A new Highway Code - the first revision for eight years - has been unveiled by the Government, sparking controversy with new rules that regard smoking and loud music as a distraction.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick described the new code as "a crucial tool for all road users" but the AA said it would be harder to decipher.
Increasing in size by about 50% and containing 29 more rules, it has a new safety code for novice drivers.
It tells those new to the road "if you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don't let them distract you or encourage you to take risks" and "never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly."
New legislation
The code has also been updated to include new legislation that has been introduced on vehicle emissions and smoking in vehicles that are work places, as well as the provision of new stopping/directing powers to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Highways Agency traffic officers.
Alongside this, it references new initiatives like quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, home zones and active traffic management schemes that people should be aware of, as well as increasing, re-writing or enhancing existing advice to promote greater co-operation between road users and further promote safety.
We all need to read it
Mr Fitzpatrick said: "The Official Highway Code is for life, not just for passing your driving test. It is a crucial tool for all road users and applies to every stage of your life. Road safety is a responsibility we all share and everyone should have a copy of the code to keep their knowledge up to date.
"However, we know that the first few months after passing your driving test can be a risky time. This is reflected in the latest code which offers practical safety advice and reminders of the rules new drivers must abide by."
Andrew Howard, head of road safety for AA public affairs, said: "The Highway Code, the definitive guide to safe and lawful road use has grown since 1931 from 18 to 135 pages, reflecting the complexities of modern motoring and spelling out in detail the rules of the road.
"But, after an eight-year gap since the last edition, it would have been helpful to have had the changes marked out, as they were in the draft, and allow experienced drivers to skim through this 307-point version.
"A major change is the code's inclusion of smoking at the wheel as behaviour that police may interpret as a distraction and failure to be in proper control of the vehicle. This addition will polarise drivers' opinions both for and against."
What are these changes to the Highway Code?
- smoking behind the wheel is a breach of the rules of the road and could be seen as a 'distraction'
- new safety code for novice drivers, which includes 'don't show off or compete with other drivers'
- updates on vehicle emissions information
- new traffic calming initiatives explained: quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes and home zones
- advice on the stopping powers of Highway Agency Traffic Officers
- an explanation of the law on smoking in company cars
