Stay Safe on the Road with Hard Shoulder

Cookie Policy

Last Updated: January 21, 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Hard Shoulder ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at hardshoulderapp.com (the "Website"). This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

By using our Website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should change your browser settings accordingly or not use our Website.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you access the internet. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser, while session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for you to browse our Website and use its features. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. These cookies do not gather information about you for marketing purposes.

Examples:

• Cookie consent preferences
• Security and authentication
• Session management

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use our Website, such as which pages are visited most often. This data helps us improve how our Website works. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and anonymous.

Examples:

• Google Analytics
• Page load performance monitoring
• Error tracking

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow our Website to remember choices you make (such as your language preference) and provide enhanced, more personalized features.

Examples:

• Language preferences
• Font size and display preferences
• Form auto-fill information

3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

Examples:

• Google reCAPTCHA (for spam prevention)
• Social media integration (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
• Marketing analytics

4. Third-Party Cookies

In addition to our own cookies, we use various third-party cookies to report usage statistics of our Website and deliver advertisements on and through the Website.

Third-Party Services We Use:

• Google reCAPTCHA: To protect our contact forms from spam and abuse
• Google Fonts: To provide custom typography
• Social Media Platforms: For social sharing and integration (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

5. Cookie Duration

The cookies we use have varying durations:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (ranging from 24 hours to 12 months depending on the cookie)

6. Your Cookie Choices

6.1 Cookie Consent

When you first visit our Website, you will be asked to consent to our use of cookies. You can accept or decline different categories of cookies.

6.2 Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• See what cookies you have and delete them on an individual basis
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from particular sites
• Block all cookies from being set
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

6.3 Browser Settings

You can find information about how to manage cookies in your browser at:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Please note: If you choose to block cookies, some parts of our Website may not function properly, and you may not be able to access certain features or services.

7. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business operations. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new Cookie Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

Hard Shoulder Support Team

Email: info@hardshoulderapp.com

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

Under UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), you have the following rights:

• Right to be informed: You have the right to know how your data is being collected and used
• Right of access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to rectification: You can ask us to correct inaccurate data
• Right to erasure: You can request that we delete your personal data
• Right to restrict processing: You can ask us to limit how we use your data
• Right to data portability: You can request your data in a portable format
• Right to object: You can object to certain types of processing, including direct marketing

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided above.

10. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal data or cookies, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Helpline: 0303 123 1113

Website: www.ico.org.uk