Top 4 New Driving Laws in 2019

As we enter another year our minds focus on the year ahead and what it may or may not bring. Over the past few years we have seen a huge change within the motor industry that has changed our entire business model. 

The internet is an extra sales executive and our customers know everything about the car they are looking at before they even set foot inside our showroom. We don’t know how the majority of our year will be going but with a few announcements in recent weeks we have compiled a list of the top 4 changes that will affect you in 2019.

1. Highway Code

The pressure to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage the public to use other means to commute continues to grow. So much so that the UK government are looking to cement plans to fine drivers £100 if they fail to pass cyclists without a minimum of 1.5-metres (4ft 11 inches) between them.

2. Dutch Reach

It isn’t a common phrase but we think that during the next 12 months you will be hearing an awful lot more of it. This basically means that drivers must use the hand furthest away from the door to open it. This in turn steers the body to look behind at any nearby cyclists or other obstructions that we may otherwise hit.

3. Graduated Driving License

It will come as no surprise that newly qualified drivers are the most risk to our roads due to their lack of experience. The proposals were first raised in 2018 and could affect all drivers that have passed their test within one to two years. Some of the restrictions could include the number of passengers they can carry, the times they are allowed on the roads, lower alcohol levels, reduced engine sizes and the use of mandatory P plates which are currently in use but are optional.

4. Car Tax

We didn’t want to mention this one, but we have. Yes, car road tax is going up once again which will make it the third consecutive year. For those of you that missed it, it was basically whispered during the announcements at the Autumn Budget during 2018. It all means that we could see an increase in our VED by up to £65 with the larger cars receiving the biggest hit. It isn’t just cars either, rates for vans, and motorcycles will all be going up this year.

Here's how much more motorists will pay based on their tax brand:

g/km CO2	Increase
76 and 150	£5
151 - 170	£15
171 - 190	£25
191 - 225	£40
226 - 255	£55
255	£65

So, while some of these new measures will improve the safety on our roads, which can only be a good thing, we are once again tackling inflation and suffering from the constant increase in cost to drive on our roads. We hope that the content above has not put a dampener on your day and you can still enjoy the rest of 2019.

Luckily, there hasn't been many changes to the commercial vehicles market which has enabled us to still come up with some market-leading leasing offers on new vans. Visit our website for more information or speak to a member of our team for a bespoke no-obligation quote. Premier Commercial Vehicles.