You can change your cookie settings at any time. Updated Rule 124 to add images and ensure readers understand: speed limits for motorhomes and motor caravans But its vitally important that all road users especially drivers take the time to fully understand whats new as some of the changes are a significant departure from whats gone before. Rules for road users requiring extra care, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, other road users and other vehicles. Information and rules about motorcycle licence requirements. Rules for pedestrians, including general guidance, crossing the road, crossings, and situations needing extra care. RAC Head of Roads Policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: These major changes to The Highway Code should make the roads safer for the most vulnerable road users, in particular, those walking and cycling, so are to be welcomed. As a last resort, you may need to reverse to the last passing place you saw providing its safe and this isnt too far away. Information and rules about you and your bicycle. The adjustments mean a driver is now more likely to be. The book has a new cover design so its easy to recognise. works vehicles displaying the sign, convoy vehicle no overtaking, must not be overtaken. I would also suggest that you exercise common sense and judgement when passing cyclists at higher speeds. Updated Rule 240 to ensure readers understand: emergency areas on motorways are not to be used for stopping or parking, except in an emergency. how to recognise an emergency area You have rejected additional cookies. As part of their work to improve road safety even further, DfT also recently announced plans to change the laws around using handheld mobile phones while driving. Three of the most important proposals, which follow a. Updated Rule 283 to ensure readers understand: if drivers stop to give assistance, they should stop in a place of relative safety and not put themselves or their passengers in danger Click on the images for more information. Updated Rule 91 to ensure readers understand: drivers need to get sufficient sleep before a long journey drivers should follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane 5 December 2014: Updated rule 95 to reflect the change in law for lower drink drive limits in Scotland. The previous rule 63 has been merged into rule 61. Highway Code changes giving cyclists priority over drivers could cause "confusion and dangerous situations", the AA has warned as polling found two thirds of drivers were not aware of the incoming . Or if you would prefer the Highway Code without the theory test questions then this is the book you need. Specific definitions of this term are difficult to agree on and have varied with literature, context, and time. The Highway Code is a set of information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. Renumbered rule 80 about giving plenty of room to long vehicles on roundabouts (it was previously rule 78). Added information about using remote control parking and driver assistance systems to rule 150. Updated rule 163 on overtaking to advise that cyclists may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on the right or left. Clarified that a zebra crossing with a central island is 2 separate crossings. The Highway Code is set to change this month with new regulations for more vulnerable road users (Photo: Chris Radburn/PA) By Kia-Elise Green January 29, 2022 1:28 pm (Updated January 29, 2022 1: . The code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. Improvements to road safety measures will also lead to fewer road traffic collisions, not only saving lives but also the billions of pounds spent every year on dealing with such collisions. Traffic signs used, including signs giving orders, warning signs, direction signs, information signs and road works signs. Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements, Annex 6. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Out of hours media enquiries 020 7944 4292. In total, 9 sections of the code are being updated, with 50 rules being added or updated - so you really . Replaced Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 with the Sentencing Act 2020 in the list of acts and regulations from 1988 onwards. Updated the rule about vehicles that need an MOT, as cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles manufactured or first registered over 40 years ago, are exempt from the MOT test from 20 May 2018 - unless the vehicle has been substantially changed within the previous 30 years. The changes made to rules 149 and 150 on 3 June 2018 about using remote control parking and driver assistance systems have not completed the statutory process to allow them to be included in The Highway Code. Please publicise when the paper copy is available as I 7nderstand the recent changes have come into force already. Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, announced the detail of the incoming updates to The Highway Code, public consultation where nearly 21,000 people submitted their views, 18 million for Bikeability cycle training for children and families, plans to change the laws around using handheld mobile phones while driving, Highway Code set to be updated with fresh guidance in boost to road safety, government to launch communications campaign ensuring people across the country are aware of how updates will affect them, changes will include a hierarchy of road users. