Maybe Guy needs to read this before he continues confusing people. It could be awkward if you end up before the magistrates having as your defence "Well this guy on RC told me that the Highway Code was only advisory and he argued with such conviction (excuse the pun) that I believed him". 
Perhaps you should actually read what is written
“Many of the rules are legal requirements.”
That means some not all are legal requirements, i.e. you cannot be prosecuted for those which are not legal requirements.
“Such rules are identified by the use of the words 'MUST/MUST NOT'. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence.” That means we have included a short version of the law which makes it an offence if you do not do as the rule states.
“Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts … to establish liability” That means if you do not comply with the other rules if you do break a Traffic Act requirement the fact that you broke the guidance in the Highway Code may also be used to add weight to the action of carelessness or recklessness etc.
For Example Highway Code Rule 4
“4
Young children should not be out alone on the pavement or road (see Rule 7). When taking children out, keep between them and the traffic and hold their hands firmly. Strap very young children into push-chairs or use reins. When pushing a young child in a buggy, do not push the buggy into the road when checking to see if it is clear to cross, particularly from between parked vehicles.”
The last part of this concerning a buggy means if you push the buggy into the path of a road vehicle you as a pedestrian could be prosecuted for causing a danger to other road users, the child in the buggy and the vehicle occupants.
Cheers
Guy
