Introduction to the Highway Code
The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone who uses roads in Northern Ireland.
All road users should be aware of the Code
The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or people with disabilities, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
It is important that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.
Legal obligations
Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence.
You may be:
- fined
- given penalty points on your licence
- be disqualified from driving
- in the most serious cases you may be sent to prison
Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘must' and 'must not’. In addition, each rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence.
Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Legislation to establish liability. This includes rules that use advisory wording such as ‘should' and 'should not’ or ‘do' and 'do not’.
Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility.
Your driving techniques
Publications which give further information on driving/riding techniques include:
- the Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills
- the Official DVSA Guide to Riding – the essential skills
Driving in Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland is largely responsible for its own road safety policy and legislation which explains the differences that exist between the Northern Ireland and Great Britain versions of the Highway Code.
It is useful, however, to reflect some of the rules that apply in Great Britain in this Northern Ireland version.
For example, many Northern Ireland road users may not be familiar with equestrian crossings or trams.
References to these issues have, however, been included as Northern Ireland residents who plan to visit Great Britain might find them helpful.
It is recommended that anyone, especially drivers, intending to visit Great Britain should also buy the Great Britain version of The Highway Code. It is also recommended that anyone intending to visit the Republic of Ireland should buy Rules of the Road and note particularly that all speed limit signs in the Republic of Ireland relate to kilometres per hour.
The Great Britain Highway Code - GOV.UK website
The Republic of Ireland Rules of the Road - Road Safety Authority website
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
From 1 October 2026, Northern Ireland will be introducing Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), representing the most significant reform of driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years.
GDL is designed to improve road safety by helping learner and newly qualified drivers gain experience progressively and safely.
It introduces a structured approach to learning, including a mandatory minimum learning period, a programme of training and a learner logbook, together with a graduated system of restrictions and protections during the early stages of independent driving.
New drivers, supervising drivers, instructors, parents, guardians and passengers should familiarise themselves with the GDL requirements and understand the responsibilities they place on all road users.
More information on Graduated Driver Licensing.