The official highway code

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the display of red flashing light signals and a red ‘X’ on a sign identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles and other hazards may be present

Renumbered rule 80 about giving plenty of room to long vehicles on roundabouts (it was previously rule 78). Some junctions now include small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow cyclists to move separately from or before other traffic. People cycling are encouraged to use these facilities where they make their journey safer and easier. Gripe: There’s no legal requirement for cyclists to use cycle lanes where provided. Much of the legislation relies on all road users making good judgement calls, which seems a bit ambiguous. Updated rule 125 to explain that unsafe speed increases the chances of causing a collision, as well as its severity, and that inappropriate speeds are intimidating, deterring people from walking, cycling or riding horses. Updated the list of road users you should reduce your speed when sharing the road with to include older adults, disabled people and horse drawn vehicles. The code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely. This is to:You MUST NOT do anything illegal – like using a handheld mobile phone, or similar hand-held device. There are exceptions to this, which are set out in Rule 149. Additional traffic joining from left ahead. Traffic on main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from right hand lane of slip road Source material - The Official Highway Code remains one of the source materials for all theory tests

Updated rule 66 to clarify that cyclists can ride two abreast when they consider it safer to do so but should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups. Added guidance about being considerate of horse riders. Once you’ve got your licence, you must still keep your Highway Code knowledge up to date. Every road user has a responsibility to know the rules, and frequent revision is strongly recommended. What's in the Highway Code? Traffic in right hand lane of slip road joining the main carriageway has priority over left hand lane Updated rule 211 to tell drivers not to turn at a junction if it would cause a cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve. Added guidance about turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic to give way to cyclists and motorcyclists on the inside of traffic you are crossing.

While reading through the code, you'll see some items are marked by the phrase 'Must/Must not' - these are the laws of the roads, and will result in prosecution if not followed properly. Some rules use the terms 'should/should not' or 'do/do not', which will not by themselves result in prosecution - but they could be used as evidence in court to establish liability. Updated Highway Code rules Added a new rule H1 about the importance of knowing The Highway Code, being considerate to other road users, and the responsibility of road users to reduce the danger they pose to others.