Driving Down Your Street Again I Hit the Engine When I Reach a Dead End

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

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

The rules in The Highway Code practice not requite you the right of way in any circumstance, simply they exercise propose you when you should give way to others. Always requite way if it tin assistance to avoid an incident.

Signals

103

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

• give clear signals in enough of time, having checked information technology is non misleading to bespeak at that fourth dimension
• use them to advise other route users before moving off, changing course or management or stopping
• abolish them after use
• make certain your signals will not misfile others - if, for instance, you lot want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road
• if you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road
• your restriction lights volition warn traffic behind yous that you lot are slowing downward
• utilise an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your point if necessary
• think that signalling does non give y'all priority

104

You should besides:

• watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe
• be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled

105

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

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

106. Constabulary stopping procedures

If police in a vehicle want to end your vehicle, they will, where possible, attract your attention by:

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

You must then pull over and end as soon as information technology is safe to practise so. And so switch off your engine.

Law RTO 1981 Art 180

Other stopping procedures

107

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

• either from the forepart requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop
• or from backside directing you to pull over to the side past pointing and/or using the left indicator

Information technology is an offence non to comply with such directions. You lot must obey any signals given. Meet 'Signals past authorised persons'.

Law RTO 1981 Fine art 180A

108

Traffic officers have powers to stop vehicles on nearly motorways and some 'A' course 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 past pointing and/or using the left indicator

You must and so pull over and cease every bit soon as it is rubber to exercise and so. So switch off your engine. It is an offence non to comply with their directions.

Law RTA 1988, sects 35 & 163 equally amended past TMA, sect vi

109. Traffic calorie-free signals and traffic signs

You must obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs. Brand sure you know, sympathise and act on all other traffic and data signs and road markings.

Laws RTO 1995 Fine art 50 & TSR regs 8, xiii, 14, 24, 25, 25A, 25B, 26 & 33

• Highway Code signs and markings

110. Flashing headlights

Merely wink your headlights to let other road users know that yous are at that place. Practise non flash your headlights to convey whatever other bulletin or to intimidate other route users.

111

Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting yous to proceed. Utilize your own sentence and go along carefully.

112. The horn

Use simply while your vehicle is moving and you demand to warn other route users of your presence.

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

• while stationary on the road
• when driving in a built-up area between the hours of eleven.xxx pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger

Police force CUR reg 114

Lighting requirements

113

You must:

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

Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour afterwards dusk and half an hour before sunrise.

Laws RVLR regs 2, 27 & 28, & RV(DRM)R reg ix

• Driving in adverse weather conditions (226 to 237)

114

You must non:

• use any lights in a fashion that would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
• utilize front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, you must switch them off when visibility improves to avert dazzling other road users (see rule 226)

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should utilise the parking brake and, one time the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights.  This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves over again.

Police RVLR reg 30

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

115

You should also:

• utilize dipped headlights in tiresome daytime weather, to ensure that you tin can be seen
• continue your headlights dipped when you are overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to chief axle if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users
• slow down, and if necessary stop, if dazzled by oncoming headlights

Law RVLR reg xxx

116. Adventure warning lights

These may exist used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them every bit an excuse for unsafe or illegal parking.

You must not use run a risk warning lights while driving or existence towed unless you are on a throughway or unrestricted dual carriageway and y'all need to warn drivers behind you of a gamble or obstruction ahead.

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

Law RVLR reg 30

Command of the vehicle

Braking

117. In normal circumstances

The safest manner to brake is to do and so early and lightly. Brake more firmly as you lot begin to finish. Ease the pressure level off just as the vehicle comes to residual to avoid a jerky stop.

118. In an emergency

Restriction immediately. Try to avoid braking so harshly that you lock your wheels. Locked wheels tin can lead to loss of control.

119. Skids

Skidding is usually caused past the commuter braking, accelerating or steering also harshly or driving too fast for the route weather condition.

If skidding occurs, remove the cause past releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator.

Plough 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 advice given in the vehicle handbook. Even so in the example 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, but do not assume that a vehicle with ABS volition stop in a shorter altitude.

121. Brakes affected by h2o

If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the get-go condom opportunity by gently pushing on the brake pedal to make sure that they piece of work.

If they are non fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

122. Benumbed

This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed downwards. Information technology tin reduce driver control because:

• engine braking is eliminated
• vehicle speed downhill will increase apace
• increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness
• steering response will exist affected, peculiarly 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 route users.

123. The driver and the environment

You lot must not go 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.

