Can they tell it's not restricted?

Originally Posted by Jester666

Please note the word Rule. It is NOT a law. You cannot be prosecuted for failing to give way to a to**er in a bus.

Which is what I wanted to say with my "I don't think it's ever safe, so bleh" comment
I tend to go down a gear, get ready with the horn and have an escape route in mind
Hand signals are optional, and I'm not talking about changing direction

Originally Posted by Jester666

Please note the word Rule. It is NOT a law. You cannot be prosecuted for failing to give way to a to**er in a bus.

True but you can be squashed.
In the car on Monday as it was raining, and on the way home had a motorbike behind me in outside lane of dual carriage way. Approached set of lights where dual carriageway splits into 2 single, one going left, one right. I overtook bus in left lane, bike still behind me, bus pulled straight out as I finished passing nearly squishing bike.

Originally Posted by Magnum

At what point does a rule become a law? Requirements in the highway code such as using correct headlights, and displaying a visible numberplate are surely offences?
Not starting an argument, just interested.

The highway code isn't law, but if you don't follow it you can be charged with dangerous/careless driving, it being expected that the standard driver will obey the HC and deviating from that is below the standard expected.

The HC is a guideline not a set of rules. Any parts in it that are punishable are covered by the Road Traffic Act. Some rules are not covered by the RTA such as giving way to buses.

Originally Posted by Jester666

The HC is a guideline not a set of rules. Any parts in it that are punishable are covered by the Road Traffic Act. Some rules are not covered by the RTA such as giving way to buses.

Ahh i see, that makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up.