Britons are being warned of new motoring law changes which have been introduced in the last month which could see them slapped with fines.
January has already seen several new driving laws introduced that aim to make motoring more convenient and safer as motorists could also face new traffic laws.
To help drivers deal with the countless motoring changes, GB News has rounded up the most important new rules you need to be aware of.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
New driving licences have been unveiled in January
X/GETTY
Traffic fines
The Government gave the green light to new road rules which are set to be added to schedule three of the Road Traffic Offender Act 1988. These include:
- Offences under Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
- Failure to comply with any direction given by a constable or by a notice exhibited by order of the Secretary of State regarding the use of a pedal cycle in a Royal Park or other specified land
- Using a pedal cycle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person in a Royal Park or other specified land
- Using a vehicle or pedal cycle between sunset and sunrise, or in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset, with no lights in a Royal Park or other specified land
- Failure to stop at a school crossing patrol
- Cyclist holding on to a vehicle while in motion on a road for the purpose of being drawn along
- Cycling on a road dangerously
- Cycling on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road
- Offences under Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
- Using a pedal cycle without lights between sunset and sunrise
- Using lamps so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road
- Using a non-motor vehicle with any lamp so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort
The DVSA introduced new rules to crack down on the bulk booking of tests
GETTY
DVSA
On January 6, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduced a set of tougher terms and conditions designed to crack down on tests going to waste.
They outline that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching.
It will also prevent them from using a learner driver’s details to book a driving test that they have no intention of that particular learner driver using.
The new digital driving licence will launch in the summer
X
Driving licences
The Government has unveiled plans to introduce new digital driving licences to work alongside the existing photocard licences.
Ahead of a wider launch later this year, drivers are expected to be able to use a GOV.UK app to show their licence to prove their age and their right to drive.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
The Department for Transport also launched and concluded a consultation which looked at whether an extension should be granted for people in the UK with driving licences from Ukraine.
The proposals would see an additional extension of 18 months, beyond the current 36-month timeframe to help Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
It is expected that the proposals will be enshrined in law as previous legislative changes have been backed by an overwhelming majority of the public.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Manufacturers must meet certain electric vehicle sales targets by the end of the year
GETTY
Electric vehicle targets
With 2025 now underway, manufacturers will be required to meet goals set out in the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate where they need to have a minimum percentage of sales come from electric vehicles.
The target for the end of 2024 was 22 per cent, with brands needing to increase production of zero emission vehicles to meet the new 28 per cent target by the end of the year.
The first year of the ZEV mandate was deemed to be a success as no manufacturers will need to pay the £15,000 fine for selling more polluting vehicles than the threshold.
