HIGHWAY CODE part 25 Rules 226-237
Rules 226-237
Rules for driving in adverse weather conditions, including wet weather, icy and snowy weather, windy weather, fog and hot weather.
As we endevour in our series covering the whole of the UK highway code. Today well be looking at the rules surrouding adverse weather conditions.
The highway code can be bought in shops and online, as well as a free version on the UK goverments website, click here to access the free to use highway code.
And for people wanting a more visual highway code or those who struggle with the technical talk, the Colour Book Academy offer a great new highway code, that allows you to colour in but every rule of the highway code is explained with diagrams and scenario's for each and every rule, this is a great resource for those wanting something abit more fun with learning. Click here to order yours today.
Rule 226
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236).
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27
Wet Weather
Rule 227
Wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads (see ‘Typical stopping distances’). This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather
Rule 228
In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Rule 229
Before you set off
you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
Laws CUR reg 30, RVLR reg 23, VERA sect 43 & RV(DRM)R reg 11
The highway code can be bought in shops and online, as well as a free version on the UK goverments website, click here to access the free to use highway code.
And for people wanting a more visual highway code or those who struggle with the technical talk, the Colour Book Academy offer a great new highway code, that allows you to colour in but every rule of the highway code is explained with diagrams and scenario's for each and every rule, this is a great resource for those wanting something abit more fun with learning. Click here to order yours today.
Rule 226
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236).
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27
Wet Weather
Rule 227
Wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads (see ‘Typical stopping distances’). This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather
- you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
- if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
- the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen
- be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery (see Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security)
- take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
Rule 228
In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Rule 229
Before you set off
you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
Laws CUR reg 30, RVLR reg 23, VERA sect 43 & RV(DRM)R reg 11
Rule 229: Make sure your windscreen is completely clear
Rule 230
When driving in icy or snowy weather
Rule 231
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should
Rule 232
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.
Rule 233
In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Fog
Rule 234
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
Rule 235
When driving in fog you should
Rule 236
You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27
Rule 230
When driving in icy or snowy weather
- drive with care, even if the roads have been treated
- keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads
- take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle
- watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared
- be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances
- listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.
Rule 231
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should
- drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently
- drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions
- check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.
Rule 232
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.
Rule 233
In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Fog
Rule 234
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
Rule 235
When driving in fog you should
- use your lights as required (see Rule 226)
- keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security
- be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster
- use your windscreen wipers and demisters
- beware of other drivers not using headlights
- not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you
- check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down
- stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.
Rule 236
You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27
Rule 237
Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.
Check back Monday for our next part in our series.
The highway code printed is from the uk goverment website and under its open goverment licence, allows anyone to copy and share the code.
Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.
Check back Monday for our next part in our series.
The highway code printed is from the uk goverment website and under its open goverment licence, allows anyone to copy and share the code.
We have intensive courses available from May and June time onward's, as well as manual weekly driving lessons.
2 New driving instructors starting with BubbLe, Yes that means more availability for lessons.
So, our 4th Driving Instructor Announcement for 2026 is welcoming our newest member to the BubbLe family, BubbLer's, please welcome Kelly Rfrom Kingswood, who will be providing Manual lessons covering BS5, BS15, BS16, BS30, BS31, and BA1 postcode Area's Kelly R (who is based in Kingswood) will be offering MANUAL DRIVING LESSONS. Sh e is a super chilled, professional, super intelligent and goes above and beyond, researching new ways to teach and adapt, after doing a BA at uni, and having a cracking husband, BubbLe instructor Shane R Click here to read more about Kelly's bio. Kelly R starts with BubbLe on Monday 4th May 2026 and offers week daytime lessons.
So, our 3rd Driving Instructor Announcement for 2026 is welcoming our newest member to the BubbLe family, BubbLer's, please welcome Marta K from Yate, who will be providing Manual lessons covering BBS16, BS32, BS34,BS35, BS36, BS36, and GL12 postcode Area's Marta K, (who is based in Yate) will be offering MANUAL DRIVING LESSONS. Sh e is a super chilled, professional, chatty and approachable person. Click here to read more about Marta's bio. Marta K starts with BubbLe on Monday 20th April 2026 and offers week daytime lessons.
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With Ryan and Pablo's availability, we also have others on ur team who are able to start lessons from this week. Do you have a driving test booked in the next few months? We also have intensive courses available from End of March 2026 onwards
So, our 3rd Driving Instructor Announcement for 2026 is welcoming our newest member to the BubbLe family, BubbLer's, please welcome Pablo M B from Avonmouth, who will be providing Manual lessons covering BS9, BS10, BS11 areas of Bristol, and BS20(Portishead only) of North Somerset Pablo M B, (who is based in Avonmouth) will be offering MANUAL DRIVING LESSONS. He is a super chilled, professional, and approachable person. Click here to read more about Pablo's bio. Pablo M B starts with BubbLe on Monday 16th March 2026 and offers week daytime, evening and occasional weekend lesson's.
Checkout Pablo's and Ryan's availability, as well as manual and automatic lessons with others in our team who are available. We also have intensive courses available from April 2026 onwards.
So, our 2nd Driving Instructor Announcement for 2026 is welcoming our newest member to the BubbLe family, BubbLer's, please welcome Ryan G from Yate, who will be providing Manual lessons covering BS32, BS35, BS36, BS36, and GL12 postcode Area's Ryan G, (who is based in Yate) will be offering MANUAL DRIVING LESSONS. He is a super chilled, professional, chatty and approachable person thanks to his background as a ex-taxi driver and Class 2 HGV driver Click here to read more about Ryans bio. Ryan G starts with BubbLe on Monday 23rd March 2026 and offers week daytime, evening and weekend lesson's.
