Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225)

Rules for road users requiring extra care, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, other road users and other vehicles.

Overview (rule 204)

Rule 204

The road users most at risk from road traffic are pedestrians, in particular children, older adults and disabled people, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. It is particularly important to be aware of children, older adults and disabled people, and learner and inexperienced drivers and riders. In any interaction between road users, those who can cause the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they pose to others.

Pedestrians (rules 205 to 210)

Rule 205

There is a risk of pedestrians, especially children, stepping unexpectedly into the road. You should drive with the safety of children in mind at a speed suitable for the conditions.

Rule 206

Drive carefully and slowly when

in crowded shopping streets, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes (see Rule 218) or residential areas
driving past bus and tram stops; pedestrians may emerge suddenly into the road
passing parked vehicles, especially ice cream vans; children are more interested in ice cream than traffic and may run into the road unexpectedly
needing to cross a pavement, cycle lane or cycle track; for example, to reach or leave a driveway or private access. Give way to pedestrians on the pavement and cyclists using a cycle lane or cycle track
reversing into a side road; look all around the vehicle and give way to any pedestrians who may be crossing the road
turning at road junctions; you should give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road into which or from which you are turning
going through road works or when passing roadside rescue and recovery vehicles, as there may be people working in or at the side of the road
the pavement is closed due to street repairs and pedestrians are directed to use the road
approaching pedestrians on narrow rural roads without a footway or footpath. Always slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, giving them plenty of room as you drive past
approaching zebra and parallel crossings as you MUST give way to pedestrians and cyclists on the crossing (see Rule 195)
approaching pedestrians who have started to cross the road ahead of you. They have priority when crossing at a junction or side road so you should give way (see Rule H2).

Rule 206: Watch out for children in busy areas

Rule 207

Particularly vulnerable pedestrians. These include:

children and older pedestrians who may not be able to judge your speed and could step into the road in front of you. At 40 mph (64 km/h) your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrians it hits. At 20 mph (32 km/h) there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed. So kill your speed
older pedestrians who may need more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time. Do not hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward
people with disabilities. People with hearing impairments may not be aware of your vehicle approaching. Those with walking difficulties require more time
blind or partially sighted people, who may be carrying a white cane using a guide dog. They may not be able to see you approaching
deafblind people who may be carrying a white cane with a red band or using a dog with a red and white harness. They may not see or hear instructions or signals.

Rule 208

Near schools. Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the ‘School’ warning sign which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area.

Rule 209

Drive carefully and slowly when passing a stationary bus showing a ‘School Bus’ sign as children may be getting on or off.

School bus (displayed in front and rear window of bus or coach)

Rule 210

You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a ‘Stop for children’ sign (see ‘Signals by authorised persons’ and ‘Traffic signs’).

Motorcyclists and cyclists (rules 211 to 213)

Rule 211

It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are waiting alongside you, coming up from behind, coming out of or moving off from junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think.

Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve, just as you would do with a motor vehicle.

When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for and give way to cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when moving off, turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

Rule 211: Look out for motorcyclists and cyclists at junctions

Rule 212

Give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians walking in the road (for example, where there is no pavement), at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 162 to 167). Drivers should take extra care and give more space when overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians in bad weather (including high winds) and at night. If the rider looks over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213

On narrow sections of road, on quiet roads or streets, at road junctions and in slower-moving traffic, cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, rather than towards the side of the road. It can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these situations. Allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen. Cyclists are also advised to ride at least a door’s width or 1 metre from parked cars for their own safety.

On narrow sections of road, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane. Allow them to do so for their own safety to ensure they can see and be seen.

Motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Other road users (rules 214 to 218)

Rule 214

Animals. When passing animals, drive slowly. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare animals by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed them. Look out for animals being led, driven or ridden on the road and take extra care. Keep your speed down at bends and on narrow country roads. If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for animals on unfenced roads.

Rule 215

Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when approaching, overtaking, passing or moving away. Always pass wide and slowly. When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph. Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2 metres of space.

Feral or semi feral ponies found in areas such as the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor require the same consideration as ridden horses when approaching or passing.

Horse riders are often children, so take extra care and remember riders may ride in double file when escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider. Look out for horse riders’ and horse drivers’ signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard; they can be unpredictable, despite the efforts of their rider/driver. Remember there are three brains at work when you pass a horse; the rider’s, the driver’s and the horse’s. Do not forget horses are flight animals and can move incredibly quickly if startled.

Rule 216

Older drivers. Their reactions may be slower than other drivers. Make allowance for this.

Rule 217

Learners and inexperienced drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events. Be particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers. Drivers who have recently passed their test may display a ‘new driver’ plate or sticker (see ‘Safety code for new drivers’).

