Saidues Again Hangin Qheels While Driv9ing

Rules and communication for drivers and riders (103 to 158)

This section of the Highway Code for Northern Republic of ireland should be read past all drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and horse-riders.

The rules in The Highway Lawmaking do not give you the correct of manner in any circumstance, only they do advise you lot when you should give manner to others. Always give fashion if it can help to avert an incident.

Signals

103

Signals warn and inform other route users, including pedestrians (see 'Signals to other road users') of your intended actions. Yous should always:

• give clear signals in plenty of fourth dimension, having checked it is not misleading to betoken at that time
• use them to advise other road users before moving off, changing course or direction or stopping
• cancel them after use
• brand certain your signals will not confuse others - if, for example, you desire to stop after a side route, practice non signal until you are passing the road
• if yous signal earlier information technology may requite the impression that you intend to turn into the road
• your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down
• use an arm indicate to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary
• remember that signalling does not requite you priority

104

You should besides:

• watch out for signals given by other route users and keep only when you are satisfied that information technology is prophylactic
• be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled

105

You must obey signals given past police officers and Driver and Vehicle Agency Enforcement Officers (see 'Signals past authorised persons') and signs used by school crossing patrols.

Laws RTRO Art sixty, RTO 1995 Arts 49, 75 & 76, & RTO 1981 Arts 180 and 180A

106. Police stopping procedures

If constabulary in a vehicle want to stop your vehicle, they will, where possible, attract your attention past:

• flashing bluish lights or headlights or sounding their siren or horn, usually from behind
• directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator

You must so pull over and stop every bit soon as it is safe to practice so. Then switch off your engine.

Police RTO 1981 Art 180

Other stopping procedures

107

Driver & Vehicle Agency Enforcement Officers take powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights:

• either from the front requesting you to follow them to a rubber place to stop
• or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator

It is an offence not to comply with such directions. You must obey whatever signals given. Encounter 'Signals by authorised persons'.

Law RTO 1981 Art 180A

108

Traffic officers accept powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some 'A' class roads in England and Wales. If traffic officers in uniform want to stop your vehicle on condom grounds (an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention past:

• flashing amber lights, usually from behind
• directing you to pull over to the side of the road by pointing and/or using the left indicator

You must and then pull over and stop every bit before long as it is safe to exercise so. Then switch off your engine. It is an offence not to comply with their directions.

Law RTA 1988, sects 35 & 163 as amended by TMA, sect 6

109. Traffic low-cal signals and traffic signs

You must obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs. Make sure yous know, empathise and act on all other traffic and information signs and route markings.

Laws RTO 1995 Art fifty & TSR regs 8, xiii, 14, 24, 25, 25A, 25B, 26 & 33

• Highway Code signs and markings

110. Flashing headlights

Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Practice non flash your headlights to convey any other bulletin or to intimidate other road users.

111

Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Utilise your own judgement and proceed advisedly.

112. The horn

Use only while your vehicle is moving and y'all need to warn other road users of your presence.

Never audio your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn:

• while stationary on the route
• when driving in a congenital-up area between the hours of xi.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another route user poses a danger

Law CUR reg 114

Lighting requirements

113

You must:

• ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit betwixt sunset and sunrise
• employ headlights at night
• utilize headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see rule 226)

Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period betwixt half an hour later on sunset and half an hr before sunrise.

Laws RVLR regs two, 27 & 28, & RV(DRM)R reg 9

• Driving in agin weather conditions (226 to 237)

114

Y'all must not:

• use whatever lights in a way that would dazzle or crusade discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
• use forepart or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, y'all must switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users (see rule 226)

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to conciliate the vehicle brake lights.  This will minimise glare to route users backside until the traffic moves again.

Law RVLR reg 30

• Driving in adverse weather weather condition (226 to 237)

115

You should likewise:

• apply dipped headlights in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can exist seen
• proceed your headlights dipped when you are overtaking until y'all are level with the other vehicle and then change to main axle if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users
• slow down, and if necessary stop, if dazzled by oncoming headlights

Law RVLR reg 30

116. Hazard alert lights

These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that information technology is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking.

