CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p.

ROAD TRAFFIC ACT

(CHAPTER 276, SECTION 112)

HIGHWAY CODE

ARRANGEMENT OF RULES

PART I
ALL ROAD USERS
Rule
1.
2. [Deleted]
3.
4.
5.
6.

PART II
ROAD USERS ON FOOT
7. Walking along the road
8.
9. [Deleted]
10. Crossing the road
10A.
10B.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15. Pedestrian crossings
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
20A.
21. Crossing the Road at Junction
22. Signal Controlled Crossings
23.

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p. 2 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11
Rule
24.
25.
26. Police-controlled Crossings
27. Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses
28. Getting on or off Public Vehicles

PART III
PEDAL CYCLISTS AND POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLE RIDERS
29. When Riding
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
35A.
35B.
36.
37.
38. Roadworthiness
39. General
40.
41.
42. [Deleted]
43.
44.

PART IIIA
USE OF CROSSINGS, AND USE OF PERSONAL
MOBILITY DEVICES, ETC.
44A. Use of crossings by pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted
bicycles or personal mobility devices, etc.
44B. Crossing speed
44C. Use of personal mobility devices, mobility scooters and
motorised wheelchairs

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 3
PART IV
ROAD USERS ON WHEEL
Rule
45.
46. Moving off
47. Driving along
48.
49.
49A.
50. Keep left
51.
52. White Lines
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60. Overtaking
61. Overtaking on the Right
62.
63.
64.
65.

U-Turn
66.
67. Following Distances
68.
69. Speed and Stopping Distances
69A. Road Junctions
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77. Safety of Pedestrians, Pedal Cyclists, etc.

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p. 4 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11
Rule
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84. Reversing
85.
86.

Mirror and signals

87.
88.
89.
90.

Stopping and parking

91.
92.
93.
94.
95. Lights
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.

HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLES

101.
102.

SMOKY AND NOISY EXHAUSTS

103.
104.

ROADWORTHINESS
105.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 5
GENERAL
Rule
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.

PART V
ROAD USERS AND ANIMALS
111.
112.
113.

SIGNS AND SIGNALS

114.

SIGNALS GIVEN BY POLICE OFFICER

115.

HAND SIGNALS
116.

COMMON CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

117.

[17th January 1975]

PART I
ALL ROAD USERS
1. The Highway Code is a code of conduct and not a digest of traffic
laws. It lays stress on the responsibilities of road users towards each
other.
2. [Deleted by S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

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p. 6 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11
3. Road traffic requires the co-operation of all road users for its
smooth and efficient operation. This Highway Code tells you how
you can co-operate with other road users in reducing the number of
accidents.
4. Always be considerate, courteous, vigilant and sober. Remember
that alcohol reduces the alertness of the driver and often the sense of
caution. Other road users too must always be sober, particularly
cyclists and pedestrians. Many fatal accidents are caused by
negligence, lack of consideration for others and the influence of
alcohol.
5. Study and understand the traffic signals and traffic signs set out
in this Code and the Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Rules (R 33), and
use them or obey them, as the case may be.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

6. Read this Highway Code, study it and understand it, and then
pass on your knowledge to others, especially to children.

PART II
ROAD USERS ON FOOT
Walking along the road
7. If there is no footpath and you have to walk along the road, then
walk as close as possible to the edge of the road. Avoid using any
mobile communication device while walking along the road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

8. If you walk on an unlit or dimly lit road at night, always wear or

carry something light-coloured or reflective. This will help to make
you more visible to motorists.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

9. [Deleted by S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Crossing the road

10. Where a pedestrian crossing is available, always use the
pedestrian crossing to cross the road. Where a pedestrian crossing
is not available, always cross the road by the shortest possible route,

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 7
which is from one side to the other. Do not risk death or injury by
trying to cross at other places in heavy traffic. You must also obey the
traffic signs and traffic lights.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

