For All Road Users 適用於所有道路使用者

Purpose of the Road Users' Code 《道路使用者守則》的作用

The road system can only work safely and efficiently if all road users follow the same rules of behaviour. The rules help you avoid dangerous behaviour and let you and other road users predict what each will do. Some of them are also laid down by law.

Knowing the rules is not enough. You also need to understand the dangers of traffic and the difficulties others may have, know how to cope with different traffic conditions and road features, and understand the 'language of the road': the signals road users use to communicate, and the meanings of traffic signs, traffic light signals and road markings.

You should be familiar with the rules and advice in the latest edition of the Road Users' Code. They do not apply only while driving: follow them whenever you are on or near a road, including when walking.

Avoiding Danger and Obstruction, and Allowing for Others 避免危險和阻礙，並顧及他人

Every road user should avoid behaviour likely to put any person in danger, damage public or private property, or obstruct other road users. Do not throw, deposit or leave any object or substance on the pavement or roadway if it would obstruct other road users or make their passage dangerous.

If you cannot avoid creating such an obstruction, remember the order of action: first take the necessary steps to remove it as soon as possible; if it cannot be removed immediately, give warning to other road users.

Make allowance and be prepared for other road users who may make mistakes or fail to follow the Code. Do not assume that everyone will keep to the rules.

You should also make allowance for and/or help children, disabled persons, elderly people and others who may have difficulty getting around. This group includes people with injuries and people travelling with children or luggage.

Traffic Signs, Traffic Light Signals, Road Markings and Signals 交通標誌、交通燈號、道路標記及信號

Know your traffic signs, traffic light signals and road markings, and act on them. Those commonly found on the roads are illustrated in Chapter 8 of the Code.

Also know the meaning of signals, including arm signals, given by drivers and cyclists. Look out for them and take any necessary action promptly. Here 'drivers' includes riders of motor cycles and motor tricycles.

You must promptly obey all signals given by police officers, traffic wardens or other authorised persons. Authorised persons are not limited to law enforcement officers: examples include authorised personnel at a tunnel area or control area, and school crossing patrols.

The Code and the Law 守則與法例的關係

The first edition of the Road Users' Code was approved in 1987 under section 109 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) and has been updated from time to time. The alterations in the June 2020 edition were likewise approved under section 109, by the then Secretary for Transport and Housing, and subsequently laid before the Legislative Council.

The traffic signs, traffic light signals, road markings and signals illustrated in the Code are prescribed by regulations or authorised by the Commissioner for Transport. For the precise wording of the law, refer to the legislation itself and not only to the Code.

The legislation listed in the Code includes the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) and its regulations, such as the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374D), together with the Road Traffic (Driving-offence Points) Ordinance (Cap. 375), the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance (Cap. 237) and the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272). Legislation not listed may also contain laws that apply to road users.

Road works and works next to a road cause inconvenience and can endanger road users and those carrying out the works. Rules and advice for those responsible for road works are in the 'Code of Practice for the Lighting, Signing and Guarding of Road Works', published by the Highways Department.