The Highway Code: 8 changes you need to know

New hierarchy of road users.9 sections being updated. 50 new or updated rules.

The Highway Code on a mobile device

Rules for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.
The changes will be made to The Highway Code from 29 January 2022.

There are changes in 8 important areas:

  • introducing a new hierarchy of road users
  • crossing the road at junctions
  • walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
  • positioning in the road when cycling
  • overtaking when driving or cycling
  • cycling at junctions
  • people cycling, riding horses and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
  • parking, charging and leaving vehicles
Find out what’s changing
Why staying up to date is important

It’s important that everyone understands their responsibility for the safety of other road users.

Many of the rules in the code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you’re committing a criminal offence.

If you do not follow the other rules in the code, it can be used in evidence in court proceedings to establish liability.