10A. While crossing any road, make sure you have a clear view of
the road both ways. Take extra care if your view is limited by
stationary vehicles or other obstruction. Before crossing, practise the
kerb drill for crossing the road mentioned in paragraph 13.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

10B. Avoid using any mobile communication device while crossing

any road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

11. Before you risk crossing the road in front of an approaching

motor vehicle remember that although you could stop almost
immediately, a motor vehicle would have to travel a considerable
distance before it stops. Be aware that the stopping distance of a
moving vehicle varies with the speed of the vehicle, the distance
travelled by the vehicle when a driver reacts, and the braking distance
of the vehicle (refer to paragraph 69).
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

12. In rainy weather do not rush across the street with your head
down, or with an umbrella obscuring your view.
13. Teach children the kerb drill for crossing the road, which is
“look right, look left, then look right again, and if the road is clear,
quick march”.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

14. Do not follow other pedestrians blindly without yourself

checking that it is safe to cross.

Pedestrian crossings
15. Do not step onto a pedestrian crossing until approaching
vehicles have come to a complete stop. When crossing at a pedestrian
crossing, be alert for vehicles being driven inconsiderately and

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without care or attention. If possible, make eye contact with drivers to
ensure that they are aware of your presence.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

16. Take extra care at night. Remember that unless a pedestrian

crossing is floodlit, it may not show up very clearly. On rainy nights
the markings may be almost invisible to an approaching driver.
17. When you have stepped off the kerb on to a pedestrian crossing
you have the right of way but allow approaching vehicles ample time
to give way, especially if the road is wet.
18. Do not stand on the pavement at a pedestrian crossing if you do
not intend to cross the road.
19. Once you are on the pedestrian crossing, look right and left as
you cross, because a driver may not have seen you.
20. Where a pedestrian crossing has a central refuge, each half is a
separate crossing and you should treat it as such.
20A. If there is a choice between using a bicycle crossing or a
pedestrian crossing to cross a road, use the pedestrian crossing.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

Crossing the Road at Junction

21. When crossing the road at junctions, look out for vehicles
negotiating the corner.

Signal Controlled Crossings

22. At a light controlled crossing, wait on the footway until the
traffic, in front of which you intend to cross, has come to a standstill.
23. If traffic lights have a “green man” signal, do not cross until the
signal appears. If possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure
that they are aware of your presence.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

24. Pedestrian signals portray ‘a standing red man’ and a ‘walking

green man’.
(1) When the ‘walking green man’ is lighted up, you may cross.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 9
(2) When the ‘walking green man’ starts flickering, it means that
the light will change soon, so —
(a) if you are already crossing, move briskly across; or
(b) if you are about to start crossing, do not cross.
(3) When the ‘stationary red man’ is lighted up, do not cross.
25. When push-buttons are provided on the traffic signal pole, push
the button if you want the ‘green man’ to appear and wait until the
‘green man’ appears before crossing.

Police-controlled Crossings
26. Do not cross the road against a signal to stop given by a police
officer controlling traffic.

Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses

27. Where there is a pedestrian overpass or an underpass, you must
make use of it. Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses are built for
your safety and must always be used when crossing the road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Getting on or off Public Vehicles

28. Do not get on or off a bus while it is moving, or when it is not at
a bus stop. Do not step out suddenly from behind a stationary or
slowly moving bus. If you want to get on a bus at a bus stop, give a
clear signal for it to stop. Do not step onto the road until it has
stopped.

