Ayrshire road users are being warned that changes to the Highway Code come into force later this month.
The updated rules come into effect on January 22 and are designed to protect some of the road's most vulnerable users.
The first rule states that cyclists will have priority over motorists when cars are turning.
The second new rule states that pedestrians will have a priority over cars at junctions.
The final development means cyclists can position themselves on the middle of the road to ensure better visibility for all road users.
With many rules within the code being legal requirements, anyone breaking these new changes could be fined, given penalty points or disqualified from driving.
A new 'Hierarchy of Road Users' will also come into force which is a concept that places the road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.
In an endless fight between who has priority between cars and cyclists, new rules and guidance set out by the highway code means good news for those opting into two wheels over four.
In new rules being introduced at the end of January, the main focus will be centred around giving priority to vulnerable road users.
This new hierarchy will give those that can do the most harm the "greatest responsibility" to care and look out for others, meaning vehicles will have to make way for cyclists alongside pedestrians.
This new hierarchy of priority is as follows:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse Riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles or courier vehicles like buses and HGVs
Pedestrians are placed at the top of the pyramid as they pose the least risk to users of the road whereas those towards the bottom pose the most risk to those both within the vehicle.
New rules will also mean pedestrians will take priority when waiting to cross a road vehicles are turning into and cyclists will be given priority over vehicles in some aspects.
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