RULE CHANGE
THE Highway Code has had a refresh, with the new rules coming into effect from TODAY.
Motorists should be making sure they are up to date with the changes coming to the UK's roads from today, Saturday, January 29.
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Under new Highway Code rules, drivers will be looking out for pedestrians and cyclists a whole lot more, with many of the changes coming in impacting them.
Among the new rules being introduced is a "hierarchy of road users", extra clarity on where cyclists can ride on the road and where pedestrians will now have the right of way over motorists.
Hierarchy of road users
The "hierarchy of road users" is a concept that has been brought in to rank those who are at a higher risk in the event of an accident.
Those who are most vulnerable top the hierarchy and it's no surprise that it's pedestrians.
The full hierarchy of road users is:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Larger vehicles such as HGVs and buses
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Pedestrians crossing at road junctions
The next rule change is aimed at horse riders and cyclists too.
🔵 Read our Highway Code rule changes blog for the latest updates
If a pedestrian is waiting to cross at a junction and a driver is turning, they must give way to the pedestrian.
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Rule H2 of The Highway Code says: "At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning."
This also applies if vehicles are stuck in traffic or moving slowly - they must let pedestrians cross the road and rule 151 has been revised to reflect this.
Cyclists and pedestrians in shared spaces
On shared-use cycle paths between pedestrians and cyclists, cyclists are the ones that must give way to pedestrians.
Pedestrians are also allowed to use cycle tracks unless there is a sign to say this is prohibited.
Cyclists position on the roads
The cycling rules in The Highway Code have had a big revamp.
One of the major changes is all around the clarity of where cyclists should ride on the road.
Now, it is acceptable for cyclists to ride in the centre of the lane, in some situations.
Rule 72 in The Highway Code will say: "Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible, in the following situations:
"On quiet roads or streets – if a faster vehicle comes up behind you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so safely.
"In slower-moving traffic - when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely move over to the left if you can do so safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake.
"At the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you."
Overtaking cyclists
When drivers are wanting to overtake cyclists, they must leave at least 1.5 metres of space at speeds of up to 30mph.
At higher speeds, drivers should be giving cyclists more space.
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Drivers must not cut across cyclists, or horse riders, going straight ahead when planning to turn into or out of a junction.
Rule 186 will also give cyclists priority when it comes to roundabouts.
It says: "You [driver] should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout.
"They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.
"Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane.
"Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout."
Cyclists on roundabouts
Drivers will have to be extra vigilant of cyclists making their journey around roundabouts.
They shouldn't be overtaken and should be given plenty of space.
The revised Rule 186 says: "You [driver] should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.
"Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.
"Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.
"Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout."
Leaving your car and charging changes
The Dutch Reach is a safe way of opening your car door from the inside.
If you are the driver, you reach across your chest with your left arm to open the door rather than using the hand nearest the door.
It would be the same for the passengers sitting in the front but they would reach across with their right arm.
This is because the body will be forced to swivel around, helping you to see a cyclist, pedestrian or another vehicle coming from behind.
Doing this helps you scope out your surroundings before opening the door, meaning there is a lower risk of hitting anyone.
The Highway Code has revised a rule on owners of electric cars charging their car kerbside.
If EV charging points aren't used correctly, they can be hazardous.
Rule 239 will now say: "When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables.
"Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users."
No using your phone at the wheel
Mobile phones are not allowed to be used at any point while at the wheel.
This includes when stuck in traffic and when stopping at red lights.
Taking photos and videos, scrolling through a playlist and playing games will also be prohibited.
The only exception to these changes is if you need to use your phone to pay for goods at a drive-through or paying for a toll, but only while the car is stationary.
Using your phone behind the wheel can get you a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence.
If you've passed your test in the past two years to the offence, you will lose your licence.
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There is a possibility that you could be summoned to court for using you phone while driving.
This could enforce a fine of up to £1,000, £2,500 if you were driving a bus or lorry, plus being banned from driving.
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