PART III
PEDAL CYCLISTS AND POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLE RIDERS
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

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When Riding
29. Always ride on the left-hand edge of a roadway. Allow other
traffic to overtake you safely. Keep a straight course and avoid
sudden swerves.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

30. If a road has a bicycle lane, cycle on the bicycle lane and no
other part of the road, except when the bicycle lane is blocked or
obstructed, or making a U-turn or right turn.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

31. Ride in a single file when possible.

[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

32. Do not swerve in and out of vehicles in traffic. When traffic is

slow, keep your place and do not attempt to get in front of the other
vehicles by weaving in and out of the narrow spaces between them.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

33. Keep a safe distance from the rear of a motor vehicle (especially
when riding behind a moving vehicle) so as to avoid collision if the
vehicle in front stops suddenly.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

34. When riding, maintain awareness of traffic.

[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

35. Slow down and look out for other road users when approaching
road accesses, bends, junctions, and crossings, or when passing a
parked motor vehicle. When passing a parked motor vehicle, beware
of the vehicle door opening. Allow a margin of safety when passing.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

35A. Do not squeeze between a bus at a bus stop and the bus stop
kerb.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

35B. Avoid staying close to the rear of a turning motor vehicle or

squeezing between the turning vehicle and the road kerb.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 11
36. If a hill is so steep that the bicycle you are riding on wobbles
before you reach the top, get off and walk with the bicycle. Keep your
cycling speed under control on downhill roads. If you travel too fast,
you will not be able to stop in time in an emergency.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

37. Do not hold on to the back or side of motor vehicles.

Roadworthiness
38. Check that your bicycle’s front and back lights, brakes, tyres
and chain are in safe working condition before setting off. Check the
height of the bicycle’s handlebars and seat. If you are unable to touch
the ground with your foot on either side of the bicycle, your seat is too
high and you will not have full control of the bicycle when coming to
a sudden stop in an emergency.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

General
39. You must switch on your bicycle lights at night or when
visibility is low. Your bicycle’s front light must show a white light,
and the rear of your bicycle must display a red light or be affixed with
a red reflector. The front white light and the rear red light or rear red
reflector (as the case may be) must be visible from a reasonable
distance. If you ride at night, wear light-coloured clothing. This will
help drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians to see you clearly.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

40. Keep both hands on the handlebars of your bicycle. When

signalling your intention to change direction or make a turn, do so
ahead of time and return your hand to the handlebars, before you
actually start to turn.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

41. Do not carry anything in your arm that may interfere with the
proper control of your bicycle.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

42. [Deleted by S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

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p. 12 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11
43. Always use the safest route, and keep out of heavy traffic as
much as possible.
44. Always obey the law and observe all traffic rules. Never ignore
road signs.

PART IIIA
USE OF CROSSINGS, AND USE OF PERSONAL
MOBILITY DEVICES, ETC.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Use of crossings by pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted

bicycles or personal mobility devices, etc.
44A. Pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal
mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised
wheelchairs must use a bicycle crossing, if there is a choice between
using a bicycle crossing or a pedestrian crossing.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Crossing speed
44B. Pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal
mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised
wheelchairs should only cross a pedestrian crossing, bicycle crossing,
zebra crossing or informal crossing, or the entrance or exit to a car
park, at walking speed.

Use of personal mobility devices, mobility scooters and motorised

wheelchairs
44C. Do not ride a personal mobility device, or drive a mobility
scooter or a motorised wheelchair, on any road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

PART IV
ROAD USERS ON WHEEL
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 13
45. Before you drive any motor vehicle on the road for which a
driving licence is required, you must have a valid driving licence
authorising you to drive that motor vehicle, and be covered by valid
insurance in respect of that motor vehicle.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Moving off
46. Before you move off, look around, even though you may have
looked in your mirror, to see that no one is about to overtake you.
Give the proper signal before moving off, and only move off when
you can do so safely and without inconvenience to other road users.
Give way to passing and overtaking vehicles.

