Changes to the Highway Code

All road users including learner drivers, pedestrians, cyclists etc need to know about the Highway Code changes that were introduced on 29th January 2022.

About GeoffCapesDriving

Professional driving instructors offering manual and automatic driving lessons

driving lessons highway code horse drawn vehicle road users cyclist horse rider HIGHWAY CODE Rule open

All road users including learner drivers, pedestrians, cyclists etc need to know about the Highway Code changes that were introduced on 29th January 2022.

About GeoffCapesDriving

Professional driving instructors offering manual and automatic driving lessons

driving lessons highway code horse drawn vehicle road users cyclist horse rider HIGHWAY CODE Rule open

CHANGES TO 
THE HIGHWAY 
CODE
January 2022
RECENT HIGHWAY CODE CHANGES
Whether you are studying for your driving theory test, taking driving lessons or have passed your 
driving test the recent revisions to the highway code are something that all drivers should know 
about as they affect ALL road users.
The new rules came into effect on the 29th January 2022, and are essentially designed to improve 
safety for all road users, however, some of  the new rules can put drivers at risk of  fines or penalty 
points on their licence.
HIERARCHY OF ROAD USERS
There are 3 new rules about the hierarchy of  road users
Rule H1 – those in charge of  vehicles that cause the greatest harm in the event of  a collision now 
bear the greatest responsibility. However, other users should still be aware of  their own and other 
road users safety.
Rule H2 – At junctions drivers, motorcylists, horse-drawn vehicles, riders and cyclists should give 
way to pedestrians waiting to cross a road into which your are turning. Only pedestrians may use 
the pavement, but can also use any part of  the road or cycle track unless there are signs 
prohibiting this
HIERARCHY OF ROAD USERS
Rule H3 – This rule applies to drivers and motorcyclists.
You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you are 
turning into or out of  a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across 
the path of  another motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, 
or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them.
Do not turn at a junction if  to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle 
going straight ahead to stop or swerve.
ROUNDABOUTS
Priority should be given to cyclists on a roundabout. Drivers should give them plenty of  room and 
not attempt to overtake them within their lane and allow them to move across the path of  your 
vehicle 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 they are not leaving the 
roundabout. Drivers will need to take extra care when entering a rounding to ensure they do not 
cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles in the left lane who are continuing around 
the roundabout.
OPENING YOUR CAR DOOR
Where you stop on the roadside and need to open your car door, you must ensure that you look 
all around and check your mirrors before opening your door. Where you are able to do so, you 
should open the door using the hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening, ie you 
should use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This ensures that your head will 
turn, enabling you to see over your shoulder, making it less likely that you will cause injury to 
anyone passing you on the road or pavement.
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT
Find out more on our website at https://www.geoffcapesdriving.co.uk/changes-to-the-highway-
code-january-2022/
Or at …
• The Highway Code
• The Highway Code : 8 Changes you need to know from 29th January 2022
• Hierarchy of Road Users – hot it’s worded and the consequences of not following 
rules H1 – H3