Highway Code

The Manx Highway Code ("the Code") is essential reading for everyone

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is important that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.

Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving, and in the most serious cases you may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified by the use of the words "MUST" or "MUST NOT" and additionally include a reference to the legislation which creates the offence.

Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not of itself cause a person to be prosecuted, the Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Road Traffic Act 1985 or the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985 to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as "should", "should not", "do" or "do not".

The Code sets out the rules of the road as they apply in the Isle of Man. Except where otherwise stated, it does not set out the rules of the road as they apply in Great Britain, which are in various respects materially different. Consequently anyone — especially a driver — intending to visit Great Britain is recommended to obtain the GB version of the Code. It may be accessed on the GB "Highway Code" website or may be purchased from the Stationery Office in England or through any good bookseller.

Further information on driving/riding techniques can be found in "The Official DSA Guide to Driving — the essential skills" and in "The Official DSA Guide to Riding — the essential skills", both of which may be purchased in the same manner. "DSA" is a reference to the Driving Standards Agency in Great Britain.