RULES FOR OVERTAKING

103. Do not overtake unless you can do so safely. Make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead and behind. Do not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake - it will obscure your view of the road ahead. Use your mirrors. Signal before you start to move out. Take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.
Remember: mirrors - signals - manoeuvre

104. Once you have started to overtake, quickly move past the vehicle you are overtaking, leaving it plenty of room. Then move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in.

105. When overtaking motorcyclists, pedal-cyclists or horse riders, give them at least as much room as you would give a car. Remember that cyclists may be unable to ride in a straight line, especially when it is windy or the road surface is uneven.

106. DO NOT overtake on the left unless:

· the vehicle in front is signaling to turn right, and you can overtake on the left safely;
· traffic is moving slowly in queues and vehicles in a lane on the right are moving more slowly than you are.

107. In slow-moving traffic queues, move to a lane on your left only to turn left. DO NOT change lanes to the left to overtake. Cyclists and motorcyclists overtaking traffic queues should watch out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions.

108. DO NOT increase your speed when you are being overtaken. Slow down if necessary to let the overtaking vehicle pass and pull in.

109. On a two-lane single carriageway give way to vehicles coming towards you before passing parked vehicles or other obstructions on your side of the road.

110. (a) You MUST NOT overtake:
· if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with an unbroken line near to you;
· if you are in the zigzag area at a pedestrian
· after a 'No Overtaking sign and until you pass a sign canceling the restriction;

(b)
(i) Where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe, for example when you are approaching or at:
· a corner or bend;
· a hump bridge;
· the brow of a hill;

(ii) 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;
· where you would have to drive over an area marked with diagonal stripes or chevrons;
· where you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, or cyclists;
· between a bus and the kerb when it is at a stop;
· where traffic is queuing at junctions or road works;
· when you would force another vehicle to swerve or slow down;
· at a level crossing;

If in doubt - do not overtake

111. Before overtaking a vehicle at night, give signal of your intention to the vehicle in front by flashing your headlights a few times and overtake only when there is no traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

112. Overtake only when the vehicle being overtaken is moving at a speed at least 10 kmh slower than yours.

113. On narrow hilly roads, if you are going down hill, stop and give way to vehicles proceeding uphill.

114. While overtaking, do not pullout sharply from behind or cut in front. Change to right lane before reaching the minimum following safe distance i.e. two second gap and revert to the left lane only after the overtaken vehicle can be seen in the rear view mirror.

JUNCTIONS AND ROUNDABOUTS

115. Take extra care at junctions. Check your position and speed. Junctions are particularly dangerous for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, so watch out for them before you turn. 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.

116. At a junction with a 'STOP' sign and an unbroken white line across the road, you MUST stop behind the line. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move off.

117. At a junction with broken white line across the road (it may also have a "Give Way" sign or a triangle marked on the road),you MUST give way to traffic on the other road.

118. When waiting at a junction, do not assume that a vehicle coming from the right and signaling left will do so. Wait and make sure.

119. Box junctions have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane from it is clear. But you may enter the box when you want to turn right and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic or by vehicles waiting to turn right.

Use the correct lane.

Junctions Controlled By Traffic Lights or Traffic Police

120. At junctions controlled by traffic lights, you MUST stop behind the white 'STOP' line across your side of the road unless the light is green. You MUST NOT move forward when the red and amber lights are showing. Do not go forward when the traffic lights are green unless there is room for you to clear the junctions safely or you are taking up a positions to turn right.

(Fig-7)
121. When amber light is flashing, slow down and proceed carefully. When red light is flashing, stop and give right-of-way.

122. If the traffic lights are not working, proceed with caution.

123. At an inter-section controlled by a traffic police:

a. Obey the signals of the traffic police only and ignore all other traffic control devices.

b. Stop at the stop-line till the policeman gives signal to move on.

124. Where traffic lights have a green filter arrow indicating a filter-only lane, do not enter that lane unless you want to go in the direction of the arrow. Give other traffic, especially cyclists, room to move into the correct lane.

Turning

125. Get in the extreme left lane at least 200 meters before making left turn and in the extreme right lane at least 200 meters before making the right turn. Do not turn left from right lane and right from left lane.

126. Give way to pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning.

Exclusive Turning Lanes

127. Where "Exclusive Turning Lanes" are provided, only use. right exclusive lane for turning right and left exclusive lane for turning left.

Turning Right

128. When going straight across or turning right into a dual carriageway, treat each half as a separate road. Wait in the central reservation until there is safe gap in the traffic on the second half for the length of your vehicle, wait until you can cross both carriageways in one go.

