Have you read the Highway Code? Don’t feel caught off guard if you haven’t; not everybody has fully. If you have, you might have noticed that there are some strange rules in there. When you begin driving, you might further observe that there are odd Highway Code rules that nobody follows, and some of them seem so alien. We will outline some of those rules today.
These aren’t all of them by a long shot, so as you probably should have done already, we recommend you read the Highway Code and try to find some, after all, it’ll only make you safer. Without further delay, let’s examine the five strange Highway Code rules that nobody follows.
Highway Code (Rule 3) Help others to see you
Part of the Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35)
Help other road users see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.
When have you ever seen pedestrians at night sporting reflective clothing? There might be the odd one or two times you see a cyclist with lights and a high vis on, but that’s more in their best interest.
The rule makes sense, but how many pedestrians read the Highway Code?
Highway Code (Rule 110) Flashing lights
Part of the Other stopping procedures (rules 107 to 112)
Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
It’s pretty customary by now to signal to other road users that you’re expecting them to pull out with a quick flash of your lights, but it turns out you’re not supposed to do this.
For example, if you’re flashing your lights to warn other motorists of a speed camera, it could actually get you in trouble. Confused explains.
You don’t want to get into trouble for warning other motorists about cameras or speaking in Morse code to the car in front.
Highway Code (Rule 112) The horn
Part of the General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)
The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road 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 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger
It’s not the best feeling being beeped at, sometimes you make a mistake, or are just new in general and being beeped at can really knock your confidence.
It’s always best to try not to behave in a way that gets you beeped at. Or, if you’re the one doing the beeping, please be aware that you’re violating the Highway Code.
It also makes you look like someone who can’t control themselves, and nobody wants that. Save the angry driving for the white vans.
Highway Code (Rule 147) Be considerate
Part of the General advice (rules 144 to 158)
Be considerate. Be cautious and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those who require extra care.
- You MUST NOT throw anything out of a vehicle; for example, food or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags. This can endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists.
- Try to be understanding if other road users cause problems; they may be inexperienced or unfamiliar with the area.
- Be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake.
- Do not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only exacerbate the situation. Pull over, calm down, and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey.
- Slow down and hold back if a road user pulls out into your path at a junction. Allow them to get clear. Do not overreact by driving too close behind to intimidate them.
Numerous subsections are frequently broken under Rule 147. When was the last time you ever saw patience and composure on British roads? If you ask us, we all drive like we need anger management.
If you’re a little hot-headed behind the wheel, try to relax. Hey, it could be a new driver making a mistake. Whatever the reason, being angry won’t resolve the situation.
Instead, you should take a deep breath and think, “Hey, this is breaking the rules of the Highway Code”.
Highway code (Rule 116) Hazard lights
Part of the Lighting requirements (rules 113 to 116)
Hazard warning lights. These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking.
You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Use them only for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.
You now have solid proof that the person parked on double yellow lines outside a shop is a rule breaker.
This rule may seem like a simple and obvious one, but it’s remarkable to see how many people violate it every day. If you see this around, make sure you hit them with a “Excuse me, you can’t park there, sir”
Politely, of course.
Why do some of these Highway Code rules feel a bit silly?
Let’s be honest — some of these rules make perfect sense on paper, but in reality, they feel a bit detached from how people actually behave. Reflective clothing at night? Sure, it’s a great idea in theory, but most pedestrians aren’t walking around in neon vests unless they’re part of a road crew. And the idea that flashing your lights is only to make people aware of your presence? Good luck enforcing that in a country where flashing basically means “go ahead, mate.”
A lot of these rules are rooted in safety — that part’s solid. But they assume everyone on the road is a perfectly logical, by-the-book driver. Spoiler alert: they’re not. People often become impatient, confused, or simply follow the crowd. And over time, those unwritten road habits replace what the Code technically says.
So no, it’s not that the rules are bad — it’s just that life on the road doesn’t always allow for textbook driving. Still, knowing the rules gives you an edge, especially when things go sideways. It also gives you that satisfying moment when you get to say, “Actually, that’s against the Highway Code,” even if you’re wearing flip-flops in the driver’s seat while doing it.
Final word
The Highway Code is in place to ensure that every road user behaves in a consistent manner and that everyone is safe when driving on the roads. Something that’s pretty hard to do when nobody follows the rules. These were 5 of the strangest Highway Code rules that nobody follows. Show this article to somebody who needs to wear high-vis clothing when walking the streets at night.
Do you know of any strange Highway Code rules? Let us know down below!
