Rule 204: Responsibility of Road Users

1. Most at-risk users: Pedestrians, especially children, older adults, disabled people, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists.
2. Greatest responsibility: Those who can cause the most harm must reduce danger to others.

Rule 205: Children and Unexpected Movements

1. Be prepared for pedestrians, especially children, stepping into the road.
2. Drive at a safe speed for the conditions.

Rule 206: Drive Slowly and Carefully

1. Crowded areas: Shopping streets, Home Zones, Quiet Lanes, residential areas.
2. Bus & tram stops: Pedestrians may emerge suddenly.
3. Parked vehicles: Watch for children near ice cream vans.
4. Crossing pavements, cycle lanes: Give way.
5. Reversing, junctions: Look around, give way to pedestrians.
6. Zebra & Parallel crossings: MUST give way to pedestrians & cyclists.
   

Rule 207: Vulnerable Pedestrians

1. Children & older pedestrians: May misjudge speed.
2. Disabilities: Hearing/walking impairments, blind or deafblind people with white/red canes or guide dogs.

Rule 208: Near Schools

1. Drive slowly, watch for young cyclists & pedestrians.
2. Flashing amber lights indicate children crossing.

Rule 209: Passing a School Bus Safely

1. Drive carefully and slowly when passing a stationary school bus displaying a ‘School Bus’ sign (visible at the front and rear of the bus).
2. Children may be getting on or off—be prepared to stop at any moment.
   

Rule 210: Stopping for a School Crossing Patrol

1. You MUST stop when a School Crossing Patrol holds up a ‘Stop for children’ sign.
2. Do not proceed until the patrol lowers the sign and signals you to move.
3. Ignoring this rule is illegal and can result in fines & penalty points.

Rule 211: Look Out for Motorcyclists and Cyclists at Junctions

1. Motorcyclists & cyclists can be difficult to see, especially at junctions, roundabouts, and when overtaking or filtering through traffic.
2. Always check mirrors and blind spots before turning or emerging from a junction.
3. Do not turn if it would force a cyclist going straight to stop or swerve.
4. When turning right across slow-moving traffic, give way to cyclists/motorcyclists filtering on the inside.
   

Rule 212: Overtaking Motorcyclists, Cyclists & Horse Riders Safely

1. Give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders & pedestrians walking in the road as much space as you would when overtaking a car.
2. In bad weather or at night, give them extra room due to increased risks.
3. If a rider looks over their shoulder, it may indicate they’re about to turn—slow down & be patient.

Rule 213: Cyclists & Horse Riders Taking the Centre of the Lane

1. Cyclists may ride in the centre of the lane on narrow roads, at junctions, and in slow-moving traffic for safety.
2. Groups of cyclists may ride two abreast—this is allowed.
3. Cyclists should maintain at least 1 metre distance from parked cars to avoid "dooring" accidents.
4. Horse riders may also ride in the centre of the lane for visibility and safety.
5. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and horse riders may need to swerve suddenly to avoid potholes, wet patches, or drain covers — allow plenty of space.

Rule 214: Passing Animals Safely

1. Drive slowly and give animals plenty of space—be prepared to stop.
2. Do NOT scare animals (no horn, engine revving, or rapid acceleration).
3. Watch for animals on the road—they may be led, ridden, or loose.
4. On narrow country roads & bends, keep speed low.
5. Herds blocking the road? Stop & switch off the engine until clear.
6. Watch for animals on unfenced roads—they can suddenly appear.

Rule 215: Horses & Horse-Drawn Vehicles

1. Pass horses wide and slow—minimum 2 metres distance.
2. Maximum speed when passing: 10 mph.
3. Be patient—NO horn, revving, or sudden movements.
4. Double-file riding is common when escorting young/inexperienced riders.
5. Look out for hand signals from horse riders/drivers.
6. Feral ponies (New Forest, Exmoor, Dartmoor) require the same care.
7. Horses can be unpredictable—remember:

“Three brains at work” → The rider’s, the driver’s, and the horse’s.

Rule 216: Allow Extra Time for Older Drivers

1. Reactions may be slower—give them extra space and time.
2. Be patient—do not assume they will move quickly at junctions or roundabouts.

Rule 217: Be Patient with Learner & New Drivers

1. Learners & new drivers may react unpredictably—stay alert.
2. Look for ‘L’ plates (learners) & ‘P’ plates (new drivers).
3. Give them more space—they may take longer to react.

Rule 218: Home Zones & Quiet Lanes – Drive with Caution

1. These areas are shared by pedestrians, children playing, cyclists, & others.
2. Drive very slowly & be ready to stop.
3. People may take time to move aside—give them space.
   

Rule 219: Emergency & Incident Support Vehicles

1. Look and listen for sirens, flashing lights.
2. Pull over safely, avoid stopping on bends, hills, narrow roads.
3. Do NOT brake suddenly.

Rule 220: Powered Vehicles for Disabled People

1. Max speed 8 mph (12 km/h).
2. Must have a flashing amber beacon on dual carriageways over 50 mph (80 km/h).

Rule 221: Large Vehicles Need Extra Room

1. Large vehicles (buses, lorries) need extra space to turn or deal with hazards.
2. If following a large vehicle, the driver may not see you in their mirrors.
3. Be prepared to stop and wait if the vehicle needs time or space to turn.
   

Rule 222: Large Vehicles Can Block Your View

1. Increase separation distance to improve visibility and plan ahead.
2. Larger vehicles have lower speed limits than cars and motorcycles.
3. Many large vehicles have speed limiters (restricted to 56 mph / 90 km/h even on motorways).

Rule 223: Giving Priority to Buses, Coaches, and Trams

1. Give priority to buses, coaches, and trams when safe, especially when they signal to pull away from stops.
2. Watch for pedestrians crossing the road after exiting a bus or tram.

Rule 224: Electric Vehicles – Silent but Fast

1. Be cautious of electric vehicles (e.g., milk floats, trams) as they can be silent but move quickly.
2. Trams cannot steer to avoid you—stay aware.

Rule 225: Vehicles with Flashing Amber Beacons

1. Flashing amber beacons indicate slow-moving or stationary vehicles (e.g., traffic officer vehicle, salt spreader, snow plough, recovery vehicle, or abnormal loads).
2. On unrestricted dual carriageways, vehicles first used on or after 1 Jan 1947 with a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) (e.g., tractors) MUST use a flashing amber beacon.