Rule 218

Home Zones and Quiet Lanes. These are places where people could be using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children playing or for a community event. You should drive slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you to pass them in safety.

Other vehicles (rules 219 to 225)

Rule 219

Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.

Rule 220

Powered vehicles used by disabled people. These small vehicles travel at a maximum speed of 8 mph (12 km/h). On a dual carriageway where the speed limit exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h) they MUST have a flashing amber beacon, but on other roads you may not have that advance warning (see Rules 36 to 46 inclusive).

Rule 221

Large vehicles. These may need extra road space to turn or to deal with a hazard that you are not able to see. If you are following a large vehicle, such as a bus or articulated lorry, be aware that the driver may not be able to see you in the mirrors. Be prepared to stop and wait if it needs room or time to turn.

Rule 221: Large vehicles need extra room

Rule 222

Large vehicles can block your view. Your ability to see and to plan ahead will be improved if you pull back to increase your separation distance. Be patient, as larger vehicles are subject to lower speed limits than cars and motorcycles. Many large vehicles may be fitted with speed limiting devices which will restrict speed to 56 mph (90 km/h) even on a motorway.

Rule 223

Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.

Rule 224

Electric vehicles. Be careful of electric vehicles such as milk floats and trams. Trams move quickly but silently and cannot steer to avoid you.

Rule 225

Vehicles with flashing amber beacons. These warn of a slow-moving or stationary vehicle (such as a traffic officer vehicle, salt spreader, snow plough or recovery vehicle) or abnormal loads, so approach with caution. On unrestricted dual carriageways, motor vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1947 with a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less (such as tractors) MUST use a flashing amber beacon (also see Rule 220).

Author's Explanation

Road Users Requiring Extra Care Explained (Rules 204–210)

The Highway Code places a greater responsibility on drivers because they have the potential to cause the greatest harm. Always stay alert for pedestrians, especially children, older adults and disabled people, who may need more time or may act unpredictably near the road.

Reduce your speed in places where pedestrians are likely to appear, such as residential streets, shopping areas, bus stops, schools and roadworks. When turning into or out of a junction or crossing a pavement or cycle track, be prepared to give way to people who are crossing or waiting to cross.

Extra care and patience help prevent collisions. Slowing down early, observing carefully and giving vulnerable road users enough space and time are simple actions that make driving safer for everyone.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: While driving past parked cars near an ice cream van, you slow down because a child could suddenly run into the road.

Example 2: You are turning into a side road and wait for pedestrians who are already crossing before completing the turn.

Example 3: A bus has stopped at a bus stop, so you approach slowly because passengers may step into the road without warning.

Example 4: Near a school with flashing amber lights, you reduce your speed and stay ready to stop for children crossing the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are considered vulnerable road users?

Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, children, older adults, disabled people, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Drivers should take extra care whenever they are nearby.

Should drivers give way to pedestrians when turning at a junction?

Yes. If pedestrians are crossing, or waiting to cross the road you are turning into, you should give way and allow them to cross safely.

Why is it important to slow down near schools?

Children may not recognise traffic hazards and can enter the road unexpectedly. Driving slowly gives you more time to react and stop safely.

What should you do when approaching a zebra crossing?

Approach at a safe speed and be ready to stop. You must give way to pedestrians, and at parallel crossings you must also give way to cyclists using the crossing.

Why should drivers take extra care around parked vehicles?

Parked vehicles can hide pedestrians from view. Children, shoppers or passengers may step into the road suddenly, so slowing down helps reduce the risk of a collision.

Author's Explanation

Motorcyclists and Cyclists Explained (Rules 211–213)

Motorcyclists and cyclists are often harder to see than larger vehicles. They may be hidden in blind spots, filtering through slow-moving traffic or approaching a junction faster than expected. Always check mirrors, blind spots and the road ahead carefully before moving off, changing lanes or turning.

When turning at junctions, never cut across the path of a cyclist travelling straight ahead. Allow riders enough space when overtaking and remember they may need to change position to avoid potholes, parked cars, drain covers or other hazards.

Cyclists and horse riders may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane on narrow roads or in slower traffic where it is safer to do so. Be patient, wait for a safe opportunity to pass and leave at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: You are turning left at a junction and wait for a cyclist travelling straight ahead before completing your turn.

Example 2: A motorcyclist appears in your blind spot while you are preparing to change lanes, so you delay the manoeuvre until they have passed safely.

Example 3: On a narrow country road, two cyclists are riding side by side. You stay behind until there is enough space to overtake safely.

Example 4: A cyclist moves away from parked cars to avoid an opening door. You keep your distance and allow them to change position safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are motorcyclists and cyclists easy to miss?

