Hierarchy of Road Users: Highway Code Rules H1 to H3 Explained

The hierarchy of road users is a concept added to The Highway Code on 29 January 2022. It places the road users most at risk in a collision, such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, at the top, and says those driving vehicles that can cause the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose. It doesn't remove anyone's duty to behave responsibly.

For drivers, it shows up in three new rules (H1, H2 and H3) and several updated rules about junctions, overtaking and opening doors.

What is the hierarchy of road users?

The Highway Code explains that the road users most likely to be injured in a collision are pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, with children, older adults and disabled people being more at risk. Those at greater risk are at the top of the hierarchy. The hierarchy is designed to make roads safer for everyone, not to give anyone absolute priority.

Rule H1: responsibility for others

Rule H1 says everyone should know the Highway Code, be considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for others' safety. Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the most harm, such as drivers of cars, vans and lorries, bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce danger. It also reminds road users that some people have impairments that aren't visible.

Rule H2: giving way to pedestrians

Under rule H2, at a junction drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you're turning into or out of.

In practice, as a driver:

1. Look into the side road before you turn.
2. If someone is crossing or waiting to cross, slow down and let them go first.
3. Don't wave them across; the Highway Code warns against inviting people to cross because other vehicles may not stop.

Rule H2 also says you should give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing, and that pedestrians have priority at light-controlled crossings when the green signal shows for them.

Rule H3: not cutting across cyclists and horse riders

Rule H3 says drivers and motorcyclists should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. You shouldn't turn if it would cause them to stop or swerve. Wait for a safe gap, including when cyclists are:

• approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
• moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
• travelling around a roundabout

This makes your final mirror and blind spot check before turning left especially important. See mirrors and blind spots.

Other driving changes from 2022

Passing distances (rule 163)

• At least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds.
• Pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres.
• Allow at least 2 metres and keep to a low speed when passing pedestrians walking in the road.
• If you can't leave these gaps safely, wait behind.

Cyclists on roundabouts (rule 186)

Give priority to cyclists on the roundabout, give them plenty of room and don't try to overtake them within their lane. Read how to drive on roundabouts.

Opening car doors (rule 239)

Where you can, open the door with the hand on the opposite side, for example your left hand for a door on your right. This turns your head so you're more likely to spot cyclists, motorcyclists or people on the pavement. It's often called the "Dutch Reach".

What the hierarchy doesn't mean

• It doesn't mean pedestrians or cyclists can ignore the rules. Everyone must behave responsibly.
• It doesn't automatically make a driver at fault in every collision.
• It doesn't change speed limits or other legal requirements.

Why it matters for learners

The theory test is based on the current Highway Code, so expect questions on these rules. On the practical test, examiners expect you to give way appropriately at junctions and give vulnerable road users plenty of room. Revise with our theory test revision plan, and see how this fits into wider defensive driving.

Summary

Since January 2022, The Highway Code's hierarchy of road users asks drivers to take the most care because they can cause the most harm. Give way to pedestrians crossing at junctions (H2), don't cut across cyclists or horse riders (H3), leave at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists, and use the Dutch Reach when opening your door.

Revise the Highway Code with Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app with original theory practice questions written from The Highway Code (not official DVSA questions), including the hierarchy of road users, with explanations and spaced review. Try Co-Drive.