The Highway Code has undergone 88 named-rule amendments since 2020, but almost two-thirds of drivers (66%) have not checked it since passing their test, leaving many unaware of new rules designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists, according to a new analysis by National Accident Helpline.
The analysis identified 88 amendment instances involving named Highway Code rules in the official GOV.UK update log from 2020 to 2025. Each rule was counted once per update event, regardless of the number of changes made within it. Amendments to annexes, indexes, signs and supporting information were excluded.
Lack of Confidence Among Drivers
National Accident Helpline found that half of drivers (49%) are not confident they understand the contents of the Highway Code despite holding a driver's licence, meaning that there could be misunderstandings on the roads leading to unnecessary accidents.
The lack of confidence appears to be reflected in drivers' understanding of some of the Highway Code's most significant recent changes. Fewer than half (47%) of drivers were aware of recent rule updates.
Knowledge Gaps on Key Rules
Knowledge was particularly low around cyclist priority, with only 21% aware that cyclists may pass slow-moving or stationary traffic on either side of a vehicle. Just over half (52%) correctly identified that drivers should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction, while a third (33%) were unaware of restrictions on using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Despite the Highway Code being subject to changes, it is the responsibility of drivers to stay up to date with any rule amends. John Kushnick, legal director for National Accident Helpline, encouraged drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike to stay up to date with changes made to the Highway Code to help reduce road traffic accidents.
John 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."
"The easiest way to stay up to date with road rules and changes to the Highway Code is by signing up to the Highway Code's email newsletter or by checking the Highway Code updates page."
Low Subscription to Updates
A freedom of information request, issued by National Accident Helpline to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, revealed that, despite almost half a million people being subscribed to the Highway Code's update alerts (448,137, as of 2025), this only accounts for around 1% of the UK's roughly 41 million licence holders.
John added: "One of our recent surveys found that only 16% of drivers said they were signed up to the Highway Code mailing list. While 40% of drivers told us they rely on news media to keep up to date on road rule changes, 23% rely on social media, which is not always accurate. Worryingly, a third of drivers (34%) said they do not keep up with changes at all."
Driving Trainer's Warning
National Accident Helpline spoke to Alex Jones, senior training manager at Bill Plant Driving School, who explained the serious consequences of not being up to date on current Highway Code rules.
Alex said: "Not only will you be unsure of how to navigate challenges on the road, but you will also be vulnerable to penalties, disqualifications and potentially causing fatal injuries to another road user or pedestrians. Falling foul of the law could result in legal action up to and including imprisonment, which would no doubt have a serious impact."
National Accident Helpline assessed more than 2,500 enquiries from road traffic accidents in the first half of 2026, with 24% of all processed road traffic accident enquiries coming from pedestrians and cyclists.