Driving along
47. Do not exceed legal speed limits. Always obey the “Reduce
Speed Now” sign.
48. Adjust your speed to the conditions of the road on which you are
travelling. Such adjustment will enable you to stop in any emergency
without skidding or losing control.
49. A good driver automatically reduces his speed when —
(a) entering a built-up area;
(b) approaching a school or a bus with children alighting or
boarding;
(c) travelling on narrow, winding roads;
(d) approaching children who are playing; or
(e) approaching a bend, brow of a hill, or any other obstruction
that limits his view.
49A. Do not drive, stop or park your motor vehicle on a bicycle lane
at all times.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

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p. 14 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11
Keep left
50. When driving along, do not hog the middle of the road. Keep
well to the left and as near as practicable to the edge of the road
(including on dual carriageways) unless ––
(a) you intend to overtake;
(b) you intend to turn right; or
(c) there is a bicycle lane, in which case, you should keep to
the left-most vehicle lane.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

51. You must not cross the centre line at bends, near the crest of a
rise or anywhere else where you cannot clearly see the road ahead.

White Lines
52. Where continuous double white lines are painted on a road to
separate traffic flowing in opposite directions, you may not overtake
at the double white lines unless you keep entirely to the left of such
lines.
53. Never cross double white lines. Making a U-turn or a right turn
is not allowed on a road where such lines are painted.
54. Never cross a single continuous or broken white line along the
middle of the road unless you can see that the road ahead is clear.
Lane Discipline

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 15
55. You must obey the directions indicated by arrows or words
marked in the lanes. See illustration above. You must not change
lanes so suddenly as to inconvenience or endanger other traffic.
Signal early before changing lanes and plan your route well.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

56. In traffic hold-ups, do not “jump the queue”.

57. Well before you reach a junction, make sure that you are in the
appropriate lane.
58. On a two-lane carriageway, keep to the left-hand lane except
when overtaking.
59. On a three-lane carriageway, you may keep to the central lane
when the left-hand lane is occupied by slower moving vehicles. The
outer (right-hand) lane is for overtaking only; do not stay in it longer
than necessary after overtaking vehicles in the centre lane.

Overtaking
60. Never overtake unless you can do so without danger to yourself
or others. Be specially careful at night, and in heavy rain and mist, as
it is more difficult to judge speed and distance at such times.

Overtaking on the Right

61. This rule does not apply —
(a) when the driver in front has signalled his intention to turn
right, in which case you can overtake him on his left;
(b) when you are filtering to the left before a junction; or
(c) when there is slow-moving congested traffic and the
vehicles on your right are moving more slowly than your
vehicle.
62. Return to the appropriate lane on the road as soon as practicable
after overtaking, but do not cut in sharply in front of the vehicle you
have just overtaken.
63. Do not overtake when you are at, or when you are
approaching —
(a) a pedestrian crossing;

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(b) a road junction;
(c) a corner or bend;
(d) the brow of a hill; or
(e) a double white line.
64. Do not overtake —
(a) where the road narrows;
(b) if it would force another vehicle to swerve or reduce speed;
or
(c) if in doubt.
65. When being overtaken, never increase speed to prevent another
driver from passing.

U-Turn
66. Do not make a U-turn at any road intersection, junction or any
opening in a road divider unless permitted to do so by a traffic sign.

Following Distances
67. To be able to adjust your speed so that you can stop within the
space between you and the vehicle in front, you must allow at least
one car length for every 16 km/h of your speed.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

68. Watch for the stop light on the car in front and the traffic ahead
of the car in front.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 17
Speed and Stopping Distances
69. Be aware that the stopping distance of a moving vehicle
consists of the distance travelled by the vehicle when a driver reacts,
and the braking distance of the vehicle.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Road Junctions
69A. When approaching a junction, you must observe the
following:
(a) If you are going straight across the junction, you must give
way to traffic going straight from the right.

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(b) If you are turning right, you must give way to traffic going
from all directions. You must also give way to traffic
turning right from the right, and to traffic turning left from
the opposite direction.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 19

(c) If you are turning left, you must give way to traffic going
straight from the right.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

70. When approaching a junction with a major road, slow down

gradually and give way to traffic on the major road. Where there is a
“STOP” sign, stop at the major road.

