10 New UK Driving Laws Coming In 2020
During the mayhem of Brexit last year, there were several new driving
laws that were passed and are coming in to force during 2020.
Look at the 10 new UK driving laws coming in 2020 and make sure you take
note because failing to comply could land you with a hefty fine or points on
your license.
1. Low Emission Rules
This scheme is already active in London, but it looks like we will also
see it in cities such as Birmingham during this next year.
The ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emissions Zone) scheme will be introduced to other
parts of the UK and will mean that drivers will be charged to drive in certain
areas if their vehicle does not comply with the emissions regulations.
This will most likely impact diesel engines and older cars the most.
2. Higher Tax on High
Emission Cars
These figures might worry some of you because in 2020, owners of high emission
cars could be charged up to £15 more and those who own a diesel car will
continue to pay higher taxes.
Even those that have lower emission cars will see a rise in vehicle
excise duty (VED) as a result of inflation.
3. Smart Motorway Charges
If you drive within a lane that is marked with a red ‘X’ on a smart
motorway, it could land you with a £100 fixed penalty and three points on your
driving license.
Even though this won’t come as much of a surprise because it is already
the current law, the penalties are expected to get stronger.
4.
Intelligent Speed Assist
From 2022 new cars will have mandatory speed assist
technology. Why? Because intelligent cameras on the vehicle will be able to
interpret road signs and place limits on your engine’s power so we can’t go
over the speed limit.
We will also see the introduction of new features
to combat driver distraction as well as more sophisticated emergency braking
systems.
5. European Driving
Permits
Brexit is something that we still scratch our heads over because none of
us really know what’s going to happen until we strike a deal with Europe.
If we get to a point of a no-deal, the government has advised that our
current driving licenses will be invalid within the continent.
If you want to drive your own car in the European Union, then you will
need to purchase a green car from your insurance provider.
6.
Pavement Parking Ban
Last year, nearly 10,000 members of the public
contacted the Citizens Advice Bureau for help relating to a parking ticket they
have received.
Parking on pavements is currently banned in London
but there are plans to extend this law across the rest of the UK.
There has been a lot of debate surrounding this subject,
so we aren’t expecting immediate changes.
7. New Driver
Restrictions
If you are a new driver and have only been behind the wheel for less
than two years, then you will face much harsher penalties for offences such as
using a mobile phone.
There will also be a committee looking at what times you’re allowed on
the road, a limit of passengers, lower speed limits on certain roads, limit on how
powerful their cars can be and mandatory ‘P’ plates that might need to be displayed
for two years after you pass.
8. Cyclist Safety Improvements
The Government aims to provide some clarity in relation to the Highway
Code and the laws around giving way to cyclists and pedestrians when turning
left.
They will also be attempting to encourage drivers and passengers to use
the ‘Dutch Reach’ technique when opening vehicle doors to give yourself time to
examine the surroundings and keep an eye out for cyclists.
9. Motorway Driving
Lessons
Up until now it has been illegal for anyone to drive on the motorway before
they have passed their test.
This is all set to change and lessons will be able to take place on
motorways as long as they are accompanied by a qualified driving instructor
with dual controls within the vehicle.
10. New MOT
Requirements
There are now brand-new checks that your vehicle must pass to obtain a
new MOT certificate. This will include; looking for under-inflated tyres, contaminated
brake fluid, brake pad warning lights and missing brake pads.
New categories that will determine the severity of a defect have been confirmed
too. These include; ‘Dangerous’ which means that it is a direct risk to road
safety, ‘Major’ which could affect safety or the environment, ‘Minor’ which is
no real effect on safety, ‘Advisory’ means you should keep an eye on it and ‘Pass’
which meets the current legal standards.
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