Do you know Rule 204 of The Highway Code? The DVLA has directed all drivers to it
Drivers are being reminded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to ensure they are aware of one key rule that people may not know, or have forgotten. Taking to social media, the motoring experts have said that it comes under Rule 204.
Talking about the rule in a post on X yesterday (October 17), it wrote: “When driving near a school, be aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. You may see a flashing amber signal below a ‘school’ warning sign – this tells you there may be children crossing.”
It added: “To stay safe, drive slowly and read the full rule.” Directing people towards the website, it stated that The Highway Code is, of course, key and road users should be aware of Rules 204 to 225.
In their official guidance, Rule 204 which is an “overview” reads: “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.”
There are a number of other rules the DVLA has directed drivers to, including Rule 205, which reads: “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 208 talks about driving near schools. It urges people: “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.”
All of these rules are listed on The Highway Code – Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225) – Guidance page. You can read that through the official GOV.UK website here.
The page was updated on April 2025. it states that it updated “rules 243 to clarify that drivers must not park anywhere the kerb has been lowered in Scotland.”
It also updated rule 244. This was “to clarify that drivers must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in Scotland.”