Mostly, if the vehicle is stationary and likely to remain and then for more a couple of minutes you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and dissonance pollution.

However, it is permissible to exit the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults.

Law CUR regs 113 & 123

Speed limits

* The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs prove otherwise.

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

124

You lot must non exceed the maximum speed limits for the route and for your vehicle (see the table above). The presence of street lights generally ways that there is a 30 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 safety to drive at that speed irrespective of the atmospheric condition.

Driving at speeds too fast for the route and driving conditions tin can be dangerous. Y'all should always reduce your speed when:

• the route layout or condition presents hazards such equally bends
• sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and equus caballus riders, particularly children and motorcyclists
• atmospheric condition atmospheric condition make it safer to do so
• driving at night, as it is more hard to see other road users

Stopping distances

126

Drive at a speed that will let you to finish well inside the altitude you tin see to be articulate. Yous should:

• leave plenty space between you and the vehicle in front so that y'all tin can pull up safely if it of a sudden slows down or stops - the safe rule is never to become closer than the overall stopping distance (see Typical Stopping Distances beneath)
• permit at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads conveying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced, doubling the gap on moisture roads and increasing it still further on icy roads
• call back, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to finish
• if driving a big vehicle in a tunnel, yous should allow a four-second gap betwixt y'all and the vehicle in front end

If yous take to terminate in a tunnel, leave at least a v-metre gap betwixt yous and the vehicle in front.

Lines and lane markings on the route

127. A broken white line

This marks the centre of the route. When this line lengthens and the gaps shorten, information technology ways that there is a run a risk ahead. Do not cantankerous information technology unless you can see the road is clear and wish to overtake or turn off.

128

Double white lines where the line nearest to you is broken

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

White direction arrows on the road signal that y'all need to go dorsum onto your side of the road.

129

Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid

This means you must not cantankerous or straddle it unless it is safe and you lot need to enter adjoining premises or a side road.

You may cross 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 x mph (16 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 correct:

• if the area is bordered by a broken white line, y'all should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you tin run across that information technology is safe to do so
• if the area is marked by chevrons and bordered by solid white lines, you must not enter information technology, except in an emergency

Laws RTO 1995 Art l & TSR reg viii

131. Lane dividers

These are brusk cleaved white lines which are used on wide carriageways to divide them into lanes. You should proceed between them.

132

Reflective road studs may exist used with white lines:

• white studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road
• carmine studs mark the left edge of the route
• amber studs marker the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway
• green studs marking the border of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads
• green/ yellowish studs bespeak temporary adjustments to lane layouts example. where route works are taking place

• Highway Lawmaking signs and markings

Multi-lane carriageways

Lane field of study
133

If y'all need to change lane, get-go use your mirrors and if necessary have a quick sideways glance to make sure you will non force some other route user to change grade or speed.

When it is condom to do then, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear move over.

134

You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested route conditions practise not change lanes unnecessarily.

Merging in plough is recommended but merely safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at very low speed, for example when approaching road works or a route traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.

Unmarried carriageway
135

Where a unmarried carriageway has three lanes and the road markings or signs do not requite priority to traffic in either direction:

• use the middle lane only for overtaking or turning correct. (remember, you have no more right to use the middle lane than a driver coming from the opposite direction)
• do not use the correct-manus lane

136

Where a single carriageway has iv or more than lanes, employ but the lanes that signs or markings indicate.

Dual carriageways

A dual carriageway is a road which has a central reservation to dissever the carriageways.

137

On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-manus lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. After overtaking, movement dorsum to the left-manus lane when information technology is safe to practice so.

138

On a three-lane dual carriageway, y'all may use the middle lane or the correct-hand lane to overtake only return to the middle and and then the left-mitt lane when it is safe.

139. Climbing and crawler lanes

These are provided on some hills.

Utilize this lane if you are driving a slow-moving vehicle or if there are vehicles backside you wishing to overtake.

Be aware of the signs and markings which indicate the lane is almost to end.

140. Wheel lanes

These are shown by road markings and signs.

You must not drive or park in a bicycle lane marked by a solid white line during its time of operation. Exercise not drive or park in a cycle lane marked past a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You must non park in whatever cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.

Law RTRO Art iv(5)

141. Bus lanes

These are shown past road markings and signs that indicate which (if whatsoever) other vehicles are permitted to employ the passenger vehicle lane, and the times of operation.

Unless otherwise indicated, yous must not bulldoze or ride in a bus lane during its menses of performance.

