Full list of 8 updated Highway Code rules thousands of drivers don’t know about

Motorists are at risk of breaking simple Highway Code rules, with thousands unaware of major changes which could catch them out. The Highway Code was updated in 2022, with widespread changes to road rules for car owners, cyclists and pedestrians.

The changes were well advertised at the time but three years on, data suggests that thousands are unaware of the new rules. Analysis from IAMRoadSmart found that record numbers of vehicles were passing too closely to cyclists, breaking one of the most important new rules. The number of ​​cyclists submitting video footage of poor driving involving cars getting near cyclists has more than doubled from 7,249 in 2021 to 15,779 in 2024.

However, cycling rules are not the only thing to be updated, suggesting road users may not be following other serious laws.

The biggest change was the introduction of a new ​​"hierarchy of road usersW rule, placing motorists most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the tree.

It means pedestrians are effectively given priority on the roads, followed by cyclists and then vehicle owners.

Next, the updated Code clarifies that traffic should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.

Officials state that if people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, vehicles should give way.

Another major update for road users to get their heads around involves roundabouts.

The new Highway Code clarifies that people driving or riding a motorcycle should give priority to people cycling on roundabouts.

The Code also makes clear that people driving should take extra care when entering a roundabout to not cut across cyclists or those riding a horse.

For drivers, the Highway Code now advocates for a technique known as the "Dutch Reach".

This tells drivers to lean over and open their door with the opposite hand, allowing them to get a good look of the road behind before swinging a door open.

This means passengers are less likely to injure cyclists or pedestrians who are passing through. Finally, the Code does outline how drivers should attempt to pass those riding a bike on the roads.

The new rules state that vehicles should leave at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph.

However, the Code states individuals should leave extra space when trying to overtake at higher speeds.

• Hierarchy of road users
• Traffic should give way to pedestrians waiting at junctions
• Cyclists shouldn't pass pedestrians or horses at speed
• Cyclists should keep at least 0.5 metres from the kerbs
• Drivers must leave 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists
• Cyclists should give way to pedestrians
• Cyclists have priority on roundabouts
• Open car door with other hand to check traffic