Major Highway Code Shake-Up: 8 Crucial Road Rule Changes You Must Know
The Highway Code just got a big overhaul to protect walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. After a public consultation that bagged over 20,000 responses, the government rolled out key updates on 29 January 2022. Most voters were all for the changes.
1. New Hierarchy of Road Users: Who Comes First?
The updated Highway Code introduces a “hierarchy of road users.” The most vulnerable – pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders – now get top priority in any collision. That doesn’t mean others off the hook; everyone must still act responsibly.
- Know The Highway Code
- Be considerate to others
- Take responsibility for others’ safety
2. Cutting Through Junction Confusion
Now, if you’re waiting or crossing at a junction, traffic must give way. This applies when people have started crossing too – vehicles turning in must hold up.
- Drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists must yield to pedestrians on zebra crossings
- Parallel crossings, with cycle lanes alongside zebra stripes, give priority to walkers and cyclists alike
3. Sharing the Space: Walkers, Cyclists & Horse Riders
The code spells out new rules for shared paths where walkers, cyclists, and horse riders mix.
- Cyclists and horse-riders must respect walkers’ safety
- Walkers must avoid blocking or endangering cyclists and horses
- Cyclists should ring bells, slow down, and avoid close passes
- Never pass a horse on its left side
4. Cycling: Positioning, Passing & Group Riding Rules
Cyclists get fresh advice on road positioning:
- Ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, slow traffic, and near junctions
- Keep at least 0.5 metres from the kerb on busy roads
- Groups may ride two abreast for safety, especially with kids or newbies
- Cyclists should make space for vehicles to overtake safely
- Pass parked cars with caution – leave a door’s width to avoid “dooring”
5. Overtaking: Give Cyclists & Riders Plenty of Space
Drivers and motorcyclists must:
- Keep 1.5 metres clear when passing cyclists at up to 30mph
- Leave 2 metres space when passing horses or horse-drawn vehicles at under 10mph
- Allow at least 2 metres when passing people walking on the road
If you can’t safely give room, wait behind until it’s safe to pass.
6. Junction Safety for Cyclists
Cyclists now have priority over vehicles turning into or out of side roads when crossing or waiting.
New cycle traffic lights at eye level mean safer, easier junction crossings. Where no separate cycling lanes exist, cyclists should take the lane centre for visibility and safety.
For two-stage right turns:
- Go straight ahead to the marked spot and wait.
- When the cycle light turns green, complete the turn.
7. Roundabouts: Watch Out for Cyclists and Horse Riders
Drivers and motorcyclists must:
- Not overtake cyclists inside their lane on roundabouts
- Allow cyclists to move across their path safely
Cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn vehicles may keep left if continuing around the roundabout.
8. The ‘Dutch Reach’ & Electric Car Charging Tips
Door-opening gets safer with the “Dutch Reach”: use the far hand to open your car door. This forces a glance over the shoulder, helping spot passing cyclists or motorbikes.
New rules for electric vehicle charging points include:
- Park close and avoid trailing cables causing trip hazards
- Use warning signs if possible
- Return cables neatly to avoid blocking others
Get Up to Speed with All the Highway Code Updates
In total, 50 new or updated rules span 10 sections of The Highway Code. Keep yourself safe and legally on the right side by checking out the full 123. Android users, hold tight – your version is on the way.