Because they are smaller than cars, they can be hidden by blind spots, parked vehicles or other traffic. Careful observation before every manoeuvre is essential.

Should you turn across the path of a cyclist?

No. If a cyclist is continuing straight ahead, you should wait and allow them to pass before turning across their path.

Why do cyclists sometimes ride in the middle of the lane?

Cyclists may use the centre of the lane on narrow roads, at junctions or in slow-moving traffic where this position improves visibility and reduces the risk of unsafe overtaking.

How much space should you leave when overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist?

Leave at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car. In poor weather, at night or in strong winds, giving even more space is safer.

Why might a cyclist suddenly move away from the side of the road?

A cyclist may need to avoid potholes, drain covers, debris or the risk of a vehicle door opening. Always expect sudden changes in road position and leave enough space.

Author's Explanation

Other Road Users Explained (Rules 214–218)

Not every road user travels in a motor vehicle. Animals, horse riders, horse-drawn vehicles, learner drivers and older drivers may all require extra patience and additional space. Adjusting your speed early gives you more time to react and helps prevent unnecessary risks.

When passing horses or livestock, remain calm and avoid actions that could frighten them. Slow down, leave plenty of room and follow any signals given by the rider or handler. Horses can react unexpectedly, even when they appear calm.

Home Zones, Quiet Lanes and residential streets are designed to be shared by everyone. People may be walking, cycling or children may be playing nearby, so drive at a low speed and be prepared to stop whenever necessary.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: You slow to around 10 mph when approaching a horse rider and wait until there is enough space to pass at least 2 metres away.

Example 2: A herd of sheep blocks a country road. You stop, switch off your engine and wait until the animals have safely moved away.

Example 3: A learner driver hesitates at a roundabout. You remain patient instead of sounding your horn or trying to pressure them.

Example 4: While driving through a Home Zone, you reduce your speed because children and pedestrians may be using the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you pass a horse on the road?

Slow down to a maximum of 10 mph, leave at least 2 metres of space, avoid sounding your horn and pass only when it is safe. If the rider signals you to stop, follow their instructions.

What should you do if animals are on the road?

Reduce your speed, be prepared to stop and avoid frightening the animals with sudden noise or acceleration. If the road is blocked by livestock, wait until it is safe to continue.

Why should drivers be patient with learner drivers?

Learner and newly qualified drivers may react more slowly or need extra time to make decisions. Giving them space helps everyone stay safe.

What is a Home Zone or Quiet Lane?

These are roads where pedestrians, cyclists and local communities may use the full width of the road. Drivers should travel slowly and always be ready to stop.

Why should older drivers be given extra consideration?

Some older drivers may need more time to react to changing road conditions. Allowing extra space and avoiding unnecessary pressure helps maintain safety for everyone.

Author's Explanation

Other Vehicles Explained (Rules 219–225)

Different types of vehicles require different driving techniques. Emergency vehicles, buses, large lorries, agricultural vehicles and mobility vehicles may move or operate differently from ordinary cars. Anticipating their movements helps traffic flow safely and reduces the risk of collisions.

Large vehicles need extra room to turn and often have significant blind spots. If you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver may not be able to see you. Keep a safe following distance and never try to squeeze alongside a turning lorry or bus.

When emergency or incident support vehicles approach, remain calm and make space only when it is safe to do so. Always continue to obey traffic signs, road markings and signals while allowing them to pass.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: You hear an ambulance siren behind you. Instead of braking suddenly, you safely move to the side of the road and allow it to pass.

Example 2: A large articulated lorry begins turning left. You stay behind because the driver needs extra space to complete the turn safely.

Example 3: A bus indicates that it is pulling away from a bus stop. You slow down and give it priority when it is safe to do so.

Example 4: You approach a slow-moving tractor displaying a flashing amber beacon and reduce your speed until it is safe to overtake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches?

Stay calm, look for a safe place to move aside and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. Do not ignore traffic lights, road signs or markings while making space.

Why should you leave extra space behind large vehicles?

Large vehicles can block your view of the road ahead and have extensive blind spots. A greater following distance improves visibility and gives you more time to react.

Should you give way to buses leaving a bus stop?

Yes. When it is safe, you should allow buses and coaches to pull away from bus stops, helping traffic move safely and efficiently.

Why are flashing amber beacons used?

A flashing amber beacon warns that a vehicle may be travelling slowly, carrying an abnormal load or working on the road. Drivers should approach carefully and be prepared to slow down.

Why are trams and electric vehicles different from ordinary traffic?

Electric vehicles and trams can be much quieter than conventional vehicles. Trams also cannot steer around obstacles, so drivers and pedestrians should remain alert and never assume they will change direction.