Highway Code rule changes LIVE – Every new 2022 change REVEALED including safety for cyclists at roundabouts & junctions

Who gets priority at roundabouts?

Cyclists and will now be given priority at roundabouts.

Drivers will not be able to overtake cyclists as they make their way around the roundabout.

Rule 187 of the Highway Code states: You [drivers] should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.

“Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path 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 you they are not leaving the roundabout.

“Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.”

How to change your address with the DVLA

To change the address on your licence, you will need:

• your driving licence
• to live in Great Britain
• to give the addresses you’ve lived at in the previous three years
• to not be banned from driving

You can change your address through the website at gov.uk.

It is also possible to change the address via post.

To do this, you need to complete the “changes” section on the letter D741 which would have come with your licence.

If you don’t have your D741, you can fill in a D1 for cars and motorbikes or D2 for lorries and vans.

These forms can be obtained from any post office.

Will you be fined for breaking the new rules?

The Highway Code is being revamped with changes kicking in from January 29, 2022.

Drivers that break the new rules will not necessarily be fined for doing so, but they could be fined if breaching the rules results in you falling into any of the categories in the Highway Code penalty table.

The penalty table lists the possible offences drivers could commit with the maximum penalty and points that could be handed out.

Rules are ‘dangerous and divisive’ say experts

This new “hierarchy of road users” is designed to protect those most at risk.

But angry drivers reckon it gives bikers free rein to break the rules.

And the Government are under fire from all sides for not publicising the shift.

Howard Cox, co-founder of FairFuel UK, said that the new rules ‘will put lives at risk’.

He explained: “MY view is that these new rules will put lives at risk rather than make our roads safer.

“The guidance that drivers should keep a minimum of 1.5 metres from a cyclist when overtaking doesn’t take account of speed and conditions.

“I cycle in a rural area where lanes are narrow and I curse drivers who come too close. If the traffic is slow, a distance of one metre is safe. At 60mph, it is not.

“Advising cyclists to go into the middle of the road doesn’t make any sense.

“It will result in road rage and more exhaust emissions as a result of cars sitting behind them in queues of congestion.”

Will my car fail an MOT with one headlight?

An annual MOT needs to be passed by all cars in the UK before they hit the road, unless they are less than three years old.

The test aims to ensure cars are in a good working condition to avoid putting drivers in potential danger.

Making sure your car is in a good enough condition to pass the test is essential, as it is illegal to drive without an MOT certificate and you could risk a huge fine.

For the car to pass an MOT, all components must be in working order – including headlights.

If for any reason, the headlights fail to work, or even show a wrong colour or point in a wrong direction, the car will immediately fail the MOT.

A blown bulb may be the main reason this happens, so you should get it replaced as soon as possible.

Giving way to pedestrians

Drivers must give way to pedestrians at junctions.

The Highway Code will state: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”

Motorists must also let pedestrians cross if they are stuck in traffic or slowly moving.

Motorists encouraged to adopt ‘Dutch Reach’ technique

Meanwhile motorists will be encouraged to adopt the so-called ‘Dutch Reach’, opening the door next to them with the opposite hand so they look over their shoulder, meaning they’re less likely to injure passing cyclists and pedestrians.

Ir’s considered a safe way of opening your car door from the inside. If you are the driver, you must now reach across your chest with your left arm to open the door rather than using the hand nearest the door.

The method is not a rule per say, but is highly encouraged within the Highway Code.

Will you be fined for breaking the new rules?

The Highway Code is being revamped with changes kicking in from January 29, 2022.

Drivers that break the new rules will not necessarily be fined for doing so, but they could be fined if breaching the rules results in you falling into any of the categories in the Highway Code penalty table.

The penalty table lists the possible offences drivers could commit with the maximum penalty and points that could be handed out.

Roads minister ‘determined to make Britain’s roads safer still’

Roads minister Baroness Vere has released a statement on Saturday’s changes.

“I’m proud to say we have some of the safest roads in the world, but I’m determined to make them safer still for everyone.

“These updates to The Highway Code will do just that by bringing the rules into the 21st century,encouraging people to respect and consider the needs of those around them and ensuring all road-users know the rules of the road.”

Changes to driving while using phones

Mobile phones are not allowed to be used at any point while at the wheel, including when stuck in traffic and when stopping at red lights.

Taking photos and videos, scrolling through a playlist and playing games will also be prohibited.

However, due to not being laid in Parliament, these changes do not come in to force on Saturday, January 29.

What does the Highway Code say about charging electric vehicles?

Electric car charging points are dotted all around the country with some also inside street lights.

However, if not used carefully, they can cause a hazard.

Rule 239 will now say: “When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables.

“Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.” 

How long do car headlights last?

It may not be a part of the Highway Code changes on Saturday – but maintaining working headlights on your car is an absolute must.

Being mindful of the lifespan of your headlights can prevent you from getting fined or causing an accident.

As both headlights are usually replaced together, losing one bulb is an indicator that both are on the way out.

So if you notice one headlight isn’t working, it’s most likely time to get both of them fixed.

The typical car headlight can last 500 to 1,000 hours, although this is not always the case, according to Sanel NAPA.

Some newer bulbs offer a higher efficiency and up to 30,000 hours of life.

The easiest way to check what the lifespan of your headlight is, is to find out what type they are.

