Motorists are being warned to keep up to date with changes in driving laws that have come in recently, as well as others due to be implemented soon.
Experts at LeaseCar.uk have highlighted upcoming changes which motorists need to be aware of if they wish to avoid fines. The changes include a tightening of the laws around mobile phone use when behind the wheel, making it illegal to use a phone under any circumstances while driving.
Previously, rules meant texting or calling while driving was illegal. But since March 25, motorists who so much as touch their phone can be hit with a £200 penalty. And, if a person is supervising a driver who is learning, they could be hit with a £1,000 fine - as well as a massive six points on their licence. The new rules make more actions illegal.
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Drivers must not so much as unlock their phone while behind the wheel. This also includes being stationary in traffic, such as at traffic lights or motorway queues - and drivers are only exempt from the new rule for two reasons.
The first of these is if you are making a phone call to the emergency services. According to Government legislation, you are exempt if you are the device to call the police, fire, ambulance or other emergency service on 112 or 999, you are acting in response to a genuine emergency, and it is unsafe or impracticable for you to cease driving in order to make the call.
Drivers who are using their phone to pay at a drive-thru are also exempt from the rule. This is only the case if you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving.
Here are other rules to be aware of, according to the car leasing company:
Clean Air Zones
Also known as Low Emission Zones, several cities across the UK have introduced this ruling to help the air quality in the local area, as well as reducing harmful emissions.
Manchester introduced the scheme at the end of May, with Bristol and Newcastle following suit this summer. Scottish cities such as Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh will also introduce Clean Air Zones in the next few years.
Depending on the type of vehicle and how old it is, drivers will be charged a fee for travelling within the Clean Air Zone.
Speed Limiters
The government announced that this summer will require all new cars to be fitted with a speed limiter. This device is installed on cars and will restrict the engine power so the vehicle does not pass a certain speed; but drivers will still be held responsible for sticking to the speed limit.
These speed limiters will improve road safety for all users, and will be a step forward for the development of self-driving cars in the UK.
Transporting goods into Europe
Introduced at the end of May, drivers will now need a licence to carry goods for hire/reward into the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The standard international goods vehicle licence will be required for light good vehicles, vans, and cars/vans towing trailers.
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