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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