• Halogen bulbs last between 500-1,000 hours
• HID ones go out after about 2,000 hours
• Xenon bulbs last around 10,000 hours
• LED lights are the most efficient, lasting up to 30,000 hours

Will you be fined for breaking the new rules?

The Highway Code is being revamped with changes kicking in from January 29, 2022.

Drivers that break the new rules will not necessarily be fined for doing so, but they could be fined if breaching the rules results in you falling into any of the categories in the Highway Code penalty table.

The penalty table lists the possible offences drivers could commit with the maximum penalty and points that could be handed out.

Highway Code: The main points

• Check out all the revised 2022 Highway Code coming into effect this Saturday.
• If you are a cyclist, you will be allowed to ride in the centre of the lane at certain times.
• Plus, drivers will have to give way to pedestrians in a new place, giving walkers slightly more power on the roads.

Highway Code revised to include guidance on using electric car charge points

Rule 239 of The Highway Code explains what drivers should do if they have to stop roadside.

This has now been revised to include guidance on using electric vehicle charging points that are by the kerb.

Electric car charging points are dotted all around the country with some also inside street lights.

However, if not used carefully, they can cause a hazard.

Rule 239 will now say: “When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables.

“Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.” 

How to make sure your headlights are in working order

1. Turn on your car and switch on the headlights
2. To ensure they are in working condition, wait until dark and park your car on an even surface facing a wall.
3. Walk around to the front of the vehicle and make sure the lights are bright and working.
4. If one bulb is dimmer or blown, you may need to replace both bulbs as the other is likely to follow shortly.
5. If replacing the bulbs doesn’t work, the issue is most likely a fault connection which will need to be repaired by a mechanic.

Will my car fail an MOT with one headlight?

An annual MOT needs to be passed by all cars in the UK before they hit the road, unless they are less than three years old.

The test aims to ensure cars are in a good working condition to avoid putting drivers in potential danger.

Making sure your car is in a good enough condition to pass the test is essential, as it is illegal to drive without an MOT certificate and you could risk a huge fine.

For the car to pass an MOT, all components must be in working order – including headlights.

If for any reason, the headlights fail to work, or even show a wrong colour or point in a wrong direction, the car will immediately fail the MOT.

A blown bulb may be the main reason this happens, so you should get it replaced as soon as possible.

Is it illegal to drive with one headlight?

Although driving with only one headlight might seem safe enough, it is illegal.

Failing to keep your headlights in a decent condition can seriously affect your visibility, and puts you in danger of causing an accident.

It is especially important to make sure both of your lights are in order at night and in winter conditions.

Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, “No person shall use … a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device … is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean.”

The Highway Code also states that “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear”.

If police notice you’re driving with one headlight and stop you, you will be handed a fixed penalty notice fine of £100 and three points on your licence.

Changes to the Highway Code come into force on SATURDAY

New changes to the Highway Code come into effect on Saturday – but they are currently pending parliamentary approval.

Cyclists will be advised to ride in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic, and when approaching junctions to make themselves as visible as possible.

They will be reminded they can ride two abreast – as is already the case – but must allow drivers behind them to overtake if it is safe to do so.

Will you be fined for breaking the new rules?

The Highway Code is being revamped with changes kicking in from January 29, 2022.

Drivers that break the new rules will not necessarily be fined for doing so, but they could be fined if breaching the rules results in you falling into any of the categories in the Highway Code penalty table.

The penalty table lists the possible offences drivers could commit with the maximum penalty and points that could be handed out

Major campaign launched to raise awareness of Highway Code changes

More than £500,000 will be spent raising awareness of changes to the Highway Code following concerns that many drivers do not know it is being revamped.

The Department of Transport said its road safety offshoot Think! will launch a communications drive in mid-February to ensure “road-users across the country understand their responsibilities”.

The Highway Code, which contains advice and rules for people on Britain’s roads, is set to be updated from this weekend to provide more protection for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

An AA survey of more than 13,700 drivers conducted earlier this month indicated that 33% were unaware of the changes, including four percent who had “no intention” of looking at the details.

The publicity campaign will run across radio and social media channels, with further activity later in the summer.

It will operate in partnership with Transport for London and the Scottish Government.

Keep an emergency winter kit in your car

No driver plans to break down but it happens and often at the most inconvenient times.

It’s best to keep an emergency kit in the car just in case, especially if it’s dark out and temperatures have plummeted.

It’s also worth keeping de-icer in the pack so you have some ready for those frosty mornings.

Hugo said: “A torch, a first-aid kit and some emergency food and drink may also come in handy, while keeping de-icer and a decent scraper in the car will make frosty morning starts less wearisome.” 

How to make sure your headlights are in working order

1. Turn on your car and switch on the headlights
2. To ensure they are in working condition, wait until dark and park your car on an even surface facing a wall.
3. Walk around to the front of the vehicle and make sure the lights are bright and working.
4. If one bulb is dimmer or blown, you may need to replace both bulbs as the other is likely to follow shortly.
5. If replacing the bulbs doesn’t work, the issue is most likely a fault connection which will need to be repaired by a mechanic

Will you be fined for breaking the new rules?

The Highway Code is being revamped with changes kicking in from January 29, 2022.

Drivers that break the new rules will not necessarily be fined for doing so, but they could be fined if breaching the rules results in you falling into any of the categories in the Highway Code penalty table.

The penalty table lists the possible offences drivers could commit with the maximum penalty and points that could be handed out.