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71. Where there are no traffic lights, give way signs or stop signs,
give way to all traffic on your right, including cyclists. See
illustrations in paragraph 69A.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

72. At a junction look right, then left, then right again. Do not move
off until you are sure that it is safe to do so.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

73. Well before you turn right at a junction, take full account of the
position and movement of traffic behind you. Signal your intention
early, and drive cautiously towards the centre of the junction. Give
way to approaching vehicles and crossing pedestrians adjacent to
you. Wait until it is safe to cross or wait for the green arrow signal to
appear. Turn swiftly to the correct lane, keeping a look-out for
pedestrians crossing at the junction.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

74. If you intend to turn left, keep to the left, signal in good time,
and do not swing out to the right either before or after making the
turn.
75. When turning left or right, drivers must always give way to
vehicles going straight on and to pedestrians.
76. Slow down when approaching a roundabout, and give way to
traffic on your right.
.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 21

Remember — you must always give way to traffic approaching

from your right. The general rule is that —
traffic from Lane A in this illustration goes to ‘A’;
traffic from Lane B goes to ‘B’; and
traffic from Lane C goes to ‘C’.

If, however, you find your correct lane overcrowded, you may use
another lane to reach your destination: Provided that —
(a) you give clear signals showing your intention in good time;
(b) you obey the right-hand rule;
(c) you do not inconvenience other drivers;
(d) you use your mirror intelligently to see that you do not
obstruct the path of vehicles behind you.

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Safety of Pedestrians, Pedal Cyclists, etc.
77. Pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or
personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or
motorised wheelchairs have the right of way on pedestrian crossings.
[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

78. When approaching a pedestrian crossing slow down and do not

overtake other vehicles.
79. When approaching a pedestrian crossing always —
(a) be ready to slow down or stop so as to give way to
pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted
bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of
mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs;
[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

(b) signal to other drivers your intention to slow down or stop;

and
(c) allow yourself more time to stop when road is wet.
80. At a pedestrian crossing controlled by light signals or by a
policeman, give way to pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-
assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility
scooters or motorised wheelchairs who are crossing when the signal
to stop is given.
[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

81. When a school patrol sign is extended at a pedestrian crossing,

vehicles travelling in both directions must stop and remain stationary
until the whole crossing is clear and the sign has been removed.
82. Watch for the pedestrian, pedal cyclist, rider of a power-assisted
bicycle or personal mobility device, or driver of a mobility scooter or
motorised wheelchair who comes out suddenly from behind
stationary vehicles and other obstructions. Be very careful near
schools and bus stops. When turning at a road junction, give way to
pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or
personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or
motorised wheelchairs who are crossing.
[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 23
83. When driving (especially on any road without a path beside
it) —
(a) watch out for pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of
power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and
drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs,
regardless of whether they are allowed on the road;
(b) keep a safe distance when driving behind them; and
(c) allow a margin of safety when passing them.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Reversing
84. Before you reverse make sure that there are no children or other
pedestrians or obstructions in the blind area behind you.
85. Do not reverse from a side road onto a main road.
86. If your view to the rear is restricted, get help when reversing.

Mirror and signals

87. Keep a watch on the traffic behind you by checking your mirror
every 5 to 10 seconds while driving along.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

88. Well before you change direction, overtake or stop —

(a) look into your mirror (if you are a motor-cyclist glance to
the side or behind);
(b) make sure that it is safe; and
(c) give a clear signal to indicate that you intend to do so.
89. Everytime you intend to turn, stop or slow down, give the
correct signal. Signal in good time and maintain the signal long
enough to enable others to anticipate your movement. Make sure that
your direction indicator gives the signal intended, and that it is
cancelled immediately after use.
90. Hand signals are given not only for the benefit of following
traffic but also for oncoming traffic, traffic waiting in side streets and
pedestrians. Most cars today have signalling devices but in broad

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p. 24 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11
daylight hand signalling is more readily seen and understood. Do not
allow passengers to give hand signals. See that children do not hold
their arms or dangle toys out of the windows of the car, for their arms
or toys may be mistaken for hand signals. It is also dangerous for
children to do this.

