The Highway code was changed on the 29th of January 2022, with eight new rules being introduced as well as 49 updates to existing rules. Among the changes is a new 'Hierarchy of Road Users' that will prioritise vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Has the Highway Code been updated?

The introduction section of The Highway Code has been updated to include 3 new rules about the new 'hierarchy of road users'. The hierarchy places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. It does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.

What are the new Highway Code Rules 2022?

Drivers have to leave at least 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. They should pass people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least two metres (6.5 feet) of space.

What is the new changes to the Highway Code?

The new guidance includes a hierarchy of road users - with drivers expected to be aware of cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. Nine sections of the code have been updated with 50 rules added or amended - including motorists now expected to give way to people crossing or waiting to cross at a junction.

What is the new Highway Code Rules 2021?

What are the new Highway Code rules 2021? The new version of the Highway Code includes a "hierarchy of road users". This will ensure that people who can cause the most harm in a collision, such as those in vehicles, bear the "greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others".

Is there a 2021 Highway Code?

In total, 33 rules will be amended, and two new rules will be introduced. There are four main changes to the code for drivers to be aware of: The introduction of a “hierarchy of road users”: putting the road users most likely to be seriously harmed in a collision at the top of the hierarchy.

When was the Highway Code last updated?

The Highway code was changed on the 29th of January 2022, with eight new rules being introduced as well as 49 updates to existing rules.

Who has right of way cyclist or car?

Bicyclists must yield the right of way under the same conditions as motor vehicles. Therefore, a bicyclist must yield the right of way to pedestrians. They must also stop at stop signs and obey traffic lights. Riders must signal turns and travel with the flow of traffic.

Who has right of way pedestrian or cyclist?

Cyclists and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. Rule H2: New priority for pedestrians at junctions At a junction, drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.

Why did they change the Highway Code?

The changes seek to improve the safety of those most at risk on our roads. Everyone has an equal right to use the road and, likewise, everyone has a shared responsibility to behave in a safe and considerate manner.

What is a parallel crossing?

Parallel crossings enable cyclists to cross a road safely and with the same level of priority as a zebra crossing gives a pedestrian. The crossing looks similar to a zebra crossing but also includes a cycling crossing area which is parallel to the zebra crossing area, this is marked by broken white lines.

Do cyclists have priority over cars?

Cars overtaking cyclists

They should leave more space at higher speeds. When cyclists are going straight ahead at a junction, they have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.

Can a car passenger use a mobile phone?

It is perfectly acceptable for passengers to use their mobile phone in the car, as long as they do not pass it to the driver or require the driver to touch the phone at any point. Passengers supervising learner drivers, however, cannot use a mobile phone while the car is running.

Is the Highway Code legal?

The Highway Code is an unusual document in that it governs the way every individual – driver, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian – uses the roads. It is not a legal document and its rules are not official highway laws.

Is it law to slow down for horses?

Ultimately all road users have a duty of care to each other to act in a safe manner and do their utmost to avoid endangering other road users, regardless of who has right of way. Drivers should 'pass wide and slowly' when passing a horse and always listen to a rider's request to slow down or stop.

What is Dutch reach method?

The Dutch Reach is a practice for drivers and passengers where, rather than using your hand closest to the door to open it, you use your far hand¹. This choice sets off a series of five linked actions: reach, swivel, look back, open slowly, and then exit facing traffic.

Do cyclists have to stop at zebra crossings?

According to the Highway Code, cyclists and motorists must look out for pedestrians waiting to cross at zebra crossings and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross. Cyclists and motorists must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing.

Are cyclists allowed on pavements?

The Highway Code states this more emphatically, stating in Rule 64 that “You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement”. It also advises that cyclists “take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room”.

Are cyclists allowed on footpaths?

As outlined in the Highway Code, cyclists are not allowed to cycle on public footpaths. This means cycling on pavements is prohibited, as detailed in Rule 64 of the code, as these are exclusively for pedestrian use.

Do cyclists have to stop at junctions?

Do Cyclists Now Have Priority at Junctions? Yes. Under the new Rule H3, drivers are required to give priority to cyclists when they are turning into or out of a junction.

Do horses have to give way to cyclists?

It's important that cyclists give way to horse riders on bridleways. The Countryside Act 1968 gives cyclists the right to use bridleways, but states that they must give way to horse riders and walkers.

Can a driver allow a cyclist to hitch on his vehicle?

3. It is unlawful for any driver to allow/permit any person riding on a bicycle, roller skate, skateboard and other similar device to hold on to/or hold fast to (hitch) a moving vehicle.

Can cyclists undertake Cars UK?

It isn't illegal for cyclists to undertake vehicles but it comes with a critical warning: never, ever undertake a long vehicle such as bus or an articulated lorry unless it is completely stationary and will remain so until you are safely past. If in any doubt, don't attempt to undertake.

Who has right of way at a junction UK?

Since we drive in a clockwise direction around roundabouts in the UK, that means you should always give way to traffic coming from your right. Usually, you should give way to any traffic that has rounded the corner towards you, regardless of which lane they are in, because they might switch lanes at any time.

Do you have to read the Highway Code?

The Highway Code is put together by the Driving Standards Agency and the Department for Transport. It's an essential read for motorists, but all road users must understand the guidelines set out within it, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.