Drivers are being warned about three new rules that have come into force across the UK.
One of the rules only came in at the start of this week, and the DVLA says that motorists need to be aware of them to avoid fines.
Failing to comply with these rules could see you hit with a fine of up to £1,000.
READ MORE: Experts predict surge in crashes when new caravan towing laws come in
One of the changes could see drivers forced off the roads, along with licence rules changing in November after an automatic licence extension due to Covid runs out, reports Birmingham Live.
There has also been a change to the law on towing while on holiday or in relation to a trailer used for business purposes.
Here are all the changes to motoring rules that drivers need to know about.
New Clean Air Zone comes into force
Portsmouth is introducing a Clean Air Zone from November 29, making it the third city to have one.
Hire cars such as taxis will be charged £10 per day to drivers in the new zone, while coaches and lorries will be slapped with a £50 fee.
The new charge won't affect private cars but will hit private hire vehicles and some businesses.
Back in September, Portsmouth Council said the scheme was “not a preferred option” to reduce emissions.
It said: “We’ve been working hard to make sure that anyone that may be charged as part of the CAZ has been informed and supported, and in many cases, we’ve been able to offer support for owners to upgrade their non-compliant vehicles.
“We’ve also made sure that systems are all in place ahead of launch so that it goes as smoothly as possible.
“Although a Clean Air Zone is not our preferred option for improving air quality in Portsmouth, we are required by central government to launch the zone.”
A new Clean Air Zone has been confirmed for Bristol, starting in summer 2022.
Driving licence extensions ending
Due to the Covid pandemic, driving licences that were due to expire between February and December 2020, were given an automatic 11-month extension.
This meant licences due to expire last December would need to be renewed by the end of November 2020.
However, drivers may be caught out by delays with DVLA services as a result of social distancing rules in place.
They are being warned that paper applications are taking between six and ten weeks to process, but there “may be longer delays”.
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Changes to towing rules
Changes to towing laws mean anyone who passed their car driving test after January 1, 1997, can now tow trailers up to 3,500kg.
Under the old rules, drivers who passed after that date had to go through an extra car and trailer test to tow anything heavier.
The law change will come in this autmn although opposition MPs did object to the change.
The DVLA will automatically update your driving licence record to show you can tow trailers. It warned that drivers could be fined £1,000, issued penalty points, or even banned from the roads if they tow anything heavier before the law change.
But some experts are concerned about the rule changes
Jonathan White, legal and compliance director at National Accident Helpline, said: “We are urging people to take extra care and follow important safety rules when towing a caravan or trailer this time of year.
“While we understand the new changes to the law, we’re also concerned that the freedom to tow a caravan or trailer for the first time could present additional risk.
"Without formal training, paired with a shift to ‘staycations’ we’re calling on first-time users to be responsible and extra vigilant."
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