Drivers could be fined £1,000 for getting out their car the wrong way

11 May 2023 , 13:20

660     0

The "Dutch Reach" rule was Introduced into the Highway Code last year (Image: Getty Images)

Drivers who do not take into consideration those around them when exiting their vehicles could face a fine of £1,000.

A new rule was introduced in the Highway Code in January last year that aims to help stop injuries occurring to cyclists and pedestrians who are travelling past a car door.

It is coined as the "Dutch Reach" method and the highway code says drivers who are able to should use their opposite hand to open the door, forcing their body to turn towards the back of the car.

The rationale behind the move is opening the door with the hand furthest away prompts the driver to turn their body towards the door and look over their shoulder as they exit the vehicle.

This allows them to check if there is any oncoming traffic - and is less likely to cause collisions.

Pet owners driving with dogs face £5,000 fine if they break these rules

Usually, drivers will use the hand closest to their door to open it quickly and without assessing their surroundings, which can often lead to accidents on the roads.

If you injure someone by opening your car door you will not receive any penalty points on your license, but you could face a fine of £1,000.

Since January last year, the new section under rule 239 reads: “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.”

Campaigners group Cycling UK estimates that around 500 people are injured each year by drivers blindly opening their car doors.

Cycling UK campaigned to have the "Dutch Reach" rule implemented into the HIghway code over the last few years.

The term "Dutch Reach" was coined in the Netherlands where it has been used as the standard for exiting a vehicle.

The issue was further brought into the public eye in 2016 when MP Chris Grayling, who was then serving as Transport Secretary, was caught knocking a cyclist off their bike when opening his door on Whitehall.

Ruby Flanagan