Highway Code Rules Most Drivers Forget

Most people study the Highway Code closely before their theory test, then rarely open it again. Over time, habits replace the rules, and some important points quietly slip out of memory. This guide covers Highway Code rules that many experienced drivers forget, including several updates made in 2022 that some motorists still have not caught up with.

The Highway Code applies in England, Scotland and Wales, and some of its rules are legal requirements while others are advice. It is updated from time to time, so always check the official source on GOV.UK for the latest wording.

The Hierarchy of Road Users

One of the biggest changes in 2022 introduced a hierarchy of road users. Those who can cause the greatest harm in a collision have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others.

• Who is at the top: Pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable, followed by cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.
• What it means for drivers: Car, van, bus and lorry drivers carry more responsibility to look out for, and take care around, more vulnerable people.
• What it does not mean: Everyone still has a duty to behave responsibly, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Giving Way to Pedestrians at Junctions

Many drivers still believe pedestrians should wait for traffic when crossing a side road. Since 2022, the guidance has changed.

• Turning into a road: When you are turning into or out of a junction, you should give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into.
• Zebra crossings: You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, not only those already on it.
• Parallel crossings: These combine a zebra crossing with a cycle crossing, and drivers should give way to both pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross.

Passing Cyclists, Horses and Pedestrians

Close passes are frightening and dangerous. The updated Highway Code gives clear minimum distances as guidance.

• Cyclists: Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, and more space at higher speeds.
• Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles: Pass at speeds under 10 mph and leave at least 2 metres of space.
• Pedestrians walking in the road: Where there is no pavement, allow at least 2 metres and pass slowly.
• When it is not safe: Wait behind and only overtake when you can do so with that space. Patience costs seconds, not minutes.

The Dutch Reach and Opening Doors

Opening a car door into the path of a cyclist can cause serious injuries. The Highway Code now recommends a technique known as the Dutch Reach.

• How it works: Open the door with the hand on the opposite side to the door, so a driver uses their left hand to open the right-hand door.
• Why it helps: The movement turns your body and head, making it natural to look over your shoulder for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Passengers too: Passengers should check before opening doors, especially when getting out on the road side.

Rules for Lights, Horn and Signals

Lights and the horn are for communication and safety, but they are often misused.

• Fog lights: Use them when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see more than 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves, because they can dazzle others and hide your brake lights.
• Flashing headlights: The Highway Code says you should only flash your headlights to let other road users know you are there. It is not a signal to tell someone to go, so do not assume another driver is giving way when they flash.
• Using the horn: The horn is a warning, not a sign of anger. You must not use it while stationary, or when driving in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am, unless another road user poses a danger.
• Signalling clearly: Signal in good time and cancel indicators after use. A forgotten indicator can mislead pedestrians and other drivers.

Junction and Lane Rules People Ignore

Some of the most commonly broken rules relate to positioning and lane discipline.

• Yellow box junctions: You must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. You may enter and wait when turning right if you are only stopped by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
• Middle lane hogging: On motorways, you should keep in the left lane unless overtaking, and return to the left once you have passed slower vehicles. Staying in the middle lane when the left is clear can be treated as careless driving.
• Overtaking on the left: On motorways you should not overtake on the left, except in queuing traffic where lanes are moving at different speeds.
• Advanced stop lines for cyclists: At traffic lights with a cycle box, drivers must stop at the first white line and not enter the box when the lights are red.

Parking Rules Worth Remembering

Parking mistakes can block visibility for everyone and put pedestrians at risk.

• Near junctions: Do not park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space.
• At night: When parking at night on a road, park in the direction of traffic flow unless you are in a recognised parking space.
• Dropped kerbs and crossings: Do not park where you would block dropped kerbs used by wheelchair users, people with prams and cyclists.
• Engine idling: Switch off your engine when parked, as unnecessary idling causes pollution and can be an offence.

Rules About Phones and Distractions

It is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone, sat-nav or similar device while driving or riding a motorcycle, including when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. Hands-free use is allowed, but you can still be prosecuted if you are not in proper control of the vehicle. The safest approach is to set up your route and music before you move and leave the phone alone until you are safely parked.

Motorway Rules That Slip Out of Memory

Motorways have their own set of rules, and some of the most important ones are easy to forget if you only use them occasionally.

• Red X signals: A red X above a lane on a gantry means the lane is closed. You must not drive in that lane, as it may be protecting a broken-down vehicle or emergency services.
• Joining the motorway: Traffic on the slip road should adjust its speed to merge into a safe gap. Drivers already on the motorway should, where safe, help by moving over or adjusting speed, but they do not have to.
• Breaking down: If possible, leave at the next exit or pull into an emergency area or the hard shoulder. Get out on the side away from traffic, stand behind the barrier where safe and call for help.
• Reversing and U-turns: You must never reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow on a motorway.

Quick Tips for Keeping Your Knowledge Fresh

• Read through the latest Highway Code once a year, even briefly.
• Practise the Dutch Reach until it becomes automatic.
• Watch out for pedestrians at the mouth of side roads before turning.
• Check your following distance using the two-second rule in good conditions, doubling it in the wet.
• Consider a refresher lesson if you have been away from driving for a while.
• Check the official source when you hear about changes, rather than relying on social media posts.

Final Thoughts

Forgetting Highway Code rules is easy, but refreshing them takes only a little time. The 2022 changes put more emphasis on protecting people walking, cycling and riding horses, and many long-standing rules about lights, junctions and parking remain widely ignored. Revisit the official guidance regularly and you will drive more safely and confidently.