There have been 8 significant changes made to the Highway Code since 2022, including the restructuring of the 'hierarchy of road users', which has provided clarity over who has right of way at junctions.
These changes are designed to improve road safety for people walking, cycling, and riding horses, so it's essential that drivers are aware of the new regulations and follow them accordingly.
To help you understand the recent Highway Code changes, we have collated all the key information you need. We've also highlighted the responsibilities drivers need to uphold to ensure their safety on the road and to protect other vulnerable road users.
1. New 'hierarchy of road users'
The Highway Code was updated on 29th January to include rules on the new 'hierarchy of road users'. This is one of the most significant changes to the Highway Code, as it clearly defines the road users most at risk in a collision and highlights who should be prioritised on the roads.
Drivers of vehicles at the bottom of the hierarchy are considered more capable of causing harm in the event of a collision and have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger to others.
The new 'hierarchy of road users' is:
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Horse riders
Motorcyclists
Cars/taxis
Vans/minibuses
Large passenger vehicles/HGVs
These changes give priority to pedestrians and cyclists; however, all road users have a responsibility to ensure their own safety and protect others, so they need to be vigilant whilst on the road.
2. Pedestrians crossing the road at junctions
The updated Highway Code includes new rules to improve pedestrian safety. It now clarifies that:
Traffic should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at a junction.
If pedestrians have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, then the traffic should give way. This is because the people crossing have priority.
People driving, riding a motorcycle, or cycling must give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing and those walking or cycling on a parallel crossing. (Similar to a zebra crossing but includes a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes)
3. Walking, cycling, or riding in shared spaces
Some routes and spaces are shared by people walking, cycling, and riding horses, so it's extremely important that you're always aware of your surroundings to keep these areas safe for everyone. The Highway Code dictates that pedestrians should avoid obstructing or endangering cyclists and horse riders whenever they're walking in shared spaces. However, for cyclists, there are more specific regulations which include:
Not passing pedestrians walking, riding a horse, or driving a horse-drawn vehicle closely or at a high speed, particularly if travelling towards them from behind.
Slowing down or stopping when necessary and letting pedestrians know they are there, for example, by ringing their bell.
Remembering that pedestrians walking may be deaf, blind, or partially sighted, extra care should be taken.
Do not pass a horse on the horse's left, and be sure to leave plenty of room when overtaking.
4. Positioning on the road when cycling
There is new guidance in the Highway Code about where cyclists should position themselves on the road, which includes:
Riding in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or sections where the road becomes narrow. This allows cyclists to be as visible as possible to other road users.
Keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them. Cyclists should keep further away from the kerb edge than this if it's safe to do so.
5. Overtaking when driving or cycling
The regulations on safe passing distances and speeds for those overtaking vulnerable road users have been updated in the recent Highway Code changes. Drivers now need to:
Leave at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and give even more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
Overtake horse-riders, and those driving horse-drawn vehicles at less than 10mph, and give at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) of space.
Allow a minimum of 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keep to a low speed when passing people walking on the road, such as when there's no pavement.
If it's not possible to meet these requirements, then drivers should be prepared to slow down and wait behind the other road user until it's safe to overtake.
The updated Highway Code also clarifies that cyclists can pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left. However, this should always be done cautiously, as they may not be seen as easily by drivers. Long vehicles, in particular, have blind spots which can be dangerous for cyclists.
The general rule of thumb is that if you can't see the vehicle's wing mirrors, then the driver won't be able to see you, and so you should avoid overtaking.
6. People cycling at junctions
The Highway Code has been adapted to provide clarification on how cyclists can act safely at junctions. The guidance now highlights that when turning into or out of a side road, cyclists should give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross.
In addition, the code clarifies that cyclists who are going straight ahead at a junction have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.
7. People cycling, riding a horse, and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
To help ensure the safety of vulnerable road users on roundabouts, the Highway Code has been changed to give priority to cyclists on roundabouts. The new guidance highlights that people driving or riding a motorcycle should:
Do not attempt to overtake cyclists who are in your lane.
Allow cyclists to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout.
Additional guidance has also been included to clarify that drivers should ensure they do not cut across cyclists, horse-riders, or those driving a horse-drawn vehicle who are continuing around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.
8. Parking, charging and leaving vehicles
The 'waiting and parking' section of the Highway Code has been updated to include a new technique for exiting vehicles called the 'Dutch Reach'. This method involves you opening your vehicle door with the hand on the opposite side of the door you're opening. For example, using your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. The purpose of this technique is to encourage drivers to turn their heads and look over their shoulders to check for hazards before opening their doors.
The UK Government is actively encouraging the use of electric vehicles, and so there have been significant investments in the EV charging point infrastructure. The Highway Code has therefore been adapted to include guidelines around how to safely use EV charging points. It's advised that when drivers are using these charge points, they should:
Park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard from trailing cables.
Display a warning sign, if possible.
Return charging cables and connectors to the correct location, minimising the risk to others and preventing an obstacle for other road users.
Recent and Upcoming Highway Code Changes (2025 & 2026)
Since the major overhaul in 2022, the Highway Code has continued to evolve. Several updates were introduced in 2025, and further changes are expected around 2026, particularly where related to parking rules, traffic signs, and broader road-safety legislation.
