Millions of drivers remain blissfully unaware they are breaking a driving law by not giving pedestrians priority at junctions. A change to the Highway Code in early 2022 means drivers should stop for people waiting to cross 鈥 not just those already crossing. The rule effectively makes every junction with a pavement a pedestrian crossing but most experienced drivers still don鈥檛 have a clue that鈥檚 the case, leaving them in constant danger of being hit with a charge of careless driving should an accident occur. The maximum penalty for the offence is nine points and a 拢5,000 fine. Gerry Bucke, general manager of Adrian Flux, a specialist motor insurance brokers, said: 鈥淲e all know that there is a huge percentage of drivers on the road who have passed their theory test and never looked at the Highway Code since. 鈥淲e know that there are a lot of people that are not going to be aware of subtle changes to the wording of driving laws so to them this still feels like a secret pedestrian rule. “The fact it was introduced in January 2022 will be of little comfort to them should they be charged for breaking it. 鈥淐areless driving not only carries the punishment of points and a fine, it鈥檚 very likely a driver鈥檚 insurance premium will go up as a result. “We all need to make sure we鈥檙e doing our bit to better educate drivers and, of course, help provide a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers.鈥 It鈥檚 most likely a fixed penalty notice (FPN) would be issued for any minor offences that break this rule. They carry a 拢100 on-the-spot fine and the potential of three penalty points. The updated H2 code, part of eight changes that came into effect on January 29, 2022, states 鈥渙ther traffic should give way鈥 to pedestrians 鈥渨hen people are crossing or waiting to cross at junction鈥 and 鈥渋f people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road鈥. Motorists must give way to 鈥減eople on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing鈥. This was a change from old guidance and forms a fresh hierarchy of road users that is meant to better protect those that are not in a motor vehicle. It was created after a lengthy public consultation on improving road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.