Sep 17, 2021, 21:23 PM by Robin Sutton

The Highway Code has new rules and changes to some existing rules. A total of 33 existing rules have been amended and two new rules introduced, with a number of amendments made to the additional information annexes. There are some fundamental changes which potentially impact on your day to day driving!

A Major change in the revised Highway Code is to create a “hierarchy” of road users that puts greater responsibility for ensuring the safety of all road users on those who can do the most damage. For example, if you find yourself driving along next to a cyclist, you, as a driver, have a burden of responsibility to ensure the safety of the cyclist. That’s not to say that the cyclist has no responsibility for their own safety, but it does mean that you’ll face the toughest questions should anything happen.

The Highway Code can be viewed here:  The Revised Highway Code.

This graphic illustrates the hierarchy of users - click on graphic to enlarge.

 

Details of all the changes and additions can be viewed at the links below:

Rules for Drivers and Motorcyclists 89 to 102

General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)

Driving in adverse weather conditions (226 to 237)

Waiting and parking (238 to 252)

Motorways (253 to 274)

Breakdowns and incidents (275 to 287)

Road works, level crossings and tramways (288 to 307)

Light signals controlling traffic

Signals to other road users

Traffic signs

Annex 4. The road user and the law