What happens if you hit a cyclist with your car door in the UK?

If you hit a cyclist with your car door in the UK, it’s a specific offence and you may also face a civil injury claim. Below, we explain the law, what to do next, who pays, and how compensation is calculated.

Opening a vehicle door in a way that injures or endangers someone is an offence for drivers and passengers. Expect a fixed penalty on the spot or a court fine (up to £1,000), and potential liability for the cyclist’s injuries and losses. You must stop, exchange details and, if needed, report to the police within 24 hours.

Is “car-dooring” an offence?

Yes. Regulation 105 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 says no person shall open a vehicle door “so as to injure or endanger any person.” Breaching this regulation is prosecuted under s.42 Road Traffic Act 1988.

Penalties: most cases are dealt with by a non-endorseable fixed penalty under s.42 RTA (no points). If it goes to court, fines can be up to £1,000. Sentencing Council guidance lists s.42 “breach of construction and use” as an offence suitable for a fixed penalty.

Highway Code Rule 239 reinforces this: you must ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door and you should use the “Dutch Reach” (open with your far hand so you naturally look over your shoulder).

Do I have to stop and report it?

Yes. If someone is injured or property is damaged, the driver has a legal duty to stop, exchange details, and if details aren’t given at the scene, report to the police within 24 hours (s.170 RTA 1988). Failing to stop/report is a separate offence.

Civil liability: who pays the cyclist’s losses?

In most cases, the person opening the door (often covered by the driver’s motor insurer) will be found negligent because the law and the Highway Code create a clear duty of care when opening doors. In rare cases, damages can be reduced for contributory negligence (for example, if the cyclist undertook unusually close or fast), but primary fault frequently lies with the door opener.

If you hit a cyclist with your car door in the UK, the claim usually includes:

• General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines, “JCG”).
• Special damages like bike and kit repairs, medical costs, travel, and loss of earnings.

Typical injuries after car-dooring (and NHS guidance)

Car-dooring often causes collarbone fractures, shoulder dislocations, wrist fractures, and soft-tissue injuries from the fall. NHS guidance notes collarbone fractures typically need a sling and can take 6–12 weeks to heal; dislocated shoulders need prompt treatment and short-term immobilisation.

For context on the Code changes that protect vulnerable road users, see mainstream news coverage of the 2022 updates.

How much compensation could be awarded?

Below are illustrative ranges for general damages (pain and suffering) commonly seen in car-dooring claims, based on recent JCG 17th ed. (April 2024) summaries. The final figure depends on your recovery, symptoms, treatment and any long-term impact.

Injury (illustrative)	JCG guideline range*
Broken collarbone (clavicle fracture)	£6,280 – £14,940
Shoulder dislocation / moderate to severe shoulder injury	~£15,600 – £48,000+ (severe cases up to ~£58,610)
Wrist fracture – serious fracture/soft-tissue (good recovery expected)	£7,420 – £12,630
Minor soft-tissue injuries / cuts with full or near-full recovery	Up to ~£4,000–£5,000

*Guideline figures derived from publicly available JCG-based summaries and calculators. Actual awards vary.

What to do immediately after a car-dooring incident

If you hit a cyclist with your car door in the UK, act quickly and calmly:

1. Check injuries and call 999 for serious harm.
2. Exchange details (names, addresses, vehicle reg, insurer). If details aren’t exchanged, report to police within 24 hours.
3. Record evidence: photos of the scene and door position, bike damage, road layout, your mirrors’ view, and any dash-cam/CCTV.
4. Get witness details and note weather, lighting, and traffic flow.
5. Avoid admissions at the roadside; stick to facts for police and insurers.
6. Notify your insurer promptly, even if it seems minor.
7. Cyclists should seek medical care and keep receipts for all out-of-pocket costs.

How long do I have to claim?

The standard limitation period for personal injury is three years from the date of the accident (or date of knowledge). For children, time usually runs from their 18th birthday. If you hit a cyclist with your car door in the UK, don’t leave it late—evidence fades and CCTV is overwritten. (General guidance; ask for tailored advice.)

How National Claims helps (and why start with us)

We speak daily to people who’ve hit a cyclist with a car door or been “doored” themselves. We’ll:

• Listen and triage your case in plain English.
• Assemble evidence and medical support.
• Estimate settlement bands using the Judicial College Guidelines and your unique losses.
• Connect you with experienced solicitors who pursue maximum compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis (success fee applies).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it still an offence if the cyclist manages to brake in time?
Yes. The regulation covers opening a door so as to endanger any person, even if there’s no impact.

2. Do passengers get fined too?
They can. The offence applies to any person opening the door, including passengers.

3. What does the Highway Code expect me to do?
Look all around, check mirrors and blind spots, and use the Dutch Reach technique.

4. What if I drive off because it seems minor?
You risk a separate “fail to stop/report” offence if injury or damage occurred. Report within 24 hours if details weren’t exchanged.

5. Can the cyclist be partly at fault?
Sometimes, but it’s fact-specific. The door-opener’s duty is strong, and Rule 239 will usually support the cyclist’s case.

Ready to start?

If you hit a cyclist with your car door in the UK—or you were doored—we can help you understand liability, protect your position, and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.

Don’t wait while your claim window closes. Speak with National Claims today. We’ll connect you with experienced solicitors who understand your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.