Little-known UK driving law that changed in 2022 still catches out millions & breaking it could land you HUGE fine
Worse still, breaking this newish rule could result in hefty penalties - including up to nine points on a driving licence and, in extreme cases, a £5,000 fine.
3
Millions of drivers are still unaware of a Highway Code rule introduced in 2022 – breaking it could cost up to £5,000 in fines
Credit: Getty
3
Many drivers remain unaware of the Highway Code tweak that makes every junction a pedestrian crossing
Credit: Getty
3
Breaking the rule could evem land you with nine points on your driving license
Credit: Getty
In early 2022, the Highway Code was tweaked and saw motorists forced to give priority to pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions, not just those already crossing.
This means that every junction with a pavement is effectively a pedestrian crossing.
But it seems many drivers remain unaware of this rule and often ignore waiting pedestrians - which, in turn, leaves them at risk of being charged with careless driving if an accident occurs.
Indeed, the maximum penalty for careless driving is nine points on a driving licence and an eye-watering £5,000 fine.
Read more Motors News
Careless driving not only carries the punishment of points and a fine, it's very likely a driver's insurance premium will go up as a result
Gerry Bucke, Adrian Flux
Gerry Bucke, general manager of specialist motor insurance brokers Adrian Flux, told Sun Motors: 'We all know that there is a huge percentage of drivers on the road who have passed their theory test and never looked at the Highway Code since.
'We know that there are a lot of people that are not going to be aware of subtle changes to the wording of driving laws so to them this still feels like a secret pedestrian rule.
'The fact it was introduced in January 2022 will be of little comfort to them should they be charged for breaking it.
'Careless driving not only carries the punishment of points and a fine, it's very likely a driver's insurance premium will go up as a result.
Most read in Motors
'We all need to make sure we're doing our bit to better educate drivers and, of course, help provide a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers.'
For those caught breaking the rule, they'll most likely be slapped with a fixed penalty notice - which carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and the potential of three penalty points.
EV6 Kia EV6 GT is a ridiculously fast SUV that even boils your kettle - but can it beat £158k Porsche 911 in drag race
The updated Highway Code, part of eight changes that came into effect in January, 2022, states 'other traffic should give way' to pedestrians 'when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction' and 'if people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road'.
Of course, motorists must also give way to 'people on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing'.
BLISSFULLY UNAWARE
For many, the change to the rules really did seem to pass them by.
Online discussions on places like X or
reveal wide-reaching confusion and frustration around the rule.
Some drivers have pointed out that the term "should" in the Highway Code's wording has created ambiguity - compared to the more definitive "must."
As Bucke highlighted, many drivers are seemingly unaware of these changes because they haven't revisited the Highway Code since passing their theory tests.
He also warns that careless driving offences could lead to increased insurance premiums.
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By helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season, Jota completed the full set of domestic trophies after the Reds lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021/22. Although injury and competition for places restricted Jota's contribution, he still scored key goals as Arne Slot's side claimed a record-equalling 20th English championship. What turned out to be the last of his 65 strikes for the Reds was the only goal in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in February. It was typical Jota. While Everton defenders hesitated, the small but strong Portuguese forward bustled on to the ball, beat two men and buried the ball in the net. Jota had bumps in the road before reaching the top of the game with Liverpool and Portugal. After making his debut for Pacos de Ferreira at the age of 17, he moved to Atletico Madrid at 19. But he soon went on loan to Porto, where he did well enough to attract the attention of ambitious Wolves, who were then in the Championship. 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