Changes to the Highway Code: rules on using motorways

For all drivers, but particularly those that drive professionally, it’s important to stay up to date with the Highway Code.

There have been changes to the rules on using motorways, so it’s as important as ever that you and your colleagues “check the Code” – and continue to do so on a regular basis.

Most recent changes

The changes just made refer to guidance on smart motorways. A total of 33 existing rules will be amended and two new rules introduced, with a number of amendments made to the additional information annexes.

These include:

• clearer advice on where to stop in an emergency
• the importance of not driving in a lane closed by a Red X
• the use of variable speed limits to manage congestion
• updated guidance on key factors that contribute to safety-related incidents, including unroadworthy vehicles, tailgating and driving in roadworks

Keep up to date

GOV.UK includes a list of the latest updates that have been made, so it’s quick and easy to see what has changed. You can also sign up for email alerts whenever the Highway Code is updated.

The Highway Code on GOV.UK allows you to:

• search for key words and phrases within The Highway Code
• quickly move between related rules
• follow links to the original laws that the rules are based on
• print sections more easily

There is also an official Highway Code app.

If you need any advice please contact our regulatory team on 01254 828300.  This article was sourced from a DVSA publication.