Highway Code Updates Every Van Driver Must Know

Changes To The Highway Code: What Every Van Driver Needs To Know

Many UK motorists assume The Highway Code applies only to car drivers.

But here’s the truth:

Anyone who qualifies as a “road user” must observe these rules. And yes, that includes van drivers.

If you don’t want surprises when the rules go live on the 29th of January, read on.

What is The Highway Code?

Let’s get straight to it.

The Highway Code is, without a doubt, your essential guide for road safety rules.

Not only does it include valuable advice and clear guidance, but—most importantly—it also lays out mandatory regulations for all road users.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a van, car, or on two wheels, these rules apply.

For those looking to dive deeper, you can explore the full details of The Highway Code online.

But we’ll break down what you need to know here.

What’s Changing in The Highway Code?

If you’ve heard talk about these updates sparking debate, you’re not alone.

Concerns are rising that these changes might lead to more accidents, especially if drivers aren’t aware.

Let’s break down the main updates:

Pedestrians And Cyclists First

From now on, pedestrians and cyclists—often referred to as vulnerable road users—will, in fact, have priority at both junctions and crossings.

Translation?

Even if you’re running late, they come first. So, pay extra attention.

The “Dutch Reach” For Van Drivers

Here’s an important one:

Van drivers must now use the “Dutch reach” to open their doors.

This method ensures you look over your shoulder before opening, helping to keep pedestrians safe.

More Room For Cyclists

Cyclists need space—minimum 1.5 metres when you overtake them. And if you’re going over 30mph, give them even more.

Stricter Mobile Phone Rules

The rules on mobile phones just got tighter.

Don’t take photos. Don’t record videos. And don’t change songs.

Even if you’re stopped at a red light.

Using your mobile in these ways could lead to a fine.

 

Need a visual guide to these updates?

This tweet from Scots explains the hierarchy, with clear visuals.

What Should You Do Now?

Now that you’re in the know, it’s simple:

Follow these rules once they come into force.

If you find yourself breaking them, you may need decent van insurance.

That’s where we can help – it’s cheap, too.

Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Let’s Put The Lasers Down, Please…

This week brings a strange story

Apparently, a Volkswagen Transport van driver decided to experiment with lasers (and his van).

As a result, his actions have cost him dearly.

In fact, we’re talking a whopping £3,000. And that’s just the start of the punishments…

Genius, Or Just Downright Silly?

Mr. Jason Moore of Swansea has been convicted of something that many of us didn’t even think was possible.

Have you ever heard of a laser jamming device?

Well, it turns out Mr. Moore has.

Additionally, he attached one of these laser jammer devices to his Volkswagen Transport van.

You may be asking why on earth anyone would ever want to do that.

Well, this is where it gets interesting.

Mr Moore decided to attach the laser for one simple reason: to avoid speeding cameras. Genius? Or silly?

Now, it’s not like Mr Moore was travelling down the motorway at 90 miles per hour or anything.

In fact, he was driving 12 miles per hour above the speed limit.

However, that speed is enough to endanger other motorists on the road as well as himself.

Driving without due care and attention, perhaps?

Caught Red-Handed

The laser device interferes with cameras’ ability to pick up and read a vehicle’s speed.

Unfortunately for Jason, videos captured the flashing jammer device in action.

Along with error texts when they tried to read the speed of his moving van.

Mr. Moore, thinking he’d gain 15 extra minutes of sleep by dodging speeding fines, got caught.

The court accused him of perverting the course of justice and ordered him to follow a 2-month curfew.

If that wasn’t enough, he will be facing a sentence of 32 weeks of custody (although this has been suspended for a couple of years).

Well, at least he somehow managed to avoid prison, hm?

And so, van drivers (and motorist drivers alike) are taught a valuable lesson.

Let’s not play with lasers, eh?

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