Jersey Highway Code

About the Highway Code

It's important that all road users are aware of the Highway Code and considerate towards each other.

Knowing and applying the Highway Code helps keep our roads safe for everyone.

Jersey follows the UK official Highway Code, with some modifications that apply in the Island.

2022 updates

The Highway Code changed on Saturday 29 January 2022. These advisory changes have been implemented to improve safety for people:

walking
cycling
horse riding

Every road user still has a responsibility to keep themselves and each other safe. The changes mean:

being ready to give priority
leave space
be considerate of others

A new hierarchy of road users has been introduced to make sure those who can do the greatest harm, have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others by:

giving plenty of space when passing cyclists and horse riders
drivers, cyclists and horse riders must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which they are turning
drivers and motorcyclists should not turn at a junction if this would cause a cyclist or horse rider going straight ahead to stop or swerve
making sure we are acting with responsibility and respect to all road users

Specifically:

you now should give people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
you should now leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speed of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
when driving, you should now pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speed under 10mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
you should now allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road
car users should now open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder to see cyclists or pedestrians nearby
people may cycle in the centre of the lane or 2 abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so