What did the analysis find?
National Accident Helpline, a personal injury claims service, counted each time a named rule was amended in the Highway Code's official update log on GOV.UK between 2020 and 2025, and got 88. That count excludes changes to annexes, signs and supporting text. Many are small wording changes, but some, like the January 2022 update, changed how drivers should behave around pedestrians and cyclists.
Its driver survey found:
| Finding | Drivers |
|---|---|
| Have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test | 66% |
| Not confident they understand the Highway Code | 49% |
| Know you should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction | 52% |
| Unaware of the restrictions on hand-held phone use while driving | 33% |
| Know cyclists may pass slow or stationary traffic on either side | 21% |
| Don't keep up with changes at all | 34% |
A Freedom of Information request to DVLA showed 448,137 people subscribed to Highway Code update alerts in 2025, about 1% of the roughly 41 million licence holders.
We could not find National Accident Helpline's own release, so these figures come from its analysis as reported by Yahoo News UK and Brit Brief. The coverage does not give the survey's sample size or dates.
Quick quiz: 5 rules many drivers get wrong
Answer each one before you read on. All the answers come from the current Highway Code.
1. You are turning left into a side road. A pedestrian is waiting to cross it. Who goes first?
The pedestrian. Rule H2 says drivers should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you are turning into or out of.
2. A cyclist is coming up on your left while you queue in traffic. Are they allowed to?
Yes. Rule 163 says cyclists may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left, with caution. Check your mirrors before turning or changing lanes.
3. How much space should you leave when overtaking a cyclist at 30mph?
At least 1.5 metres, and more at higher speeds. For horse riders, pass at under 10mph and leave at least 2 metres. If you cannot leave that space, wait behind.
4. You are turning right and a cyclist is going straight ahead in a cycle lane. What should you do?
Give way to them. Rule H3 says you should not turn across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead, even if they are in a cycle lane or track.
5. You have parked on the street. Which hand should you use to open your door?
The hand furthest from the door, where you are able to. Rule 239 says this makes you turn your head and look over your shoulder, so you are more likely to see a cyclist or pedestrian. It is often called the Dutch Reach.
And the one most people think they know: it is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, including when you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing. The penalty is 6 points and a £200 fine. Read our report on 92,333 phone-driving offences in three years.
How to keep up with changes
- Read the Highway Code free on GOV.UK, and sign up there for email alerts when it changes.
- Check our guides on UK speed limits and penalty points.
- Follow the VehicleFile news page, where we cover rule changes that affect drivers.
Questions drivers ask
How many times has the Highway Code changed since 2020?
National Accident Helpline counted 88 amendments to named rules between 2020 and 2025, based on the GOV.UK update log. Many are small wording changes.
Do you have to give way to pedestrians at junctions?
Yes. Rule H2 of the Highway Code says drivers should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that they are turning into or out of.
Can cyclists pass cars on the left?
Yes. Rule 163 says cyclists may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left, with caution.
How close can you pass a cyclist?
Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30mph, and more at higher speeds.
What is the Dutch Reach?
Opening your car door with the hand furthest from it, so you turn and look for cyclists and pedestrians. Rule 239 recommends it.
Sources
- Brit Brief: 88 Highway Code changes since 2020, but 66% of drivers haven't checked (National Accident Helpline analysis, 25 October 2026)
- Yahoo News UK: Highway Code warning as UK drivers risk penalties over rule changes (22 October 2026)
- The Highway Code: introduction (rules H1 to H3)
- The Highway Code: using the road (rule 163)
- The Highway Code: waiting and parking (rule 239)
- GOV.UK: Using a phone while driving
Facts checked against the sources above on 25 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
