Motorists are being warned of a string of new driving laws that will come into force throughout 2021.
The changes will affect millions of drivers across the UK with many of the changes already being finalised.
Anyone who falls foul of the upcoming rules could be slapped with fines or have penalty points put on their licence.
In some circumstances, motorists could have their car insurance revoked as companies decide to invalidate agreements, The Express reports.
Here’s a list of seven changes drivers need to be aware of.
Drivers could be slapped with fines or have penalty points put on their licence (Image: Getty Images)
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
MOT extension ends
Test extensions come to an end on January 31 for many drivers after months of backlogs causing chaos in garages.
During the first coronavirus lockdown, the Government announced a six-month extension for MOTs between 31 March and 31 July.
Driving without a valid MOT certificate could see road users fined up to £1,000.
MOT Test extensions come to an end on January 31 (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Read More
Related Articles
Brexit changes
Although a last-minute agreement between the UK and the EU means British drivers will not need an International Driving Permit in most cases when travelling abroad, some documents are still needed.
The biggest change is the need for a car insurance green card which is proof you have a valid policy in place
These can be obtained from a car insurance provider but road users must have a physical copy at all times.
Drivers will also need to take their V5C logbook with them if their vehicle is less than 12-months-old.
A loophole which let motorists take photos or videos while driving has been closed (Image: Getty)
Mobile phone use
According to comparison website Go Compare, a loophole which allowed motorists to get away with taking photos or videos while driving has been closed.
Under the new rules, drivers can be issued a £200 fine and six penalty points by simply holding a phone under any circumstances.
New ALKS lane-keeping tools
Late last year, the Department for Transport announced new Automated Lane Keeping technology could be available on new UK cars from spring 2021.
A government consultation was run at the end of 2020 to look at whether the tools could run safely at speeds of up to 70mph.
Londons ULEZ system will be expanded to several Outer London boroughs from October (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
New Clean Air Zones
Londons expensive ULEZ (Ultra-low emission zone) system will be expanded to several Outer London boroughs from October adding an extra daily charge of £12.50 to millions of motorists.
Bath and Birmingham will be the first cities outside of London to introduce new Clean Air Zone charges this year.
Birmingham’s scheme will charge this with the highest polluting vehicles up to £8 per day to use the roads.
(Image: Getty Images/Photononstop RF)
Green number plate changes
Owners of electric and zero-emission vehicles can now buy the brand new green number plates.
The scheme could launch a range of benefits for owners of fully-electric models with the Government hinting at cheaper parking and special zero-emission zones.
Future law changes
Brand new Intelligent Speed Assistant tools are set to become mandatory on all new cars from 2022.
The new technology will alert drivers if they are going too fast and can intervene if a driver continues to drive above the limit.
A consultation on a nationwide pavement parking ban concluded at the end of 2020 with the results due in just a few weeks’ time.
A national ban could see a £70 fine issued to any road user who parks on the pavement similar to current legislation in London.
