Highway Code rules updated

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Latest news in Yorkshire: November 30, 2018 12:32:20 PM

Today (30 November 2018) Highway Code rules 149, 150, 160 and 239 have
been updated to provide more detailed advice on safely using remote
control parking and motorway assist functions

This follows a consultation by the Department for Transport held in 2016
about using advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle
technologies while driving.

Mobile phones and in-vehicle technology

Rule 149

You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST
NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or
when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a
genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Never use a
hand-held microphone when driving. Using hands-free equipment is also
likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to
use any telephone while you are driving or riding – find a safe place to
stop first or use the voicemail facility and listen to messages later.

You may park your vehicle using a hand-held remote control app or
device. The app or device MUST be legal, and you should not put other
people in danger when you use it.

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Rule 150

There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in-vehicle
systems such as satellite navigation systems, congestion warning
systems, PCs, multi-media, etc. You MUST exercise proper control of your
vehicle at all times. Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as
motorway assist, lane departure warnings, or remote control parking.
They are available to assist but you should not reduce your
concentration levels. Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based
information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while
driving or riding. If necessary find a safe place to stop.

As the driver, you are still responsible for the vehicle if you use a
driver assistance system (like motorway assist). This is also the case
if you use a hand-held remote control parking app or device. You MUST
have full control over these systems at all times.

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Rule 160

Once moving you should

keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The
exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked
vehicles or pedestrians in the road keep well to the left on right-hand
bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk
of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction drive
with both hands on the wheel where possible.

This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all
times.

You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure
you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.be aware
of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be
filtering through the traffic.

These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders
are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room, especially if you
are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer select a lower gear
before you reach a long downhill slope. This will help to control your
speed when towing, remember the extra length will affect overtaking and
manoeuvring. The extra weight will also affect the braking and
acceleration.

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Rule 239

Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the
road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the
roadside:

do not park facing against the traffic flow
stop as close as you can to the side
do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember,
the occupant may need more room to get in or out
you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights
you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for
cyclists or other traffic
it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the
vehicle on the side next to the kerb
put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is secure
lock your vehicle.

Before using a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST make sure
it is safe to do so. Then, you should move the vehicle into the parking
space in the safest way, and by the shortest route possible.

When you use a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST remain in
control of the vehicle at all times. Do not use the hand-held device for
anything else while you are using it to help you park, and do not put
anyone in danger. Use the hand-held device according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

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