  the highway code is a set of mandatory rules, guides, advice, and information for all road users in the united kingdom. its objective is to promote road safety. the highway code applies to animals, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers. the 2004 version, for example, contained 307 numbered rules and 9 annexes. the highway code gives information on road signs, road markings, vehicle markings, and road safety. the annexes include information on vehicle maintenance, license requirements, documentation, penalties, and vehicle security. failure to comply with the mandatory rules is a criminal offence. the highway code was first published in 1931 as a booklet and has been regularly updated to reflect current practices. it is prepared by the department for transport and the driving standards agency, and is published by the stationery office in electronic form and as a printed book. most copies are bought by learner drivers preparing for their driving test. in 2004, for example, over one million copies of the highway code were sold. the great britain version, available in english and welsh, applies to england, scotland, and wales but regional specific signs such as driver location signs in england or bilingual signs in scotland and wales are not covered. the northern ireland version, available in english and irish, applies to northern ireland. ==history== thumb|right|the highway code, first edition 1931.(djvu file: click on the image to browse though the pages) costing one penny, the first edition of the highway code was published on 14 april 1931. it contained just 18 pages of advice. the entire, much expanded, highway code was later published in 1934. during its preparation the ministry of transport consulted with the pedestrians association. ==legal aspects== certain rules in the highway code are legal requirements and are identified by the words âmustâ or âmust notâ. in these cases, the rules also include references to the corresponding legislation. offenders may be cautioned, given license penalty
1931_in_the_United_Kingdom 1931_introductions British_books Driving_in_the_United_Kingdom Publications_established_in_1931 Road_safety Road_transport_in_the_United_Kingdom Road_user_guides Transport_policy_in_the_United_Kingdom