You must non utilize take chances alert lights while driving or being towed unless you lot are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you lot need to warn drivers behind yous of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.

Law RVLR reg thirty

Control of the vehicle

Braking

117. In normal circumstances

The safest style to brake is to exercise so early and lightly. Brake more firmly as you begin to end. Ease the pressure off just as the vehicle comes to rest to avoid a jerky stop.

118. In an emergency

Brake immediately. Effort to avoid braking and so harshly that you lot lock your wheels. Locked wheels can lead to loss of control.

119. Skids

Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the route weather condition.

If skidding occurs, remove the crusade by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator.

Plow the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover.

120. ABS (anti-lock brakes)

If your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes, yous should follow the communication given in the vehicle handbook. All the same in the case of an emergency, apply the footbrake firmly; do non release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed.

The ABS should ensure that steering control will be retained, just exercise non presume that a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance.

121. Brakes afflicted past water

If you take driven through deep h2o your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first rubber opportunity by gently pushing on the brake pedal to brand sure that they work.

If they are not fully effective, gently employ light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

122. Coasting

This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. It tin reduce driver command because:

• engine braking is eliminated
• vehicle speed downhill volition increase quickly
• increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness
• steering response will be affected, particularly on bends and corners
• it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed

The vehicle is also less likely to be heard by other road users.

123. The driver and the surround

You must not get out a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.

Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and probable to remain so for more than a couple of minutes y'all should apply the parking restriction and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution.

However, information technology is permissible to go out the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults.

Law CUR regs 113 & 123

Speed limits

* The xxx mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs evidence otherwise.

** 60 mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer.

124

Yous must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle (see the table to a higher place). The presence of street lights mostly ways that there is a thirty mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified.

Laws RTRO Arts 36, 39 & 43, & MV(SL)R

125

The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean that information technology is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of the atmospheric condition.

Driving at speeds too fast for the road and driving weather condition tin can be dangerous. You lot should always reduce your speed when:

• the road layout or condition presents hazards such as bends
• sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and equus caballus riders, especially children and motorcyclists
• conditions conditions brand information technology safer to practice so
• driving at night, every bit information technology is more difficult to see other route users

Stopping distances

126

Drive at a speed that will permit you to end well within the distance you can come across to be clear. You lot should:

• leave enough infinite between y'all and the vehicle in front so that you lot can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops - the safe rule is never to become closer than the overall stopping distance (run into Typical Stopping Distances below)
• allow at least a two-2nd gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced, doubling the gap on wet roads and increasing it nevertheless further on icy roads
• remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop
• if driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a 4-second gap between you lot and the vehicle in front

If you have to stop in a tunnel, go out at least a 5-metre gap between y'all and the vehicle in front.

Lines and lane markings on the route

127. A broken white line

This marks the middle of the road. When this line lengthens and the gaps shorten, it means that there is a take chances ahead. Do not cantankerous it unless you can see the road is clear and wish to overtake or plough off.

128

Double white lines where the line nearest to you is cleaved

This means you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe, provided yous can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side.

White direction arrows on the road indicate that you need to get back onto your side of the road.

129

Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid

This ways you must not cross or straddle it unless information technology is safe and you lot need to enter adjoining premises or a side road.

You may cantankerous the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or route maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at ten mph (xvi km/h) or less.

Laws RTO 1995 Art 50 & TSR reg 25

130

Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road

These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right:

• if the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should non enter the surface area unless information technology is necessary and you can see that it is safe to exercise and so
• if the area is marked by chevrons and bordered by solid white lines, you lot must not enter it, except in an emergency

Laws RTO 1995 Fine art 50 & TSR reg 8

131. Lane dividers

These are brusk broken white lines which are used on broad carriageways to divide them into lanes. You should keep between them.

132

Reflective road studs may be used with white lines:

• white studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road
• red studs mark the left edge of the road
• amber studs mark the key reservation of a dual carriageway or expressway
• green studs marking the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads
• green/ yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts example. where road works are taking place

• Highway Lawmaking signs and markings

Multi-lane carriageways

Lane discipline
133

If you need to change lane, first utilize your mirrors and if necessary have a quick sideways glance to make sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed.

