How well do you know the Highway Code? Take our quiz to test yourself on 10 new and updated rules

1. Who has the right of way at a junction – a driver about to turn or a pedestrian waiting to cross?

ANSWER: d) The pedestrian always 

The 29 January 2022 update to the Highway Code saw a new rule 8 wording to give pedestrians more rights at junctions.

If a person is crossing or even waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way. And if traffic is turning into the road that a pedestrian is crossing, they should wait and allow them to get to the other side.

A poll of more than 4,500 MailOnline readers found that 65 per cent of motorists ignore this rule. 

2. Cyclists should use a cycle lane when…

ANSWER: a) They want – they are not obliged to ride in them

The 29 January 2022 update provided guidance for use of cycle lanes and tracks as part of a change to rule 62 of the Highway Code. 

Where previously cyclists were encouraged to use these wherever present, a change to the wording now states: ‘While such facilities are provided for reasons of safety, cyclists may exercise their judgement and are not obliged to use them.’

3. When riding in groups, cyclists should…

ANSWER: b) Ride two abreast at any time when they feel safe to do so

While the 29 January 2022 update to rule 66 of the Highway Code says cyclists should be ‘considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups’, it adds that they ‘can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders’. 

That said, when a vehicle is approaching from behind, groups of cyclists are told they have a duty to allow a driver to overtake, for example by reverting to single file or stopping.

4. When overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, you should leave at least the following amount of space:

ANSWER: c) 1.5 metres

Another update from 29 January 2022 saw the introduction of number of scenarios where motorists need to keep a certain minimum distance from other road users when safely overtaking them as part of changes to rule 163 of the Highway Code.

This one is particularly focussed on passing cyclists in 30mph zones.

5. When overtaking horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10mph, you must allow at least this amount of space:

ANSWER: d) 2 metres

A continuation of the changes to rule 163 of the Highway Code on 29 January 2022 sees the requirement to provide at least two metres of distance between your vehicle and a horse rider when overtaking.  

6. When cyclists are travelling faster than slow-moving or stationary traffic in a queue, they can overtake on:

ANSWER: c) Either the right or left

Another facet to rule 163 of the Highway Code that was updated on 29 January 2022 is instruction for cyclists when overtaking queuing traffic – and it means drivers need to keep their wits about them.

If traffic is moving slower than a cyclist, they can pass on the left. And cyclists also ‘may pass slower moving or stationary traffic on their right or left and should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you’. 

The guidance does recommend that cyclists do this carefully, particularly on the approach to junctions, and especially when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles.

7. It is LEGAL for drivers to handle a mobile phone at the wheel for which of the following reasons:

ANSWER: b) To call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop

On 25 March 2022, the Highway Code was updated to make clear rules around the use of mobile and hand-held devices behind the wheel.

Rule 149 now states: ‘You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. 

‘You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication (such as a tablet) for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver. 

‘This ban covers all use of a hand-held interactive communication device and it applies even when the interactive communication capability is turned off or unavailable. 

‘You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation. 

‘You MUST NOT pick up and use your hand-held phone or similar device while stationary in traffic.’

8. True or false: you can use your phone to make a contactless payment at a drive-thru restaurant

ANSWER: a) True

An extension to the 25 March 2022 changes to rule 149 in the Highway Code includes an exception for use of hand-held devices if you’re paying for food in a drive-thru.

‘There is also an exception if you are using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device to make a contactless payment at a contactless payment terminal. Your vehicle MUST be stationary, and the goods or services MUST be received at the same time as, or after, the contactless payment,’ it says.

9. In the ‘hierarchy of road users’, who has the least responsibility for the safety of others?

ANSWER: c) Pedestrians

The ‘hierarchy of road users’ was introduced into the Highway Code on 29 January 2022 and places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.

 Rule H1 states that ‘those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others’. 

The rule adds: ‘This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.

‘Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.’

However, there is a caveat… 

‘None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.’

10. True or false: you only need to give way to a pedestrian at a zebra crossing if they are already on it

ANSWER: b) False

Clarification to rule 195 of the Zebra Crossing was made to the Highway Code as part of the 29 January 2022 update and the introduction of the hierarchy of road users.

It states that drivers should look out for pedestrians waiting to cross should give way in this instance.

All road users are also reminded that a zebra crossing with a central island should be treated as two separate crossings and not one.