The Highway Code – Who Has Priority And Other Rules

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, so we’ve put together a list of some of the most important rules you need to be aware of.

Read on to find out more.   

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In Summary

• Making the Roads Safer: The aim of these highway code rules are to improve safety by protecting the most vulnerable on the roads and encouraging mutual respect.
• Hierarchy of Road Users: The most vulnerable (pedestrians, cyclists, horses) have the highest priority; drivers have a greater responsibility to protect them.
• Giving Way to Pedestrians at Junctions: Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions and crossings.
• Safe Overtaking and Space: Drivers must give cyclists at least 1.5 metres. Two metres should be given when passing horses and pedestrians.

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Highway Code Rules 

In 2022, a number of new driving laws came into effect as a result of changes to the Highway Code. All of the changes were 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. 

Rules on 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

The new driving laws that were introduced also included a new way of opening your car door.

While it’s been a few years since this became law, many drivers still don’t know about it. Called 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 other 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 in recent years.

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, all new vehicles are now fitted with speed limiters to improve road safety and minimise accidents. This means that any new vehicles your business purchases will have this feature as standard.

FAQs

Who has priority on the road?

Generally speaking, the more vulnerable the road user, the more priority they have when on the road. For example, pedestrians and cyclists have priority over cars. Pedestrians must always be given priority at crossings and junctions. Similarly, when cyclists are turning, changing lanes or on roundabouts then vehicles must give way to them.

Drivers on main roads have priority over drivers on minor roads as they are likely to be going at greater speeds, and therefore more likely to have an accident. And all vehicles turning left have priority over those turning right.

Do pedestrians have the right of way at junctions?

Yes, according to the hierarchy of road users that was introduced in 2022, pedestrians have priority over all road users at junctions. This is because they are more vulnerable than cyclists or drivers.

Do horses have priority on roads?

Horse riders are classified as ‘vulnerable road users’ which means they have priority over cars when on the roads. Drivers can overtake horses, but must always do so on the left-hand side, go no faster than 10mph and leave a gap of at least two metres. 

Do cyclists have priority on roads?

Yes, under the hierarchy of road users, cyclists have priority over cars as they are deemed more vulnerable. This means they have priority at junctions, crossings and roundabouts. 

Drivers can still overtake but must do so safely, leaving a gap of at least 1.5 metres.

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