FOUR NEW DRIVING LAWS COME INTO FORCE

The four new laws you need to know about are:

1 - Mobile phone usage

• The new laws surrounding mobile phone usage whilst behind the wheel have been updated to ensure that the action is met with a greater fine of £200 and a possible 6 points on your licence. If you have held your licence for less than 2 years you are also at greater risk of a driving ban.

2 - Speed Limiters

• Speed limiters are already permitted to be fitted on vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats and also any goods vehicles with a maximum weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes. 
• All new cars are permitted to be built with an inbuilt speed-limiter to cap the top speed of the vehicle. However, it is still the responsibility of the driver to stick to the speed limit.

3 - Low-emission zones

• As these zones become more common around the country, it is important to check that if you are entering one on your journey, you have taken all the necessary steps for avoiding a fine. 
• Check that your vehicle meets the emission standards of these zones, or that you have paid the low-emissions fee before entering. If you don’t pay the fee you could be risking a fine of up to £500. 
• Bradford low emission zones will start charging from the 26th of September 2022, and Bristol, Newcastle and Gateshead will begin charging later this year. Be sure to keep up to date with when your local low-emission zones begin charging and which class the zone is (A-D) as this can determine whether you are required to pay the fee. 

4 - Transporting goods to Europe 

• You will need a standard international goods vehicle operator licence for transporting goods for hire or reward in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 
• If you are transporting over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes either via towing or in your vehicle, you may need to upgrade your standard national goods vehicle operating licence to a standard international goods vehicle operating licence before travelling to these countries with goods for hire or reward.