B. Part B: Road Users' Code 乙部：道路使用者守則

All road users follow the same rules and need to understand the 'language of the road', so that they avoid endangering others, damaging property or causing obstruction, and allow for those who make mistakes or have difficulty getting around. Signals from police officers, traffic wardens and other authorised persons must be obeyed promptly.

Pedestrians should use pavements and proper crossing places wherever possible, and follow the Road Crossing Code to judge when it is safe to cross. Candidates should know the no-crossing zones and the rules for 'Zebra' and 'Green man' crossings, including the 15-metre limit around footbridges, subways and 'Green man' crossings.

Passengers should know where each type of public transport operates and follow the safety rules for waiting, boarding, travelling and alighting, such as wearing a seat belt and not distracting the driver. Persons with disabilities can use barrier-free facilities, Rehabus and a certificate for boarding and alighting in restricted zones.

A cycle is regarded as a vehicle, so a cyclist on the road must follow the rules that apply to drivers, including traffic signs, signals and road markings. Candidates need to know the equipment requirements, arm signals and riding rules, as well as the specific rules on cycleways, roundabouts and cycle parking.

Before setting off, drivers must be fit to drive and their vehicles in good order, and alcohol, medication and illicit drugs are each subject to different legal tests. The seat belt is the most important restraint, an airbag only supplements it, and children need restraints suited to their age and weight.

Before and during every journey, use the think – look – signal – look again routine and adjust your speed to the conditions. Stopping distance is thinking distance plus braking distance, so higher speeds and wet roads call for a bigger gap from the vehicle in front.

Never overtake unless you are sure it is safe, and know the difference between when you must not overtake, when you should not, and when you may pass on the left. Drivers must also allow for the different needs of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, large vehicles, emergency vehicles and animals.

Road markings, studs and signs tell drivers where they may drive, whether they may cross a line and what hazards lie ahead. Taxi and ride-hailing drivers must tell the white lines apart and follow the rules for bus lanes, light rail lanes, one-way roads, narrow roads and steep hills.

A dual carriageway separates opposing traffic with a central reservation, and drivers must keep left and react earlier to faster traffic. Expressways, tunnel areas and control areas add their own rules, particularly on stopping, U-turns, reversing and which vehicles may use them.

At junctions and roundabouts, choose your lane early, read the traffic and obey the lights, signs and road markings, driving on only when it is safe and you will not cause a blockage. Each type of junction has its own rules on giving way, waiting and entering, and drivers must be able to tell them apart.

When approaching a 'Zebra' crossing, drivers must watch for pedestrians, be ready to stop behind the 'Give way' line, give way to anyone who has stepped onto the crossing and obey the rules for the zigzag controlled area. At a 'Green man' crossing, drivers follow the traffic lights, but even on green they must give way to pedestrians on the crossing and must not block it.

Night, bad weather and road works make visibility, tyre grip or the road layout less reliable, so drivers must slow down early, use their lamps correctly and allow more braking distance. Where temporary traffic arrangements apply, they must follow the signs, signals and directions given.

A stopping ban applies even to picking up or setting down passengers and loading or unloading goods, while a parking ban stops you leaving your vehicle parked there. Drivers must separate firm bans from places where they should not stand, and know how to park correctly in parking places and on hills.

Professional drivers must follow the general driving rules and also meet commercial vehicle licensing requirements and speed and lane restrictions, while keeping passengers, loads and towing operations safe. Overloading, overhanging loads and towing distances are all subject to specific limits.

Riders of motor cycles and motor tricycles have no vehicle body or seat belts to protect them, so besides following the general driving rules they rely on suitable equipment, a conspicuous road position and smooth control. Candidates should know the rules and figures for helmets, lamps, expressway restrictions, passengers and weight limits.

Signals show your own intentions, while signals from police officers and other authorised persons take precedence over traffic signs, road markings and traffic lights. Drivers must also know exactly what the traffic light sequence, green arrows and lane signals mean, and act on them.

Traffic signs and signals fall into three broad groups: those giving orders, which must be obeyed; those giving warning of hazards ahead; and temporary signs, which are as important as permanent ones. Taxi and ride-hailing drivers must read both the main sign and any supplementary plate to know when and where they may drive, stop or pick up and drop off passengers.

Direction signs help drivers choose their route and lane in good time, and strategic route numbers make it quick to find the way between districts. Road markings either give warning and information or give orders, so drivers must know which ones they must not cross or stop on.

Children may be unable to judge vehicle speed and distance, so they need adult supervision and teaching, and in a vehicle they need the restraint or seat belt required for their age. Elderly people move more slowly and are less able to avoid the unexpected, so they need plenty of time when crossing roads and using transport.

After a breakdown or traffic accident, think of your own safety first, then warn other drivers and get help. On roads with a speed limit exceeding 50 km/h, use hazard warning lights only and never place a warning triangle. If anyone is injured, you must stop and report in person to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours, unless your own injury prevents this.