The driving laws are there to maintain orderliness and prevent any untoward events while driving down the road. It serves as a protection for both drivers and pedestrians. One of the mandatory processes every driver in the United Kingdom must undergo is the UK driving test. You need to pass the test before you are allowed to drive in the UK.
Aside from passing the driving test, there are other driving-related laws you have to know. Some of these laws are already updated, while others are entirely new. We will discuss them in this article.
The low emission rules
One of the newest driving rules is the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). It replaces the T-charge scheme, which aims to lessen the harmful effects of emission and improve air quality. Every vehicle must meet the standards set by ULEZ, or else the driver of that vehicle will be fined £12.50 for vans, cars, and motorcycles and £100 for heavy vehicles.
Tax changes
The rise in VED or Vehicle Excise Duty is applicable to all cars, which adds £5 to the yearly car tax cost. For high emission cars, owners will be charged an additional £15. For new car buyers, a total of £65 will be added to the first-year car tax. Owners of diesel-powered vehicles that fail to meet the standards set for RDE2 emission will pay a much higher tax rate.
Smart Motorways
If you are in the smart motorways, you are not allowed to drive in a lane with a red X sign. If you violate and get caught, you will be penalized up to £100 and marked three points.
Intelligent Speed Assist
Under the EU’s revised General Safety Regulation, new cars should have intelligent speed assist, a car safety measure that will take effect in 2022. It aims to reduce the chances of collision and improve safety on the road. Other safety measures will be implemented anytime soon, such as a camera and sensor for reversing, warning for driver distraction and drowsiness, a black box data recorder, which is extremely useful during untoward events, and lane-keeping assistance.
Driving Permits and Green Cards
If you drive a vehicle within the EU’s jurisdiction, you need to get an international permit that costs around £5.50. On top of that, you also need to have a motor insurance green card. So when traveling to the EU and drive a vehicle, you need to contact your insurance provider at least one month before the exact travel date.
Overtaking cyclists
When opening the car doors, people are encouraged to use the Dutch reach. They will also give way to cyclists and pedestrians when turning left – in an effort to make the pedestrians the top priority.
Driving lessons on motorways
The old driving law states that drivers can only use the motorways if they pass the driving test. However, the new law has allowed new drivers to use the motorways as part of the lesson, provided a driving instructor accompanies them, and the car has dual controls.