129. Well before you turn right, use your mirrors to make sure you know the position and movement of traffic behind you. (It may be noted that traffic coming froth behind is actually at much closer

(Fig-8)
distance and moves faster than appears in the mirror). Give a right-turn signal and , as soon as it is safe for you to do so, take up a position just left of the middle of the road or in the space marked for right-turning traffic. If possible leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left. Wait until there is safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle. Watch out for cyclist, motorcyclists and pedestrians; then make the turn, but 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.

130. When turning right at a junction where an oncoming vehicle is also turning right, it is normally safe to keep the other vehicle to your right and turn behind it i.e. offside-to-offside. Before you complete the turn, check for the traffic on the road you want to cross.

131. If the layout of the junction or the traffic situation makes offside-to-nearside passing impracticable, pass near to near side but take care. The other vehicle could obstruct your view of the road so watch carefully for oncoming traffic.

132. When turning right from a dual carriageway, Wait in the opening in the central reservation until you are sure it is safe to cross the other carriageway.

133. Do not turn right on red light under any circumstances.

134. Do not make a U-turn on a multi-lane (whether divided or not) road except where indicated by an appropriate warning sign.

135. Always give way to the approaching traffic before turning right, except at steady Right Turn. Give indicator in signalized intersections.

136. While turning right on steady Right Turn Arrow you have the right of way. However on 'Flashing Right Turn Arrow" or when no arrow is exhibited but green signal is displayed, you can turn right only after giving way to on-coming traffic approaching from opposite direction.

137. Well before turning right, use your mirror, give right turn signal and approximately 200 meters before the intersection, bring right wheel of your vehicle close to the centre line of the road but never cross it and then turn through the centre of the intersection, leaving adequate room for the left turning vehicles on other road. Before turning yield to oncoming traffic.

Turning Left

138. Well before you turn left, use your mirrors and give a left-turn signal, Do not overtake a cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider immediately before turning left and watch out for traffic coming up on your left before you make the turn. When turning, keep as close to the left as it is safe to do so.

139. If you want to turn left across a bus lane, or cycle lane, give way to any vehicle using it from either direction.

140. Well before you turn left, use your mirror and give a left turn signal and approximately 200 meters before the intersection, bring left wheel of your vehicle as close to the left lane. Do not swing out to the right before or after the turn.

141. On an intersection controlled by a signal, it is prohibited to turn left on red, except where specifically permitted by a sign or it is a slip road.

142. Use your indicator or signal for turning or lane change manoeuvre only. Do not use this device for giving help to overtaking vehicle or for any other purpose.

Turnings on Roundabouts

143. On approaching a roundabout, decide as early as possible which exit you need to take and get into the correct lane, reduce your speed. On reaching the roundabout, give way to traffic on your right unless road markings indicate otherwise. Watch out for traffic already on the roundabout, especially cyclists and motorcyclists. At some junctions there may be more than one roundabout. At each one, use the normal rules for roundabouts.

144. Unless signs or road marking indicate otherwise;

When turning left on the roundabouts:

- signal left and approach in the left-hand lane;
- keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signaling left.

When going straight ahead:

- do not signal on approach:
- approach in the left-hand or centre lane on a three-lane road (on a two-lane road you may approach in the right-hand lane if the left- hand lane is blocked);
- take the same course on the roundabout;
- signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When turning right or going full circle:

- signal right and approach in the right-hand lane;
- keep to the right on the roundabout;
- continue to signal right until you have passed the exit before the one you want, then signal left.

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

Correct procedure at roundabouts
(Fig-9)

Correct procedure at roundabouts
(Fig- 9 - A)

145. Watch out for traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit. Show them consideration.

146. Watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders. Give them plenty of room. Cyclists and horse riders will often keep to the left on the roundabout; they may also indicate right to show they are continuing around the roundabout.

147. Long vehicles may have to take a different course, both approaching and on the roundabout. Watch for their signals and give them plenty of room.

148. The same rules apply to mini-roundabouts. If possible, pass around the central marking, Watch out for vehicles making a U-turn and for long vehicles, which may have to cross the centre of the mini-roundabout.

149. When two vehicles are turning into same street simultaneously, the vehicle turning left has the right of way over the right turning vehicle, whether there are multi lanes or not.

Crossing

150. Before crossing a major highway or where there is a stop sign you must come to a complete stop, look to the right, then to the left and again to the right to see if any traffic is approaching,. Do not enter as long as there is traffic on the main road.

REVERSING PROCEDURES

151. Before reversing make sure there are no pedestrians particularly children or obstructions in the road behind you. Be aware of the 'blind spot' behind you the part of the road you cannot see from the driving seat. Reverse with care. If you cannot see clearly, get someone to guide you. You MUST NOT reverse your vehicle for longer than necessary.

152. NEVER reverse from a side-road into a main road. Avoid reversing into the road from a driveway; where possible, reverse in and drive out.

