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FEBRUARY 2022 | 35
Motoring
UPDATES TO THE HIGHWAY CODE
Drivers are being warned about eleven new and updated highway laws that could catch them out .
The motoring experts at LeaseCar . uk have revealed some of the lesser known , recently introduced rules that motorists might not know .
Updated regulations range from it being legally required to get a good night ’ s sleep before embarking on big journeys , to now having to leave much larger gaps between vehicles on icy roads .
Other updates include safety measures and on motorways , reiterating sensible driving , and a ‘ hierarchy of road users ’, which prioritises pedestrians and cyclists over all other road users .
A spokesperson for LeaseCar . uk said : “ Every sensible motorist knows that exceeding the speed limit and drink driving is illegal and dangerous .
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Some of their recent amendments , like asking drivers to ‘ focus on the road ahead when passing an incident ’ are generally common sense , but it ’ s better to be written down
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“ Many won ’ t realise , though , that new rules are constantly being added to the Highway Code . Their amends are usually quite straightforward , but the reminder never hurts .
“ The laws make being a road user safer and it ’ s important for every driver to understand the updates . The Highway Code has more than 300 rules and many people don ’ t give the 150-page book a second thought after passing their theory test .
“ Some of their recent amendments , like asking drivers to ‘ focus on the road ahead when passing an incident ’ are generally common sense , but it ’ s better to be written down .
“ Acknowledging , applying and sharing these new and updated rules could save a life .”
LeaseCar . uk ’ s reminder of new Highway Code rules to note :
1 . Awareness of stopping distance is crucial for any driver , but especially those who travel on fast roads . The gap should be doubled on wet roads , but an update to the rules means drivers should leave a gap up to ten times greater when travelling at high speeds on icy terrain .
2 . A ‘ hierarchy of road users ’ has been introduced , to help protect those that are most at risk of harm . Pedestrians are at the top of the hierarchy , with priority going to children and those less mobile . Cyclists are next , followed by horse-riders , then motorcyclists , cars and taxis , vans and minibuses , coaches and finally heavy goods vehicles .
3 . An update to the rules means sleepy drivers can ’ t stop in emergency areas of the motorway or road . This is in addition to the hard shoulder . The Highway Code also tells drivers to get enough sleep before setting off and to take rest breaks at service stations . 4 . It also recommends that drivers have high vis clothing in the vehicle , and a mobile containing emergency contacts on them .
5 . People that hog lanes on fast roads are often moaned about for being a nuisance , but it is also an extremely dangerous thing to do . An update to the Highway Code rule number 138 states that road users on a dual carriageway with three or more lanes , can use righthand lanes to overtake , but they should return to the left-hand lane . Rule 264 now states ‘ keep in the left lane unless overtaking ’.
6 . There is an extra clause added to ‘ be aware emergency services , traffic officers , recovery workers and other people or vehicles that have stopped ’ and encourages those in the left lane , to move into the adjacent lane if it ’ s safe .
7 . An update also states that drivers should check all their mirrors and slow down ahead of entering foggy areas .
8 . Drivers can ’ t reverse or drive against the traffic on a motorway and amended text to highway code rule 263 adds slip roads , hard shoulders , and emergency areas too .
9 . The Highway Code also recommends that drivers who are deaf , hard of hearing or speech-impaired should register for the 999- text service called emergencySMS . net , so they can receive help on busy roads quickly and safely if needed .
10 . People that hold provisional licences can ’ t drive on the motorway , unless they are driving a dual controlled car with L plates on , and they are accompanied by a DVSA approved instructor . Motorcyclists with a provisional can ’ t practice on the motorway and pedestrians , cyclists , riders of motorcycles under 50cc , horse riders shouldn ’ t be on there either .
11 . Motorways are also having a revamp , motorists will be warned of any upcoming hazards , like a spillage , an incident , fog , road workers with signs above lanes . Red flashing light signals and a red ‘ X ’ on a sign indicate a closed lane in which hazards are present . Drivers must follow instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to most safely to an open lane .