Motorists beware! Do you know the 7 big changes to driving laws in 2022?

Motorists are being urged to brush up on their highway code knowledge with a series of big changes to driving laws coming into force in 2022.

Campaigners have warned one of the biggest changes that requires drivers to have more responsibility to look out for cyclists and pedestrians has not been promoted widely enough.

The Highway Code, which contains advice and rules for people on Britain's roads, is expected to be amended this month to introduce a risk-based hierarchy of road users.

Other changes include changes to priorities at junctions, new laws on the use of mobile phones, minimum overtaking distances and the introduction of speed limiters in new cars.

"These changes have legal implications. Just as we saw with the introduction of other road safety measures like mandatory seat belts and stricter drink driving laws, the public needs to be accurately informed about the new rules.”

Cyclists given priority over drivers at junctions

Priority for pedestrians

More room must be left for cyclists 

Mobile phone loophole banned

New £70 fines from councils

Sleepy drivers risk unlimited fines

Speed limiters in new cars

When are they coming into force?

Changes to the Highway Code will come into force on January 29 if they are approved by Parliament.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

We can see the reasons for the proposed changes and of course believe the intention is to provide safety for all road users - we will keep you posted with any updates as things progress.

“The upcoming changes to the Highway Code are a reminder that all road users have a responsibility to look after one another, in particular the most vulnerable ones: pedestrian, cyclists, other two-wheeled transport and horse riders.

“The encouragement of more ‘active travel’ and a boom in deliveries by people on bicycles has transformed road use to some extent, and the Highway Code needed to be updated to reflect that.

“As most people do not read the Highway Code once they have passed their test, all drivers will need to ensure they read and understand the new rules before they become live in January.” Edmund King, AA president.

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