USE OF LIGHTS

153. You MUST:

o make sure all your lights are clean, that they work and that your headlights are properly adjusted - badly adjusted headlights can dazzle other road users and may cause accidents
o use sidelights between sunset and sunrise
o use headlights at night (between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise) on all roads without street. lighting and on roads where the streetlights are more than 185 meters (600 ft) apart or are not lit
o use headlights or front fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 meters (328 ft)

154. You should also:

o use headlights at night on lit motorway and roads with a speed limit in excess of 80 Km/h
o use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas unless the road is well lit
o cut down glare. If your vehicle has dim-dip, use it instead of dipped headlights in dull daytime weather and at night in built-up areas with good street lighting
o dip your headlights when meeting vehicles or other road users and before you dazzle the driver of a vehicle you are following
o slow down or stop if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights

155. DO NOT drive at night without proper tail lights.

156. Decorations or any other lights except those specified in the law are prohibited.

Fog Lights

157. Use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 meters (328 ft). You MUST NOT use fog lights at other times. Remember to switch them off when visibility improves.

Hazard Warning Lights

158. Hazard warning lights may be used when your vehicle is stopped to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. You may only use them whilst driving if you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for just long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. Do not use them as an indicator of going straight through an intersection.

Flashing Headlights

159. Flashing your headlights means only one thing - it lets another road user know you are there. Do not flash your headlights for any other reason and never assume that it is a signal to proceed.

Use of The Horn and Musical Instruments

160. When your vehicle is moving, use your horn only if you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn:

o between 11.30 p.m. and 7.00 a.m. in a built up area
o when your vehicle is stationary, unless a moving vehicle poses a danger

161. Use of musical instruments such as radio, tape-recorder, phonogram etc. is prohibited in public transport vehicles and goods vehicles.

Rear Screen
162. Keep the rear screen clear of obstructions like curtains and other decorations, lights etc., at all times.

USE OF LIGHTS

163. Wherever possible, pull off the road on to an area provided for parking. If you have to stop on the road, stop as close as you can to the side. Leave plenty of room when parking next to or behind a vehicle displaying a disabled person's badge. Before you or your passengers open a door, make sure it will not hit anyone passing on the road or pavement or force them to swerve; watch out particularly for pedestrians, cyclist and motorcyclist. It is safer for you and your passengers (especially children) to get out on the side next to the kerb. You MUST switch off the engine and headlights. Before leaving the
vehicle, ensure that the handbrake is on firmly. Always lock your vehicle.

164. You MUST NOT stop or park on:

o the carriageway of a motorway
o a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zigzag lines
o a Clearway
o a Clearway except to pick up or set down passengers
o a road marked with double white lines even if one of the lines is broken, except to pick up or set down passengers;
o a bus, or cycle lane.

165. You MUST NOT park where there are parking restrictions shown by yellow lines along the edge of the carriageway. Use an authorised parking space if one is available.

166. Think before your park. DO NOT park your vehicle where it would endanger or inconvenience to pedestrians or other road users, for example:

o on a footpath, pavement or cycle track;
o near a school entrance;
o at or near a bus stop or taxi rank;
o on the approach to a level crossing;
o within 10 meters (32 ft) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space;
o near the brow of a hill or hump bridge;
o opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) an other parked vehicle;
o where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users;
o in front of the entrance to a property.

Parking at Night

167. You MUST NOT park at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow.

ROAD WORKS

168. Special care is needed at road works. Watch out for and act on all signs on the approach to and at road works. Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time. Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic or drive through an area marked oft by traffic cones. Watch out for traffic entering or leaving the works area, but do not be distracted by what is going on there.

169. You MUST NOT exceed any temporary maximum speed limit.

TRANSPORTATION OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

170. A goods vehicle, which is being used to transport hazardous materials, must be clearly marked in accordance with the Annex-D of this code to indicate the type of hazardous material being carried. Drivers should act upon all rules regarding attendance, parking, handling, vehicle conditions, route, fueling and documents etc. as laid down in hazardous materials transportation law.

171. If you have a breakdown, think first of other traffic. Get your vehicle off the road if possible.

172. If your vehicle is causing an obstruction, warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights. If you carry a red warning triangle, put it on the road at least 50 meters (164 ft) before the obstruction and on the same side of the road (l50meters (492 ft) on the hard shoulder of motorways). At night or in poor visibility, do not stand behind your vehicle or let anyone else do so - you could prevent other drivers seeing your rear lights.

173. It anything falls from your vehicle on to the road, stop and retrieve it as soon as it is safe to do so.

174. If you see warning signs or the flashing lights of emergency vehicles or vehicles in the distance moving very slowly or stopped, there could have been an accident. Slow down and be ready to stop. Do not be distracted when passing the accident; you could cause an other one.

