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Highway Code

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Give space. Pass with care.

Everyone deserves to get home safely.

Find out more about our close pass campaign. Raising awareness on what it is and why it matters.

text reads give 1.5m plus space. pass cyclists with care

Overview

The Highway Code provides rules and guidance for all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, to help keep everyone safe.

Some rules are legal requirements (“must/must not”) and breaking these is a criminal offence. Others are advisory but may be used as evidence in court.

To read the full Highway Code, please visit The Highway Code - GOV.UK.

What changed in 2022?

Updates introduced on 29 January 2022 focus on improving safety for the most vulnerable road users.

Hierarchy of road users

A new approach puts those most at risk at the top:

  1. Pedestrians (especially children, older adults, disabled people)
  2. Cyclists
  3. Horse riders
  4. Motorcyclists
  5. Cars and taxis
  6. Vans and minibuses
  7. Large vehicles (HGVs, buses)

This means those who can cause the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce danger.

Key rule changes

To see a summary of the key rule changes, please see the list below. Click the plus + sign. To close, please click the minus – sign.

  • Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions
  • Pedestrians have priority at zebra and parallel crossings
  • If someone has started crossing, traffic must wait

  • Cyclists should be considerate to pedestrians and other users
  • Slow down when needed and give space
  • Use a bell or voice to alert others when approaching

  • Cyclists may ride in the centre of their lane in certain situations
  • This improves visibility and reduces unsafe overtaking
  • Particularly important on quiet roads, at junctions, or where roads narrow

Drivers should allow for space when overtaking, the minimum distances are:

  • 1.5 metres when passing cyclists (more at higher speeds)
  • 2 metres when passing horses or pedestrians

  • Cyclists going straight ahead have priority over vehicles that are turning
  • Drivers should check carefully before turning across cyclists

  • Drivers should give priority to cyclists on roundabouts
  • Do not overtake cyclists within their lane
  • Take extra care not to cut across them

  • Open your car door using the opposite hand
  • This helps you turn and check for cyclists or pedestrians
  • Reduces risk of 'dooring' collisions

  • Avoid trailing cables that create trip hazards
  • Park close to charge points
  • Keep cables tidy and out of pedestrian routes

Why these changes matter

These updates aim to:

  • Improve safety for women and girls, particularly when walking or cycling
  • Encourage more people to choose active travel
  • Reduce road danger and serious injuries
  • Create safer, more inclusive public spaces

Learn more

For full details and information on all of the rules, please visit The Highway Code - GOV.UK.

A selection of the rules can be seen below in picture form. Use the forward and back arrows on the side of the images below to view.

Active Travel Stop for people zebra crossing2