Stopping and parking

91. Do not park (which means to bring a motor vehicle to a
stationary position and cause it to wait for any purpose) or let your
vehicle stand —
(a) at a bend, the brow of a hill or a bridge;
(b) on a footway or cycle track;
(c) near traffic lights or pedestrian crossings;
(d) on a main road or on a road carrying fast-moving traffic;
(e) opposite or nearly opposite another stationary vehicle
across the road, opposite a refuge or other obstruction (e.g.
road repairs);
(f) abreast of another vehicle;
(g) opposite a continuous white line, double white lines or any
other traffic sign prohibiting parking;
(h) near any road side on which a single yellow line (from
7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.) or double yellow lines are painted;
(i) within —
(i) 6 metres (20 feet) of an intersection or a junction of
any road or street;
(ii) 9 metres (30 feet) on either side of a bus stop; or
(iii) 3 metres (10 feet) on either side of a fire hydrant;
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(ia) where it will obscure a traffic sign or obstruct any entrance;

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(j) facing oncoming traffic;

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 25
(k) on any slip road or filter lane;
(l) on a fly-over, underpass or the ramps leading to any fly-
over or underpass;
(m) on the grass verge of a road;
(n) in any bus lane; or
(o) at any designated taxi stop.
92. Before opening the door of a vehicle make sure that it will not
endanger or inconvenience anybody on the road or footpath. Get out
on the side nearest to the kerb whenever it is possible.
93. When you have to stop, pull in as close as possible to the edge of
the road. This applies especially to drivers of buses when setting
down or picking up passengers.
94. Do remember that you are not allowed to leave any broken-
down or wrecked vehicle on any public road. If your vehicle breaks
down on the road, push it into a break down bay if there is one,
otherwise push it as close to the side of the road as possible and
arrange for it to be towed away immediately so as not to cause
obstruction to the free flow of traffic.

Lights
95. You must drive with your headlights on at night (between 7.00
p.m. and 7.00 a.m. the following day).
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96. Use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas where the street
lighting is poor, or during rainy weather.
97. On unlit or dimly lit roads always use your headlights. When
meeting other vehicles and cyclists, dip your headlights. If you are
dazzled by the lights of another vehicle, slow down and stop if
necessary.

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p. 26 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11

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98. When driving behind another vehicle, dip your headlights.

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99. In daytime whenever visibility is poor or if it is raining switch

on your lights. This will enable other road users to see you.
100. It is advisable when parking in unlit or poorly lit roads at night
to leave your side or parking lights on.

HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLES

101. Drivers of large vehicles must always —
(a) keep such vehicles to the road or vehicle speed limit
(whichever is lower); and

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 27
(b) travel on the extreme left lane of the road (except for bus
lanes during their operating hours) to allow faster vehicles
to overtake on the right.
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102. Any goods vehicle which has an open deck for the carriage of
goods and is to be used to carry any person on the floor of the vehicle
must comply with the applicable requirements in the Road Traffic
(Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) Rules (R 9). Persons carried
in a goods vehicle with an open deck for the carriage of goods must be
seated in accordance with the Road Traffic (Carriage of Persons in
Goods Vehicles) Rules 2010 (G.N. No. S 663/2010).
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SMOKY AND NOISY EXHAUSTS

103. All vehicles must be properly maintained to minimise the
emission of smoke.
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104. All vehicles must be properly maintained to eliminate

excessive noise.
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ROADWORTHINESS
105. For safety, you must maintain your vehicle in a roadworthy
condition. This includes the following:
(a) Tyres
All vehicles are to be fitted with tyres of a suitable size
and design. Keep your tyres up to the correct pressure.
Tyres that have worn out must be replaced. Worn out or
bald tyres cause skids when you brake hard in an
emergency, whether the road is wet or dry.
(b) Brakes
Check your brakes regularly to ensure that they are in a
good condition. Any leakage of brake fluid must be
attended to without delay.