Key Highway Code Updates in 2025
Here are the main changes that took effect in 2025, according to the official government guidance on The Highway Code updates:
Parking restrictions in Scotland: Rules were clarified to state that motorists must not park where a kerb has been lowered and must not park on pavements in Scotland. These clarifications help improve accessibility for pedestrians and those using mobility aids.
Traffic sign updates: Amendments were published to simplify certain traffic signs (for example, buses and cycles only and trams only signs no longer require the word only to be displayed).
You can view these updates directly on the official UK government page for Highway Code updates here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/updates.
Expected and Proposed Changes for 2026
At present, there are no officially confirmed Highway Code rule changes specifically labelled for 2026 on the government Highway Code updates page, but other related road-use legislation is changing. For example:
Changes to street works legislation will come into effect from 5 January 2026, affecting how highway authorities manage work zones and lane rentals, which can influence road safety and traffic flow.
Additionally, government and transport sources have signalled that broader road-safety proposals such as compulsory eye tests for older drivers may feature in wider road policy discussions (though these are not yet part of a confirmed Highway Code rule update).
The growth of electric vehicle (EV) charging roads reflects the UK Government's wider push to support EV adoption and improve charging accessibility. Trials of wireless and on-road charging technology aim to allow electric vehicles to charge while stationary or moving, reducing range anxiety and supporting fleets transitioning away from petrol and diesel vehicles. As this technology develops, drivers will need to stay aware of any new road markings, signage, or Highway Code guidance linked to its use.
Alongside this, the proposed EV pay-per-mile tax has been widely discussed as a potential long-term replacement for fuel duty, as more drivers switch to electric vehicles. While no pay-per-mile tax has been introduced yet, the idea is to charge drivers based on distance travelled rather than fuel consumption. If implemented in the future, this could significantly impact how drivers and businesses calculate running costs and plan their vehicle usage, making it important to stay informed on any policy developments.
Why and how you should stay up-to-date with highway code changes
Keeping pace with changes to road rules helps both individual drivers and fleet operators avoid penalties and stay lawful and safe on the road. Below are practical steps you can take…
Resources to Monitor for Updates
Official Highway Code Update Page (GOV.UK): The primary source for confirmed rule changes and clarifications — see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/updates.
Department for Transport (DfT) news releases: Policy shifts and consultations are often published here first.
DVSA updates: Any changes related to driving tests or road safety guidance are issued via the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
Tips for Staying Current with Road Rules
Regularly review the Highway Code online: Official updates aren't always widely publicised outside Government channels.
Subscribe to fleet compliance newsletters: Many industry bodies and fleet management organisations summarise key changes.
Include Highway Code review in driver training: Annual refresher sessions help drivers internalise rule updates rather than only learning them at test time.
Road Safety Awareness and Compliance
Encourage drivers to self-audit their knowledge periodically rather than relying on memory from when they took their tests.
Use tools such as online quizzes and Highway Code apps to test understanding of updated rules.
Align company policy with both legal requirements and guidance around vulnerable road users to mitigate risk.
Responsibility for fleets
It's essential that drivers familiarise themselves with the new Highway Code changes so that they can remain safe and lawful on the road.
Businesses are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are aware of these changes and understand how they will affect the way they drive. This is important as it will not only help to prevent collisions but can save your business from financial penalties and prosecution, which can occur if drivers fail to understand and follow the new changes.
Our range of fuel cards can help businesses monitor their drivers' behaviour to ensure that they're acting responsibly. You'll also be able to easily track your fuel expenditure online, which can help to save you time and money. If you're interested in finding out more, then call our expert team at 0113 202 5110, so we can determine which fuel card is right for your needs.
Highway Code changes: FAQs
What are the most recent Highway Code changes?
The most significant Highway Code changes were introduced in 2022, but further updates and clarifications have continued since then. These include changes to parking rules, traffic signs, pedestrian priority, and guidance around shared road use. Drivers are expected to follow the most up-to-date version of the Highway Code, even if they passed their driving test before these changes came into force.
What Highway Code changes were introduced in 2025?
The Highway Code changes in 2025 focused mainly on clarifying existing rules rather than introducing a full overhaul. Updates included clearer guidance on pavement parking in Scotland, changes to the wording and layout of certain traffic signs, and continued emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users. These changes help ensure the rules remain consistent with modern road use and accessibility requirements.
Are there any further changes to the Highway Code expected in 2026?
As of now, there are no confirmed major Highway Code changes scheduled specifically for 2026. However, wider road safety legislation, infrastructure updates, and transport policy changes may influence future Highway Code revisions. Drivers and businesses should regularly check official government updates to stay informed.
Do Highway Code changes apply to drivers who passed their test years ago?
Yes. All drivers are legally expected to follow the current version of the Highway Code, regardless of when they passed their driving test. This means long-standing drivers must stay aware of changes to the Highway Code, including updates introduced in 2025, to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
How do Highway Code changes affect businesses and fleet drivers?
For businesses, Highway Code changes can directly impact duty of care responsibilities. Employers must ensure that company drivers understand current road rules, particularly those relating to pedestrian priority, overtaking distances, and parking. Failure to keep drivers informed can increase the risk of collisions, fines, insurance claims, and legal action.
Where can I find official information on Highway Code changes?
The most reliable source for Highway Code changes is the official GOV.UK website, which publishes confirmed updates and clarifications. Drivers and fleet managers should avoid relying solely on news headlines or social media summaries and instead refer to official guidance to ensure accuracy.
