New Highway Code rule change could see drivers fined £1,000

DRIVERS may be opening their car doors wrong and in doing so, there is a risk of a £1,000 fine.

A new addition to The Highway Code for 2022 will describe the safest way drivers should be opening their car doors from the inside.

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A method called the “Dutch Reach” is hailed as the best way to open your car door.

The safety technique was first used in the Netherlands around the 1970s.

The method states that you should open your car door with the hand that’s furthest from the door handle.

For example, if you are sitting in the drivers seat, you would open the car door with you left hand.

The reason for this is it will make you turn you head, looking out to see if any pedestrians or cyclists are coming your way.

The Highway Code for 2022 has been updated to reflect this advice.

Rule 239 will stipulate: “Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side.

“This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder.

“You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motor cyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement.”

If an accident is caused by opening a car door and hitting somebody passing by, you could find yourself handed a fine.

Injuring someone by opening your car door can see a fine of up to £1,000.

However, no points can be added to your licence for the accident.

Elsewhere, make sure you are aware of these six major changes to the Highway Code and if you can be fined for breaking it?

Plus, a little known rule about how you park at night could see you fined up to £2,500.