Published 18 March 2025
Changes to the Highway Code you need to know…
Staying up to date with changes to the Highway Code and driving laws is crucial. We've put a list together of the most important updates.
What is the Highway Code?
The Highway Code sets out the rules for all road users - pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, horse riders, and more. It’s important to know these rules when taking your driving theory test.
The UK's roads are changing and here's a simple guide to the key rules and changes coming into effect.
Who has priority on the road?
The 'Hierarchy of Road Users' introduced in 2022 is still in place. This system puts the most vulnerable road users first:
Pedestrians (especially children, older adults, and disabled people)
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars and taxis
- Vans and minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles or heavy goods vehicles
It’s important to remember these three rules:
- If you're driving a larger vehicle, you have more responsibility to look out for smaller, more vulnerable road users.
- Always give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
- Don't cut in front of cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn vehicles when you're turning.
What about electric vehicles?
There are a few changes happening for those with electric vehicles and other cars:
Car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)- From 1st April, 2025, electric vehicle owners will need to pay this tax. The London Congestion Charge will also apply to all vehicles, including electric ones, from 25th December, 2025
More Electric cars on the road - Car makers must now make sure that 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans sold are fully electric in 2025.
What about other laws and changes?
There has been a push for safer driving which includes Scotland planning to introduce a 20mph speed limit in urban and residential areas across the country.
Trucks in London are also under pressure to drive more safely, as from the 4th May, all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in Greater London will need a safety permit to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
New cars are also expected to come with advanced safety features like lane-keeping assistance and emergency braking systems as standard.
Mobile phones and the Highway Code
It's still illegal to use your phone while driving. This includes taking photos, choosing music, or playing games and even when you're stopped at traffic lights.
Stay safe on the roads by keeping these rules in mind and always being aware of other road users around you.
Staying informed about the latest Highway Code changes helps you drive safely and legally. For more details, visit the official government website. You can also check out our full essential guide to driving in the UK here.
This article contains links to other sites, and we're not responsible for the contents of any of these websites.
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