X and smart motorways: rules 258 to 270Closed lanes, limits in a red circle, the hard shoulder and emergency areas.
- Breakdowns: rules 275 to 280Go left, get safe, get help, and what not to do.
You and your car
- Mobile phones: rules 148 to 150What the hand-held ban covers, the exceptions and the penalty.
- Drink, drugs and tiredness: rules 91 to 96The alcohol limits, the morning after, medicines and breaks.
- Seat belts and child seats: rules 99 to 102Who must wear what, who is responsible, and airbags.
- Headlights and fog lights: rules 113 to 116When to use headlights, fog lights and hazard lights.
- Bad weather: rules 226 to 237Rain, ice, snow and fog, as a quiz.
Parking
- Where not to park: rules 238 to 247Yellow lines, zig-zags, rule 243’s list and parking on the pavement.
- Yellow linesSingle and double yellow lines and the plates that go with them.
Test yourself on eight rules
One question from eight of the pages above. Pick an answer to see at once if you are right, with the rule behind it.
Mixed Highway Code rules quiz
-
Under the hierarchy of road users, who bears the greatest responsibility to reduce danger?
- Whoever got there first
- Whoever is going fastest
- Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm Right
- Pedestrians
The right answer is C: Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm
WhyThose in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care. Everyone still has to look out for their own and others' safety.
Source: The Highway Code, rule H1
-
You want the first exit to the left at a roundabout. No signs or road markings say otherwise. How should you approach?
- Right lane, signalling left
- Left lane, signalling right
- Left lane, signalling left Right
- Right lane, signalling right
The right answer is C: Left lane, signalling left
WhyFor the first exit left, approach in the left-hand lane and signal left unless signs or markings say otherwise.
Source: The Highway Code, rule 186
-
As a guide, how much space should you leave when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30 mph?
- At least 0.5 metres
- At least 1 metre
- At least 1.5 metres Right
- At least 3 metres
The right answer is C: At least 1.5 metres
WhyLeave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and give them more space at higher speeds.
Source: The Highway Code, rule 163
-
You have stopped at a zebra crossing for someone waiting on the pavement. They look towards you but stay where they are. How should you respond?
- Wave them across to remove their uncertainty
- Flash your headlights to invite them across
- Give a short horn sound to invite them across
- Wait patiently without beckoning them across Right
The right answer is D: Wait patiently without beckoning them across
WhyAt zebra crossings, wait patiently and avoid inviting people across with gestures, lights or the horn.
Source: The Highway Code, rule 195
-
A red X lights up above your lane. What must you do?
- Drive on if the lane looks clear
- Move safely into an open lane Right
- Stop under the sign
- Move onto the hard shoulder
The right answer is B: Move safely into an open lane
WhyA red X identifies a closed lane. You must follow the signs to move safely to an open lane, and you must not drive in a closed lane.
Source: The Highway Code, rule 258
-
A driver passed their first driving test eight months ago. They are caught holding and using a phone to take a photograph while driving. Which outcome does GOV.UK describe for this offence?
- 6 penalty points, a £200 fine and loss of their licence Right
- 3 penalty points, a £200 fine and permission to keep their licence
- 6 penalty points and a £200 fine, with their licence kept for a first offence
- A £200 fine without points, since the phone was used only as a camera
The right answer is A: 6 penalty points, a £200 fine and loss of their licence
WhyHand-held phone use can bring 6 points and a £200 fine; drivers who passed in the last 2 years also lose their licence.
Source: GOV.UK: Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving - Penalties
-
You drank alcohol last evening. What should you remember before driving this morning?
- A strong coffee makes you fit to drive
- Eating breakfast clears the alcohol
- A night's sleep always clears it
- You may still be unfit to drive Right
The right answer is D: You may still be unfit to drive
WhyAlcohol takes time to leave your body; drinking the evening before may leave you unfit to drive in the morning.
Source: The Highway Code, rule 95
-
Which of these places does the Highway Code list as somewhere you should not stop or park?
- In a marked parking bay
- In an off-street car park
- At or near a taxi rank Right
- In a quiet lay-by
The right answer is C: At or near a taxi rank
WhyDo not stop or park at or near a taxi rank, except when forced to by stationary traffic.
Source: The Highway Code, rule 243
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Questions about the Highway Code
How many rules are in the Highway Code?
307 numbered rules, from rule 1 for pedestrians to rule 307 on tramways, plus rules H1 to H3 in the introduction. Source: The Highway Code, GOV.UK.
Which Highway Code rules are law?
Rules with the words MUST or MUST NOT are legal requirements, and breaking them is a criminal offence. Rules with should or do not are advice, but not following them can be used in court to show who was liable. Source: The Highway Code introduction.
Where does the Highway Code apply?
In England, Scotland and Wales. Source: The Highway Code introduction.
Is the Highway Code in the theory test?
Yes. The multiple-choice questions are based on three books: The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Driving: the essential skills. Source: GOV.UK.
More ways to practise
- Highway Code quizzes by topic
- Theory test questions for all 14 topics
- UK road signs and their meanings
- The 50-question timed practice quiz
Sources
(3)
- The Highway Code, GOV.UK. Checked 4 November 2026.
- The Highway Code: introduction, GOV.UK. Checked 4 November 2026.
- Theory test: revision and practice, GOV.UK. Checked 4 November 2026.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Quotes from The Highway Code are Crown copyright. Sources and image credits.