Highway Code Changes You Need To Know About 2022

At the end of January, a number of major changes were made to the Highway Code. In fact, a whole 50 rules were changed or introduced to the code, affecting 9 different sections.

This latest revision saw a lot of new rules for drivers to follow. But, many are concerned that a lot of drivers don’t even know about the changes! If you don’t carefully read up on these changes to the Highway Code, you run the risk of breaking the law and being given a hefty fine (to say the least).

So, to ensure your driving is safe and fully compliant with all the latest legalities, keep reading to find our full guide to the recent Highway Code changes.

When did the Highway Code changes come into force?

The new rules for drivers to the Highway Code were introduced on the 29th of January. As a result, the Highway Code changes 2022 are now legal requirements.

The new rules

Hierarchy of road users

Within the introduction of the Highway Code, a ‘hierarchy’ of road users has been added.

In this hierarchy, the vehicles with the highest risk of crashing are at the top of the hierarchy, and those that are of the least risk are positioned at the bottom.

These road hierarchy rules are H1, H2 and H3.

H1 states that vehicle drivers, since these vehicles have the potential to cause the most harm to others in a crash, automatically have the highest level of responsibility. It is primarily their duty to drive safely and minimise the danger that their vehicle poses to other road users.

Likewise, it is the responsibility of cyclists and horse riders to be mindful of the risk they pose to pedestrians.

People crossing at junctions

If a pedestrian is crossing at a junction, all road users (including drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders) must give the pedestrians right of way.

You need to allow them to cross the road junction (even if they are waiting to cross, and haven’t moved into the road yet) before you can turn into it.

Furthermore, pedestrians that are waiting to cross a zebra crossing or a parallel crossing also now have the right of way over vehicles.

Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces

If a path is shared by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, then it is everyone’s duty to be mindful of the risks present.

Cyclists are now asked not to pass walkers or horse riders either closely or quickly (particularly if they are overtaking them from the rear). Cyclists are also now not allowed to pass a horse on the left of the animal.

Parking, charging and leaving vehicles

This new rule has been included to provide new regulations about ‘the Dutch reach’. This is a new technique to help people leave their vehicles safely.

^{An example of the ‘Dutch reach’ via Bicycle Network}

The Dutch reach involves people opening their door using the opposite hand to the door being opened (so, if the door is on your left, you use your right hand to open it). By doing this, you are forced to look over your shoulder before opening the door, minimising the risk of injuring cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians.

Positioning in the road for cyclists

Cyclists have now been given new guidance regarding the best place to position themselves in a road.

If they are travelling on a quiet road, or the traffic is slow-moving, then the cyclist should position themselves in the centre of their lane. It is also recommended that cyclists adopt this position when they approach a junction, or if the road narrows.

When travelling on a busy road, cyclists should remain a minimum of 0.5 metres away from the kerb’s edge. In addition, cyclists travelling in groups are recommended to ride two abreast, but are asked to move into single file if a vehicle needs to overtake (when it is safe).

Overtaking whilst driving or cycling

Now, the Highway Code permits a road user to overtake a cyclist or horse rider by crossing a double white line, so long as the individual’s speed is 10 mph or less.

Guidelines specify that 1.5 metres (minimum) is the safe, recommended overtaking distance. But, when overtaking a horse rider or a person walking in the road, it is recommended that you allow a minimum of 2 metres.

Cyclists at junctions

When a cyclist is turning from or out of a side road, they must give walkers the right of way (regardless of whether the walker is crossing or attempting to cross the road).

When going straight ahead at a junction, cyclists have priority over any traffic waiting to turn into or from a side road (unless there is a sign that specifically states otherwise).

When cars are turning, they cannot cut across cyclists or horse riders. This applies regardless of whether they are on the road or in a cycle lane. If the road is busy, then the vehicle driver will need to stop and wait until the cycle traffic ceases.

Cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts

When on roundabouts, drivers and motorcyclists must give priority to cyclists. They are not allowed to overtake a cyclist travelling in their lane, and cyclists must be allowed to travel across the other vehicle’s path.

The Highway Code is, in short, a series of rules that all UK road users must comply with.

Alongside these new rules for drivers, the Highway Code also contains a collection of other guidelines and advice, all of which are designed to keep our roads safe. Every year, these rules are altered and added to, in order to ensure that the public’s safety is protected as much as possible.

At Watling Tyres, we are dedicated to helping our clients maximise the safety of their vehicles. Our team of tyre specialists offer a range of services, including tyre fitting and replacement services, MOTs and vehicle servicing.

So, if you want to keep your vehicle road-ready, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Find your closest branch, or send us a message.