New 2020 Driving Laws that every driver needs to know

January 10, 2020

A new decade is upon us and there are several new driving laws that are coming into force in 2020. Failing to acknowledge them could land you fines or/and points on your license.

Some driving laws were passed and came into effect on January 1^st. Whilst the others are related to Brexit, climate change and pollution levels.

Low Emission Rules

In 2020 an existing scheme will be introduced to other parts of the UK; Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ)

Under this scheme, if a vehicle doesn’t meet ULEZ emission standards, drivers will be charged to drive in certain areas of the city. Older diesel cars will be those impacted more heavily.

Increased tax on high emission cars

In 2020, owners of high emission cars could be charged up to £15 more and those who own a diesel car and fail to meet the mandatory RDE2 emissions standard will continue to pay higher taxes.

If you’re looking to purchase a new car, you could also face an extra £65 on their first year’s car tax.

Smart motorways

If you’re driving on a smart motorway and there is a lane marked with a red ‘X’, you could be faced with a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points on your license. This is law is currently in place.

However, penalties for breaking this law are expected to get stronger.

Intelligent Speed Assist

Under the EU’s revised general safety regulation, intelligent speed assists feature will be mandatory for new cars from 2022.

With this feature, intelligent cameras can interpret road signs and place limits on our engine’s power so we can’t go over the speed limit.

Pavement parking ban

Parking on the pavement is currently banned in London, however, there are plans to extend this legislation across England.

The RAC is leading the charge to implement a new code of practice drivers from immoral parking companies.

Restrictions on new drivers

In order to improve the safety of newly qualified drivers, there are plans to implement new laws this year and the government is considering graduated driving licenses.

Changes that are likely to occur are:

• Stronger penalties for offences such as using a mobile phone
• Curfew – limiting when they are allowed to be on the road
• Passengers – limiting the number of passengers a new driver can have
• Speed – separate, lower speed limits to other drivers
• Engine sizes – limits on how powerful their cars can be
• Mandatory ‘P’ Places – Currently optional but new drivers could be made to have them on their cars for up to 2 years
• Alcohol – Lower limits than the general driving population

Driving lessons on motorways

The law used to be that new drivers could only travel on the motorway once they have passed their test.

A new law has been passed which allows learners to drive on the motorway as part of their lessons. If they are accompanied by an instructor with dual controls. Allowing learners to build up experience beforehand.

This is only optional – learners don’t have to go on the motorway as part of their lessons or test.

New MOT Requirements

New categories for car defects have been created that all drivers should be aware of. These changes have already come into play.

These include:

• Dangerous – Direct risk to road safety or the environment. Results in a fail.
• Major – Could affect the safety or the environment. Results in a fail.
• Minor – No effect on safety, but should be repaired as soon as possible.
• Advisory – Could have an effect in the future.
• Pass – Meets the current legal standards.

New requirements are also part of the MOT check.

These include:

• Under-inflated tyres
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Brake pad warning lights and missing brake pads or discs
• Reversing lights (for vehicles newer than September 2009)
• Daytime running lights (for vehicles newer than March 2018)

Make sure you and your drivers are aware of the driving laws as you may be faced with penalties and fines if you’re not. Plus penalties and points may affect your insurance premium when you’re due for renewal. Even if your drivers have points on their license try us for your fleet insurance. We’re confident that we can beat your renewal price and provide you with a competitive rate that suits your business’s needs. Call us on 0333 200 0072 to get a quote or leave us your renewal & we’ll get in touch with you closer to the time.