When information technology is safety to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when articulate move over.

134

You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane every bit directed. In congested road conditions do non change lanes unnecessarily.

Merging in turn is recommended simply only safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at very low speed, for case when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.

Unmarried carriageway
135

Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the road markings or signs practise not give priority to traffic in either direction:

• use the middle lane merely for overtaking or turning right. (recall, you have no more than correct to use the middle lane than a driver coming from the contrary management)
• do not use the correct-hand lane

136

Where a single carriageway has four or more lanes, apply only the lanes that signs or markings indicate.

Dual carriageways

A dual carriageway is a road which has a fundamental reservation to separate the carriageways.

137

On a 2-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Utilize the right-mitt lane for overtaking or turning right. Later overtaking, move back to the left-paw lane when it is safety to do so.

138

On a three-lane dual carriageway, you may use the middle lane or the right-mitt lane to overtake but return to the center and so the left-hand lane when it is safety.

139. Climbing and crawler lanes

These are provided on some hills.

Use this lane if y'all are driving a slow-moving vehicle or if there are vehicles backside you wishing to overtake.

Be aware of the signs and markings which bespeak the lane is well-nigh to end.

140. Wheel lanes

These are shown past road markings and signs.

You must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its time of performance. Practise not bulldoze or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You lot must not park in any bicycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.

Police force RTRO Fine art 4(five)

141. Jitney lanes

These are shown by route markings and signs that indicate which (if any) other vehicles are permitted to apply the coach lane, and the times of operation.

Unless otherwise indicated, y'all must not drive or ride in a bus lane during its flow of performance.

Police RTRO Fine art four(1, 2 & iii)

142. Loftier occupancy vehicle lanes [Bully United kingdom only] and other designated vehicle lanes

Lanes may be restricted for utilize by item types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the time. The operating times and vehicle types will be indicated on the accompanying traffic signs.

You must non drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate your vehicle is permitted.

• Information signs
  

Vehicles permitted to utilise designated lanes may or may non include cycles, buses, taxis, licensed private hire vehicles, motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and loftier occupancy vehicles (HOVs).

Where HOV lanes are in operation, they must only be used by:

• vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs
• whatsoever other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, every bit indicated on signs prior to the commencement of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants

Constabulary RTRO Fine art 4(five)

143. One-way streets

Traffic must travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Practise non change lanes of a sudden.

Unless road signs or markings point otherwise, yous should use:

• the left-hand lane when going left
• the right-hand lane when going correct
• the most advisable lane when going directly ahead

Remember, traffic could be passing on both sides.

Laws RTO 1995 Art fifty & RTRO Arts 4(5) & five(9)

General advice

144

You lot must not:

• drive dangerously
• drive without due care and attention
• drive without reasonable consideration for other road users

Law RTO 1995 Arts 10 & 12

145

You must not drive on or over a footway or footpath except to gain lawful access to property, or in the case of an emergency.

Constabulary RTRO Art 3

146

Arrange your driving to the appropriate type and condition of the road you are on. In particular:

• exercise not care for speed limits as a target - it is oftentimes not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit
• accept the road and traffic conditions into business relationship, be prepared for unexpected or hard situations, for example the road beingness blocked beyond a blind curve - be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution
• where at that place are junctions be prepared for road users emerging
• in side roads and land lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority
• be prepared to stop at traffic control systems, road works, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary
• try to conceptualize what cyclists or pedestrians might do - if pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may stride out into the road without seeing you

147. Be considerate

Be conscientious and considerate towards other route users, especially those requiring actress care (meet dominion 204).

Yous must not throw annihilation out of a vehicle; for example, nutrient or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags. This tin endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists.

Try to be understanding if other road users crusade issues; they may be inexperienced or non know the surface area well.

Be patient; call up that anyone can make a mistake.

Do not allow yourself to go agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the route - this will only brand the situation worse. Pull over, calm down and when yous feel relaxed continue your journey.

Slow down and agree dorsum if a road user pulls out into your path at a junction - permit them to get clear. Do non over-react past driving too close behind to intimidate them.

