Rules 159 to 169 of The Highway Code, published on GOV.UK, explain the checks expected before moving off, how to use mirrors, and when and how to overtake. This article summarises them for learners and new drivers. The Highway Code’s introduction says it applies to England, Scotland and Wales, so Northern Ireland is not covered. It is general information. Rules written as “MUST NOT” are legal requirements, “DO NOT” rules are strong advice and “should” rules describe good practice.
Before moving off (Rule 159)
Rule 159 says drivers should use all mirrors to check the road is clear, look round to check the blind spots (the areas that cannot be seen in the mirrors), signal if necessary before moving out and look round for a final check. It adds that the driver should move off only when it is safe.
Once moving (Rule 160)
Once moving, the Code says drivers should:
- keep to the left unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, with exceptions for overtaking, turning right or passing parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road;
- keep well to the left on right-hand bends, which improves the view and helps avoid a collision with oncoming traffic;
- be aware of cycles and motorcycles that may be filtering through traffic, give them plenty of room, and give way to cyclists when changing direction or lane rather than cutting across them; and
- select a lower gear before a long downhill slope to help control speed.
Mirrors (Rule 161)
Rule 161 says all mirrors should be used effectively throughout a journey: frequently, so the driver always knows what is behind and to each side, and in good time before signalling or changing direction or speed. It reminds drivers that mirrors leave blind spots, so the driver needs to look round. The Code summarises the routine as Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre.
Before overtaking (Rules 162 and 163)
Rule 162 says that before overtaking a driver should make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead, that no other road user is beginning to overtake them and that there is a suitable gap in front of the road user they plan to pass. Rule 163 says to overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Its points include:
- do not get too close to the vehicle being overtaken, use the mirrors, signal when safe, glance into the blind spot if necessary and then move out;
- once started, move quickly past, allow plenty of room and move back to the left as soon as possible without cutting in;
- give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked vehicles or obstructions on your side; and
- overtake on the left only if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right and there is room, or in slow-moving queues where the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are.
The same rule sets out guide clearances for vulnerable road users. Drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. They should pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres, and allow at least 2 metres and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian walking in the road. Extra care and space are advised in bad weather and at night, and if these clearances cannot be met, the driver should wait behind and not overtake.
Large vehicles (Rule 164)
Rule 164 says overtaking large vehicles is more difficult. Drivers should drop back, which improves their view and lets the large vehicle’s driver see them in the mirrors, and should make sure there is enough room to finish the manoeuvre before committing, since passing a large vehicle takes longer. If in doubt, they should not overtake.
Where overtaking is prohibited (Rules 165 to 167)
Rule 165 says a driver MUST NOT overtake:
- if they would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to them, apart from the exceptions in Rule 129;
- if they would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic that is surrounded by a solid white line;
- the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially one that has stopped to let pedestrians cross;
- if they would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation; or
- after a “No Overtaking” sign, until a sign cancels the restriction.
Rule 166 says not to overtake if there is any doubt or where the driver cannot see far enough ahead, for example approaching a corner or bend, a hump bridge or the brow of a hill. Rule 167 lists places where overtaking risks conflict with other road users, including at or approaching a junction, where the road narrows, near crossing facilities, at a level crossing and when another road user is indicating right, even if the signal seems to have been left on by mistake. It also says to stay behind a cyclist or horse rider approaching a roundabout or junction if the driver intends to turn left, and not to cut across them.
Being overtaken (Rules 168 and 169)
Rule 168 says a driver being overtaken should maintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass, and never obstruct drivers who wish to pass. After a vehicle overtakes and pulls into the gap in front, the driver should drop back to maintain a two-second gap. Rule 169 says not to hold up a long queue of traffic, especially in a large or slow-moving vehicle, to check mirrors frequently and, if necessary, to pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.
The bottom line
Rules 159 to 169 build a routine for drivers in England, Scotland and Wales: check mirrors and blind spots before moving, keep left, use Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre, and never overtake when there is doubt, in the places the Code lists as prohibited, or where the safe clearances for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians cannot be kept.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Introduction”
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Using the road (159 to 203)”