Police force RTRO Art 4(one, 2 & 3)

142

High occupancy vehicle lanes [Great Great britain only] and other designated vehicle lanes

Lanes may be restricted for use by particular types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the fourth dimension. The operating times and vehicle types volition be indicated on the accompanying traffic signs.

You must not drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs signal your vehicle is permitted.

• Information signs
  

Vehicles permitted to use designated lanes may or may not include cycles, buses, taxis, licensed private hire vehicles, motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and high occupancy vehicles (HOVs).

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

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

Police force RTRO Art 4(5)

143. One-fashion 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. Exercise not change lanes suddenly.

Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, y'all should utilise:

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

Think, traffic could be passing on both sides.

Laws RTO 1995 Art 50 & RTRO Arts 4(5) & v(9)

Full general advice

144

Yous must not:

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

Police force 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.

Law RTRO Art iii

146

Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and status of the route yous are on. In particular:

• do not treat speed limits as a target - information technology is often non appropriate or condom to drive at the maximum speed limit
• have the road and traffic conditions into account, exist prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example the road existence blocked beyond a blind curve - be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution
• where there are junctions be prepared for route users emerging
• in side roads and land lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority
• exist prepared to terminate at traffic control systems, route works, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary
• try to anticipate what cyclists or pedestrians might exercise - if pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step out into the road without seeing you

147. Be considerate

Be careful and considerate towards other road users, especially those requiring actress intendance (come across rule 204).

You must not throw annihilation out of a vehicle; for instance, food or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier numberless. This can endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists.

Endeavor to be understanding if other road users crusade problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well.

Be patient; remember that anyone can brand a mistake.

Do non let yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving desperately on the road - this will simply make the state of affairs worse. Pull over, calm downward and when yous feel relaxed go along your journey.

Boring downwardly and hold back if a road user pulls out into your path at a junction - allow them to go clear. Do not over-react by driving likewise close backside 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

You must not smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances.

Laws And so & SF(EVPDA)R reg 12(i)

Mobile phones and in-vehicle technology

149

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

You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a 18-carat emergency when it is dangerous or impractical to stop.

Never apply a hand-held microphone when driving. Using easily-gratis equipment is as well likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use whatever telephone while you are driving or riding - find a safe place to stop showtime or apply the voicemail facility and listen to messages afterwards.

Laws RTO 1995 Arts 10, 12 & 56A, & CUR regs 120 & 125A

150

There is a danger of driver distraction being caused past in-vehicle systems such every bit satellite navigation systems, congestion alarm systems, PCs, multimedia.

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

Do non rely on commuter assistance programs such equally prowl control or lane departure warnings. They are available to aid merely you should not reduce your concentration levels.

Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while driving or riding. If necessary observe a prophylactic identify to stop.

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

151

In slow-moving traffic. You should:

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

Driving in congenital-upwards areas

152. Residential streets

Y'all should drive slowly and advisedly on streets where in that location are probable to be pedestrians, cyclists and parked vehicles. In some areas a 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed limit may be in forcefulness. Await 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 there are features such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings which are intended to boring yous down.

When you approach these features reduce your speed:

• allow 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 way to oncoming road users if directed to do then by signs
• y'all should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas

154. Country roads

Have extra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can be sharper than they announced, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially subconscious.

Be prepared for pedestrians, equus caballus riders, cyclists, tiresome moving farm vehicles or mud on the road surface. Make sure yous tin can end inside the distance you tin come across to exist articulate. Y'all should also reduce your speed where state roads enter villages.

155. Single-track roads

These are just wide enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If y'all see a vehicle coming towards y'all, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or await opposite a passing place on your right

Give way to route users coming up loma whenever you tin can. If necessary reverse until you attain 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 meet the structure and technical requirements for road vehicles and are generally not intended, not suitable and not legal for road, footway, footpath or wheel path utilize.

These include most types of miniature motorcycles, also chosen mini-motos, and motorised scooters also called gopeds, which are powered past electrical or internal combustion engines. These types of vehicles must not exist used on roads, footways or footpaths.

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

158

Certain models of motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quad bikes, are suitable for off-road employ only - and do not meet the legal standards for apply on roads.

Vehicles that exercise non meet 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 motorcycle, motor tricycle, quadricycles or whatever other motor vehicle meets legal standards and is properly registered, taxed and insured before using information technology on the roads.

Fifty-fifty when registered, taxed and insured for the road, vehicles must not be used on footways or footpaths.

Laws RTO 1995 Arts 48, 56, 63 & 72, & VERA sects 1, 29, 31A & 43A

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