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Updated references to reflect all the changes made to The Highway Code on 29 January 2022. The 2007 edition is below. Updated Rule 281 to ensure readers understand: warning signs or flashing lights indicate that people, including the emergency services, traffic officers, and recovery workers, may be working in the road. The changes were made to The Highway Code on Saturday 29 January 2022. Rules for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, including on pavements and on the road. campaign will soon launch a communications drive, backed by over 500,000 in funding, raising awareness of the changes and ensuring road-users across the country understand their responsibilities. And according to The Department for Transport (DfT) the new regulation changes. Updated Rule 261 to ensure readers understand: drivers must not exceed the speed limit displayed on a sign The change has been removed. Theyll also be reminded they can ride 2 abreast as has always been the case and which can be safer in large groups or with children but they must be aware of drivers behind them and allow them to overtake if it is safe to do so. how to identify and communicate their location to emergency services. In most cases, the person will never revisit The Highway Code, and no laws mandate revision. You have rejected additional cookies. The High Way Code will get a major update next year The changes came in to force from today, January 29, 2022. Major changes to Highway Code. Updated rule 213 to explain that cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, and that it can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride 2 abreast. These changes are aimed at providing better protection for pedestrians, cyclists and. Information and rules about penalties, including points and disqualification, a penalty table, new drivers and other consequences of offending. Like Mr Shepherd, I cannot find where to buy a paper copy of the most recent Highway Code. Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35) Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters . basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks should be carried out before drivers set off This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely. The DfT consulted on changes to the Highway Code in 2020 after a decade with no revisions. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The previous rule 77 about roundabouts has moved to rule 79. Updated rule 1 to include reference to footways, and to add guidance about remaining aware of your environment and avoiding unnecessary distractions. Ten new driving law changes you might not know about. Rules for motorcyclists, including helmets, carrying passengers, daylight riding and riding in the dark. There is advice on what to do in the event of a breakdown and how to behave at roadworks. Updated the Pass Plus email address to passplus@dvsa.gov.uk. Updated rule 170 on junctions to advise drivers and riders to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and to remain behind cyclists and motorcyclists at junctions even if they are waiting to turn and are positioned close to the kerb. Changed rule 72 to be about safe road positioning. For example, using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side. drivers, motorcyclists, horse-drawn vehicles and horse riders must now give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to. Changes to The Highway Code designed to enhance safety for all road-users particularly those most at risk are set to come into effect from 29 January 2022, as the government continues to build back safer. The Highway Code was subject to a series of significant changes early in 2022, but research by the IAM Roadsmart charity suggests millions of drivers aren't aware. The aim of two new rules and 33 amendments is to make the roads safer, by: Simplifying the advice about where motorists should stop in an emergency situation. The THINK! We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Who The Highway Code is for, how it's worded, the consequences of not following the rules, self-driving vehicles, and the hierarchy of road users (Rules H1 to H3). For the first time, the. in narrow lanes, drivers need to keep a good distance from the vehicle in front to be able to clearly see the edges of the lane ahead You can also sign up for email alerts whenever the Highway Code is updated. GOV.UK includes a list of the latest Highway Code updates that have been made, so it's quick and easy to see what has changed. Update rule 108 to make it clear that traffic officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some A class roads in both England and Wales - not just England. Updated to clarify that you MUST have white front and red rear lights lit when cycling at night. Cyclists will also receive fresh guidance to ride in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions in order to make themselves as clearly visible as possible. The document shows before and after versions of the rules, side-by-side. Added guidance about crossing at a place where pedestrians can be seen by drivers. Campaign assets consisted of illustrations to help communicate the changes clearly. the hard shoulder can only be used as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown. Changes to the hierarchy of road users 2. You have rejected additional cookies. The changes include clarifying cycle positioning, emphasising the priority at junctions for pedestrians and cyclists, guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking, and on opening. Bus and cycle lanes may operate in the opposite direction to the rest of the traffic. Added guidance for inexperienced riders and people who have not ridden for a while to consider taking the Ride Safe Award from the British Horse Society. speed limits for special types of vehicles that are overweight or oversized Added links to new or changed rules. The Highway Code is due to see a fresh update, with new rules coming into force from January 29, 2022. Called the 'Hierarchy of Road Users', perhaps most significantly, pedestrians now have priority. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that 1 July 2022, in accordance with the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, marks the date approved vehicles approved are permitted to travel in one specified lane, in autonomous mode, at speeds of up to 37mph. If you would like advice on which assets to use, please contact us at DfTPUBLICITY@dft.gov.uk. Meanwhile, motorists will be encouraged to adopt the so-called Dutch Reach (as shown), opening the door next to them with the opposite hand so they look over their shoulder, meaning theyre less likely to injure passing cyclists and pedestrians. Updated rule 125 to explain that unsafe speed increases the chances of causing a collision, as well as its severity, and that inappropriate speeds are intimidating, deterring people from walking, cycling or riding horses. how to recognise a sign displaying amber flashing lights. copyright 2023, GOV.UK The Highway Code: 8 changes you need to know from 28 January 2022. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Changed rule 73 to be about junctions. 5 June 2015: Updated the penalty table to remove the 5,000 limit on fines for the most serious offences. campaign is run by the Department for Transport. The consultation saw 20,000 respondents among the general public, businesses, and organisations who voted in favour of all the changes proposed. Well send you a link to a feedback form. Further information on driving/riding techniques can be found in 'The Official DVSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills' and 'The Official DVSA Guide to Riding - the essential skills'. the current status of traffic conditions on Highways Englands network (supplementing existing website listings for Transport Wales and Transport Scotland). These changes will implement a new "hierarchy of road users" and put more responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles, while giving higher priority to pedestrians and cyclists. Charges will come in from 1 April 2025 and will be 10 for the first year. Active Travel Commissioner for England, Chris Boardman, said: It shouldnt take bravery to cross a road or ride to school with kids, but sometimes it feels that way. drivers may need to use towing mirrors when towing Updated rule 8 to clarify other traffic should give way when pedestrians are waiting to cross at a junction. Vehicle maintenance, safety and security. This suspension will be lifted in August 2023, meaning freight companies will start . The Highway Code on GOV.UK allows you to: search for key words and phrases within The Highway Code quickly move between related rules If approved by Parliament, a hierarchy of road-users will be introduced this weekend, ensuring quicker or heavier modes of travel have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others on the road. HIGHWAY CODE changes are set to be introduced tomorrow, which one expert has said could lead to more accidents and "road rage" incidents. You can order a copy of The Highway Code book online or buy a copy from most high street bookshops. The 3 new rules are numbered H1, H2, and H3. Nine big changes to motoring in 2022: Drivers face new emission tax zones in cities, more fines from councils and 'self-driving' cars on roads. The government recognises the importance of The Highway Code keeping pace with the way in which people get about, as well as with changes to transport infrastructure. Renumbered rule 78 about the correct procedure at roundabouts (it was previously rule 76). Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Updated rule 59 to explain that evidence suggests that wearing a correctly fitted helmet will reduce your risk of sustaining a head injury in certain circumstances. However, the rules are now available to carry around with you on your mobile device so no matter where you are, you have a handy guide to refer to. Updated the guidance on providing emergency care with the help of St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the British Red Cross. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. The Highway Code contains advice and rules for people on Britain's roads and a total of 49 existing rules are to be updated with new amendments as well. Updated rule 140 to include references to cycle tracks. drivers must not stop in an emergency area on a motorway, except in an emergency. There may be ditches or soft ground where your wheels could become stuck. There is new focus around a 'road hierarchy' designed to give vulnerable road users a greater degree of protection and clarity provided over who has right of way at junctions. These include: There are links to other websites where you can find much more information, for instance, legislation and documents, and advice about all aspects of travel and using the road. having been a lorry driver and trainer for 46 years. And learner driver requirements, Annex 6 how to recognise a sign displaying amber lights. To make this website work, January 29, 2022 cyclists and laws mandate revision has! Using remote control parking and driver assistance systems to rule 150 including points disqualification. 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