Drivers face £100 fine over Highway Code change they thought was false
Motorists are being warned they could face a £100 fine due to a Highway Code change dating back to 2022, with 2 in 5 road users still unaware of the major update that was implemented three years ago. The "hierarchy" of road users was introduced with much fanfare in 2022, yet 3 out of 10 drivers admitted they were unsure if such a rule existed, while 12 per cent believed it to be false.
A whopping 85 per cent knew that drivers intending to turn left should let cyclists pass on the left before executing the manoeuvre. Meanwhile, 80 per cent were aware that drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, and provide more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
However, only half of those surveyed were aware that the updated Code formally advised of situations where cyclists could ride two abreast in the centre of the lane. Surprisingly, 56 per cent of drivers incorrectly thought long-standing rules on when a horn should not be used were introduced in 2022, reports Birmingham Live.
Not only this, but 42 per cent of people asked mistakenly believed that the national speed limit for towing a trailer or caravan had been reduced to 50mph on a single carriageway. The Highway Code change favoured cyclists and pedestrians, with drivers facing penalties of £100 for 'careless driving' behaviour.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, expressed his concern: "While the majority of drivers can recall important updates to the Highway Code, the flagship change that puts more responsibility on those behind the wheel remains unknown by too many drivers.
"Three in 10 drivers admit they haven't looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test. New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules.
"It's vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduces crashes. Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals. This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers unaware of car lights rule risk £1,000 fine after law change
Since 2011 all new cars in the UK are legally required to have 'daytime running lights', or DRLs, that come on automatically when the engine is started Motoring experts are issuing urgent warnings to drivers about a dangerous - and potentially expensive - blunder involving vehicle lighting systems, as many remain unaware of how these features actually operate. Since 2011, all fresh vehicles sold in the UK must by law feature 'daytime running lights', known as DRLs, which activate automatically once the engine starts. These energy-efficient bulbs are engineered to boost visibility and cut down on road collisions throughout daylight hours. However, in numerous instances, the DRL mechanism does NOT automatically switch on rear illumination. Should you depend on DRLs during upcoming autumn journeys with limited visibility, soaked roads covered in spray, or throughout darkness rather than activating your dipped headlights - which do force rear lights to illuminate - you're courting disaster. In extreme circumstances, mistakenly depending on daytime running lights instead of proper headlights could result in a £1,000 penalty if pulled over by officers, reports Wales Online. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explains: "DRLs have been helping to improve road safety for more than a decade now." "But I'd urge motorists to understand precisely how they work and what job they're supposed to do. "Here at Select, we've heard countless reports of people failing to illuminate their headlights and taillights while driving in poor visibility, and there's a fear motorists might mistakenly believe that their DRLs are sufficient in those sorts of conditions. They're not! "The most important thing to remember is that many DRL systems don't automatically light the rear lights. If you want to be seen by the cars who are following you, be sure to click your headlights on. According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is 'seriously reduced' - either through light conditions, rain or fog - and generally when you can't see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). "Failure to illuminate properly can lead to a £1,000 fine if spotted by the police. Taking proactive control of the different lights you use will increase your safety and reduce any risk on winter journeys."
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
Drivers issued urgent Highway Code reminder to avoid £100 fine
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 and drivers could face a hefty fine if they break the rules Drivers are being cautioned they could be hit with a £100 fine due to a Highway Code amendment from 2022, with 2 in 5 motorists still oblivious to the significant update rolled out 3 years ago. The "hierarchy" of road users was brought in with considerable publicity in 2022, yet 3 out of 10 drivers confessed they weren't certain if such a regulation existed, whilst 12 per cent thought it was untrue. An overwhelming 85 per cent understood that motorists planning to turn left must allow cyclists to pass on the left before carrying out the turn. Meanwhile, 80 per cent recognised that drivers should maintain at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, and give additional room when overtaking at greater speeds. However, only half of those polled knew that the revised code officially recommended situations where cyclists could ride two abreast in the middle of the lane, reports the Mirror. And 56 per cent of drivers wrongly assumed long-established rules about when a horn shouldn't be sounded were brought in during 2022. Not only this, but 42 per cent of respondents mistakenly thought that the national speed limit for pulling a trailer or caravan had been cut to 50mph on a single carriageway. The Highway Code modification favoured cyclists and pedestrians, with motorists facing £100 fines for 'careless driving' conduct. Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, voiced his concern, saying: "While the majority of drivers can recall important updates to the Highway Code, the flagship change that puts more responsibility on those behind the wheel remains unknown by too many drivers. "Three in 10 drivers admit they haven't looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test. New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules. "It's vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduces crashes. Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals. This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers face £100 fine over Highway Code change they thought was false
Did you know that 3 in 10 drivers admit they have not looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test? Motorists are being warned they could face a £100 fine due to a Highway Code change dating back to 2022, with 2 in 5 road users still unaware of the major update that was implemented three years ago. The "hierarchy" of road users was introduced with much fanfare in 2022, yet 3 out of 10 drivers admitted they were unsure if such a rule existed, while 12 per cent believed it to be false. A whopping 85 per cent knew that drivers intending to turn left should let cyclists pass on the left before executing the manoeuvre. Meanwhile, 80 per cent were aware that drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, and provide more space when overtaking at higher speeds. However, only half of those surveyed were aware that the updated Code formally advised of situations where cyclists could ride two abreast in the centre of the lane. Surprisingly, 56 per cent of drivers incorrectly thought long-standing rules on when a horn should not be used were introduced in 2022, reports Birmingham Live. Not only this, but 42 per cent of people asked mistakenly believed that the national speed limit for towing a trailer or caravan had been reduced to 50mph on a single carriageway. The Highway Code change favoured cyclists and pedestrians, with drivers facing penalties of £100 for 'careless driving' behaviour. Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, expressed his concern: "While the majority of drivers can recall important updates to the Highway Code, the flagship change that puts more responsibility on those behind the wheel remains unknown by too many drivers. "Three in 10 drivers admit they haven't looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test. New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules. "It's vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduces crashes. Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals. This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds."