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p. 28 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11

(c) Steering
The steering assembly of your car must be regularly
checked, properly adjusted and kept in good condition.
(d) Lights
Check all your lights, including parking lights and
signalling lights, to make sure that they are working
properly.
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GENERAL
106. Sounding your horn when driving is unnecessary, except to
warn other road users to avoid an imminent accident or during an
emergency. Horns used must not produce an unduly harsh, shrill, loud
or multi-tone sound.
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107. You must give way upon hearing the emergency siren of any
motor vehicle used for ambulance, fire brigade, military, police,
customs or civil defence purposes (called in this paragraph an
emergency vehicle) or seeing the flashing lights of such a vehicle. In
addition, you must observe the following:
(a) Stay calm and check the direction of the oncoming
emergency vehicle.
(b) Give way by signalling early and filter towards the left if it
is safe to do so. Do not wait until the last minute to do so.
(c) If you are unable to filter to the left safely, slow down to let
the emergency vehicle overtake you.
(d) Do not speed up to block an overtaking emergency vehicle
or try to overtake or tailgate an emergency vehicle as this
can put yourself and other road users in danger.
(e) Do not break the law to give way to an emergency vehicle
(e.g. by driving through a red light).
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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 29
108. Drivers must not be distracted while driving. Do not use any
mobile communication device or turn your head to talk with your
passengers while driving. Children and pets must not be allowed to
obstruct or distract the driver.
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109. Reduce your speed when driving past animals, and give them
plenty of room. Stop if necessary or if signalled to do so.
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110. Always slow down when approaching any traffic lights and be
prepared to stop when the traffic light turns amber or red.
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PART V
ROAD USERS AND ANIMALS
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111. Do not let your dog stray. When you take it for a walk, or when
it is in your car, keep it under close control.
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112. Make sure that the road is clear before you allow, or take,
animals on to the road.
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113. When leading an animal on the road, always place yourself

between it and the traffic, and keep the animal to the edge of the road.
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SIGNS AND SIGNALS

114. When turning, give way to through traffic and to pedestrians
who are crossing.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 31

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SIGNALS GIVEN BY POLICE OFFICER

115. Signals given by police officers directing traffic take
precedence over those conveyed by road signs, traffic light signals,
road markings and traffic regulations.

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p. 32 1990 Ed.] Highway Code [CAP. 276, R 11

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HAND SIGNALS
116. Before doing any of the following, give a clear signal and in
good time to let other road users know of your intention:
(a) turning or moving towards the right or left;
(b) stopping or slowing down;
(c) pulling out from a parking place;
(d) pulling out to pass.

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CAP. 276, R 11] Highway Code [1990 Ed. p. 33

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COMMON CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

117. The following are common causes of traffic accidents:
(a) failing to keep a proper lookout;
(b) failing to keep proper control of one’s vehicle;
(c) failing to give way to traffic with the right of way;
(d) changing lane without due care;
(e) disobeying traffic light signals.
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 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
HIGHWAY CODE
(CHAPTER 276, R 11)
This Legislative History is provided for the convenience of users of the Highway
Code. It is not part of this Code.
1. G. N. No. S 8/1975 — Highway Code 1975
Date of commencement : 17 January 1975
2. 1990 Revised Edition — Highway Code
Date of operation : 25 March 1992
3. G.N. No. S 1217/2018 — Highway (Revision) Code 2018
Date of commencement : 5 May 2018
4. G.N. No. S 244/2019 — Highway (Revision) Code 2019
Date of commencement : 1 February 2019
5. G.N. No. S 3173/2019 — Highway (Revision No. 2) Code 2019
Date of commencement : 1 December 2019

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