A change to the Highway Code introduced in 2022 is still catching many drivers out, and breaking it could lead to serious penalties.
New Rules Now Prioritise Pedestrians at Junctions
The updated Highway Code states that drivers must now give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions, not just those already in the road. This change means that any junction with a pavement can now be treated like a crossing point. Despite being in place for over two years, the rule still appears to go unnoticed by many motorists across the UK.
Failing to Comply Could Result in Serious Penalties
Drivers who ignore waiting pedestrians at junctions risk being charged with careless driving, which can carry a fine of up to £5,000 and as many as nine penalty points. In most cases, a fixed penalty notice will be issued – typically a £100 fine and three points – but even this can lead to higher insurance premiums and lasting consequences for a driver’s record. Should you find yourself in this predicament, there is a London law firm like forsters.co.uk/ you can contact who can provide guidance.
Rule Confusion Linked to Lack of Awareness
Many drivers claim they never heard about the 2022 change, partly due to how it was communicated. The Highway Code uses the word “should” rather than “must”, which has created uncertainty about whether the rule is legally binding. This ambiguity, combined with limited public messaging, has left some road users unaware they’re even breaking the law. GOV.UK has a detailed outline of the Highway Code to keep you up to date.
Why Driver Education Still Matters
Experts believe more regular reminders are needed to keep drivers up to date with Highway Code changes. Since most people never review the rules after passing their test, minor updates often go unnoticed. Better awareness could help reduce penalties, lower accident risks and create safer roads for everyone.
Even small rule changes can carry big consequences when ignored. It’s vital that drivers stay up to date with law changes to avoid any costly fines.