Highway Code 2022 – Who Has Priority And Other Changes

Providing rules, guidance and advice to everyone who uses the roads, the Highway Code is every motorist’s one-stop shop when it comes to dos and don’ts when driving. 

Designed to enhance the safety of all road users, the Highway Code is constantly being updated to ensure it keeps everyone protected, and for 2022 a number of new driving laws have been introduced.

Read on to find out more.   

New Highway Code Rules for 2022

January saw a number of new driving laws come into effect as a result of changes to the Highway Code. All of the changes are based on recommendations from a public consultation that sought the opinions of over 20,000 road users. 

They are as follows:

• Hierarchy of road users – undoubtedly the biggest change to the Highway Code is the new hierarchy of road users. The idea is that those who are deemed most vulnerable, or at risk, on the roads are placed at the very top of the hierarchy. The government deems pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists as the most likely to be injured from an accident, and so this is the order of the hierarchy. It means that those in cars, vans and other vehicles now have a ‘greater responsibility’ to protect these vulnerable people when on the road. 

• Giving way and crossing the road – the updated Highway Code clarifies a number of points on giving way and crossing the road. Firstly, it states that when people are crossing the road, or waiting to cross at a junction, traffic should give way. If people have already begun crossing, and traffic is looking to turn into the road, the pedestrian always has the priority. And finally, all road users must give way to people on zebra and parallel crossings.

• Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces – this guidance focuses on environments where people may be walking, cycling and riding with one another. It’s important that everyone respects one another, and does not cause obstructions or endanger others in any way. Cyclists are also asked not to pass quickly, or close to others, especially when coming from behind. Furthermore, cyclists should always use a bell to alert others to their presence and when passing by a horse should never do so on the left.

• Cyclists’ position on the road – more guidance has been offered in regards to how cyclists should position themselves when on the road. When cycling alone, they’re advised to position themselves in the centre of the road when it’s quiet, in slow-moving traffic, at junctions or on narrow roads. When cycling in a group, they’re advised to ride two abreast as it’s safer to do so. But they’re instructed to always be considerate of other road users. 

• Overtaking – when overtaking a cyclist or horse rider, you’re permitted to cross the white line on the road as long as whoever you’re overtaking is travelling at 10mph or less. Further guidance has also been given on how much space to leave when passing. You should leave 1.5 metres for a cyclist, two metres for horses and two metres for pedestrians. 

• Cycling at junctions – when turning in or out of a side road, cyclists should always give way to pedestrians who are walking or waiting to cross. Cyclists are also encouraged to use cycle lanes at junctions wherever possible.

• Cycling or riding horses at roundabouts – all drivers need to give cyclists and horse riders priority on roundabouts. Drivers are also not allowed to overtake cyclists or riders on roundabouts, and should allow them to move across their path as they head around the roundabout. 

• Parking, charging and leaving vehicles – when charging an electric vehicle, drivers should ensure that the car is parked as close as possible to the charging port so as not to cause a trip hazard with the charging cable. Plus, they should display warning signs to alert others that charging is in process and pack everything away properly after use. The updated Highway Code also provides information on a new way that drivers should leave their cars. 

The Dutch Reach – The new way to open your car door

As mentioned above, the new driving laws that have been introduced in 2022 include a new way of opening your car door. Known as the Dutch Reach, instead of simply getting out of the car in an orthodox way, drivers are now required to use their left hand. By doing this, it means that they will have to swivel their body – meaning they’re more likely to spot any hazards or people on the pavement. 

The Dutch Reach will now be the way all drivers should be opening their doors – take a look at the video below to see how it works. 

New driving laws for business owners who use a vehicle 

For businesses that use vehicles as part of their day-to-day operations, there are a number of things they should be aware of. As well as all of the other Highway Code changes that will impact business vehicles, rules on driving in the EU have also changed.

The GB sticker that was used in Europe for more than 100 years is now no longer valid; instead, a new UK car sticker is required that must be stuck alongside your number plate.

Plus, from July 2022, all new vehicles will be fitted with speed limiters to improve road safety and minimise accidents. This means that any new vehicles your business purchases from this point on will have this feature as standard.

At The Windscreen Company, we provide a whole host of quality windscreen services that ensure you and other road users remain safe when out and about. From repairing minor scratches to replacing entire windscreens in the unfortunate event of a crack, we operate across the South East and West Midlands, getting drivers back on the roads as quickly as possible. For more information, get in touch with our team today.        

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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