Law LO

148

Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving such as:

• loud music (this may mask other sounds)
• trying to read maps
• starting or adjusting any music or radio
• arguing with your passengers or other road users
• eating and drinking
• smoking

Yous must non smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in sure prescribed circumstances.

Laws SO & SF(EVPDA)R reg 12(1)

Mobile phones and in-vehicle technology

149

Y'all must exercise proper command of your vehicle at all times.

You must non use a hand-held mobile phone, or like device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when information technology is dangerous or impractical to stop.

Never employ a hand-held microphone when driving. Using hands-free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. Information technology is far safer not to use whatsoever phone while yous are driving or riding - find a safe identify to stop start or use the voicemail facility and listen to messages later.

Laws RTO 1995 Arts ten, 12 & 56A, & CUR regs 120 & 125A

150

There is a danger of driver lark beingness caused by in-vehicle systems such equally satellite navigation systems, congestion alarm systems, PCs, multimedia.

You must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times.

Do not rely on driver aid programs such as prowl control or lane departure warnings. They are available to assist but yous should not reduce your concentration levels.

Exercise not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such equally navigation or vehicle direction systems) while driving or riding. If necessary find a rubber place to cease.

Laws RTO 1995 Arts ten & 12, & CUR reg 120

151

In slow-moving traffic. You should:

• reduce the altitude between you and the vehicle ahead to maintain traffic flow
• never get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely
• leave enough space to exist able to manoeuvre if the vehicle in forepart breaks downwards or an emergency vehicle needs to get past
• not change lanes to the left to overtake
• permit admission into and from side roads, as blocking these will add to congestion
• be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who may exist passing on either side

Driving in built-up areas

152. Residential streets

You should drive slowly and carefully on streets where in that location are likely to be pedestrians, cyclists and parked vehicles. In some areas a 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed limit may be in force. Look out for:

• vehicles emerging from junctions or driveways
• vehicles moving off
• vehicle doors opening
• pedestrians
• children running out from between parked vehicles
• cyclists and motorcyclists

153. Traffic calming measures

On some roads in that location are features such every bit route humps, chicanes and narrowings which are intended to tedious you down.

When you arroyo these features reduce your speed:

• let cyclists and motorcyclists room to pass through them
• maintain a reduced speed along the whole of the stretch of road within the calming measures
• give manner to oncoming road users if directed to exercise so by signs
• you should non overtake other moving road users while in these areas

154. Country roads

Accept extra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can exist sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden.

Exist prepared for pedestrians, equus caballus riders, cyclists, slow moving farm vehicles or mud on the road surface. Make sure you can terminate within the distance you can encounter to exist articulate. You should too reduce your speed where land roads enter villages.

155. Unmarried-runway roads

These are only broad enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the commuter behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right

Give way to route users coming up hill whenever yous can. If necessary reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other road user laissez passer.

Slow downwards when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

156

Do not park in passing places.

Vehicles prohibited from using roads and pavements

157

Certain motorised vehicles do non come across the construction and technical requirements for road vehicles and are generally not intended, not suitable and not legal for route, footway, footpath or wheel path use.

These include virtually types of miniature motorcycles, besides called mini-motos, and motorised scooters likewise called gopeds, which are powered by electric or internal combustion engines. These types of vehicles must not exist used on roads, footways or footpaths.

Law RTO 1995 Arts 48, 56, 58, 63 & 72

158

Certain models of motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadricycles, also chosen quad bikes, are suitable for off-route employ only - and exercise not meet the legal standards for employ on roads.

Vehicles that do non run into these standards must not be used on roads. They must non be used on footways, footpaths or cycle paths either.

You must make sure that any motorbike, motor tricycle, quadricycles or any other motor vehicle meets legal standards and is properly registered, taxed and insured before using it on the roads.

Even when registered, taxed and insured for the road, vehicles must non be used on footways or footpaths.

Laws RTO 1995 Arts 48, 56, 63 & 72, & VERA sects i, 29, 31A & 43A

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Source: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rules-and-advice-drivers-and-riders-103-158

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