UK drivers warned of penalties over Highway Code ignorance

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

Nearly 66 per cent of UK licence holders have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test, despite almost 90 rule changes since 2020.

Drivers have been warned they risk penalties and prosecution after failing to read new road rules. Nearly 90 named-rule amendments have been made to the Highway Code since 2020, but almost two-thirds of motorists have not checked it since passing their test.

Analysis by National Accident Helpline found 66 per cent of licence holders have never refreshed their knowledge, leaving many unaware of measures designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The study revealed that 49 per cent of motorists are not confident they understand the code, raising concerns about confusion and avoidable crashes. Fewer than half of drivers surveyed, at 47 per cent, knew about recent updates to driving regulations.

Awareness of specific rules is particularly low. Only 21 per cent of drivers know that cyclists may pass slow-moving or stationary traffic on either side of a vehicle. Just 52 per cent correctly identified that drivers should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction, while 33 per cent were unaware of restrictions on hand-held mobile phone use behind the wheel.

John Kushnick, legal director at National Accident Helpline, urged all road users to stay up to date. He said: 'Ignorance of changes to driving laws or the Highway Code puts everyone using our roads at an increased risk of accident or injury. Keeping up to date can help protect drivers and passengers, as well as vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.'

A Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency revealed that 448,137 people were subscribed to official Highway Code email alert updates in 2025. That figure represents roughly one per cent of the 41 million licence holders in the UK.

How it is being reported

• Highway Code warning as UK drivers risk penalties over rule changesUK drivers have been warned they risk fines, bans and prison after research revealed millions have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test.Andover Advertiser · 24 Oct, 09:41
• Highway Code warning as UK drivers risk penalties over rule changesUK drivers have been warned they risk fines, bans and prison after research revealed millions have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test.Basingstoke Gazette · 24 Oct, 09:41
• Highway Code warning as UK drivers risk penalties over rule changesUK drivers have been warned they risk fines, bans and prison after research revealed millions have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test.Romsey Advertiser · 24 Oct, 09:41

In this story: National Accident Helpline · Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency · John Kushnick · UK

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