175. If you are involved in, or stop to give assistance at, an accident:

o warn other traffic, e.g. by switching on your hazard warning lights. Ask drivers to switch off their engines and put out any cigarettes
o arrange for the emergency services to be called immediately with full details of the accident location and any casualties; on a motorway; use the emergency telephone
o do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger from fire or explosion. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential. Be prepared to give first aid
o move uninjured people away from the vehicles to safety; on a motorway this should be well away from the traffic, the hard shoulder and the central reservation
o stay at the scene until emergency services arrive

176. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages will be marked with plain orange reflectorised plates. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers will have hazard warning plates. If an accident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods, follow the relevant advice of this code in particular:

o switch off engines and DO NOT SMOKE
o keep uninjured people well away from the vehicle and where the wind will not blow dangerous substances towards them. Even if you act to save a life, take care that you too are not affected by dangerous substances
o give the emergency services as much information as possible about the labels and other markings.

SELECTING AND
MAINTAINING A CYCLE

177. Choose the right size of cycle for comfort and
safety.

178. Make sure that the:

o lights and reflectors are kept clean and in good working order
o tires are in good condition and inflated to the pressure recommended by the cycle manufacturer
brakes and gears are working correctly; chain is properly adjusted and oiled
o saddle is adjusted to the correct height

179. Fit a bell and use it when necessary to warn other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, that you are there.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

180. Wear a cycle helmet, which conforms to recognised safety standards. Choose appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid long coats or other clothes, which may get tangled in the chain or a wheel. Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing helps other road users see you in daylight and poor visibility.

181. At night you MUST use front and rear lights and a red rear reflector. Reflective material such as belts, arm and ankle bands, wheel reflectors and 'spacer' flags will also help you to be seen at night.

CYCLING

182. You MUST obey traffic signs and traffic light signals. You MUST NOT cycle on the pavement.

183. Look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or maneuvering to make sure it is safe to do so. Then give a clear arm signal to show other road users what you intend to do.

184. Look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked cars, so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid them. Leave plenty of room when passing parked cars and watch out for doors being opened into your path.

185. Take care near road humps, narrowing and other traffic calming features. Do not ride along a drainage channel at the edge of the road to avoid such features.

186. Do no leave your cycle where it would endanger or obstruct other road users, for example lying on the pavement. Use cycle parking facilities where provided.

Road Junctions

187. Watch out for vehicles turning in front of you from or 'Into a side road. Do not overtake on the left of vehicles slowing down to turn left. Pay particular attention to long vehicles, which need a lot of room too manoeuvre at corners and may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they have completed the manoeuvre.

188. When turning right, check the traffic behind you, signal and when it is safe move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in traffic before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and walk your cycle across the road.

Signal Controlled Junctions

189. Traffic signals also apply to cyclists. You MUST NOT cross the stop line across the road when the lights are red. Some junctions have advanced stop lines, which enable cyclists to position themselves ahead of other traffic. Where these are provided, use them.

Roundabouts

190. Rules 143 - 149 set out the correct procedures of roundabouts but you may feel safer approaching in the left-hand lane and keeping to the left in the roundabout. If you- do keep to the left, take extra care when cycling across exits and signal right to show you are not leaving. Watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout.

191. Watch out for long vehicles on the roundabout as they need more space to manoeuvre. It may be safer to wait until they have cleared the roundabout.

192. If you are unsure about using the roundabout, dismount and walk your cycle round on the pavement or verge.

Bus Lanes

193. You may only use a bus lane if the signs include a cycle symbol. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow.

Dual Carriageways

194. Take great care when crossing or turning on to a dual carriageway where there are no traffic light signals. Wait for safe gaps and cross each carriageway in turn. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways travels quickly.

Cycle Lanes and Tracks

195. Use cycle lanes and tracks wherever possible. They can make your journey safer and quicker.

196. Cycle lanes are marked by either an unbroken or broken white line along the carriageway. Keep within the lane and watch out for traffic emerging from side turnings.

197. Cycle tracks are located away from the road. Where a cycle track is shared with a footpath, you MUST keep to the track intended for cyclists. Watch out for pedestrians, especially elderly people and people with disabilities, using the footpath or crossing the cycle track.

198. Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road are sometimes linked by signaled crossings. If the crossing is provided for cyclists only, you may ride across but you MUST NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing. Do not ride across a Pelican crossing.

Safe Riding

199. When cycling:

o keep both hand on the handlebars except when signaling or changing gear
o keep both feet on the pedals
o do not ride more than two abreast
o ride in single file on cycle tracks and lanes, and on narrow roads when in traffic
o do not ride close behind another vehicle
o do not carry anything, which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain

200. You MUST NOT carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one.

201. You MUST NOT ride under the influence of drink or drugs.

Previous    |    Top    |    Next