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 strange Highway Code rules that nobody follows – and some of them just seem so alien. We’re going to 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 farther delay, let’s see the 5 strange Highway Code rules nobody follows.
Highway Code (Rule 3) Help others to see you
Part of the Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35)
Help other road users to 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 tell other road users you’re expecting them to pull out with a quick light flash, but it turns out you’re not supposed to do this.
If, for example, 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 be getting into trouble for warning other motorists of 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 and not behave in a way that gets you beeped at. Or if you’re the one doing the beeping just know that you’re violating the Highway Code.
It also makes you look like someone who can’t control themselves and nobody want’s 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 careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those requiring 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 not know the area well.
- 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 make the situation worse. 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 over-react by driving too close behind to intimidate them.
There are a lot of subsections that get 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, just try to relax, hey it could be a new driver making a mistake. Whatever the reason, being angry won’t do anything to solve 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. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.
You now have solid proof that the guy parked on double yellow lines outside of a shop is a dirty rule breaker.
This rule may seem like a simple and obvious one, but it’s amazing to see how many people violate it each and 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.
Final word
The Highway code is there to make sure every road user behaves in the same way and everybody is safe when driving on the roads. Something that’s pretty hard to do when nobody follows the rules. This was 5 of the strangest Highway Code rules that nobody follows. Show this article to somebody that 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!
