5 new road laws to watch out for

by constructaquote - 21 March 2019

Vehicle owners need to keep updated on new road laws and changes to the MOT system that have been enforced by The Department of Transport or risk facing heavy fines, penalty points, and even jail time.

According to a recent report in The Sun some of these updates include:

1. MOT – new legal requirements have come into force this year that cover 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).
2. Learner drivers – are now allowed to have driving lessons on the motorway for the first time provided they are accompanied by a qualified driving instructor.

• Steering clear of cyclists – drivers need to give more room to cyclists especially when overtaking. Motorists will be fined £100 if they do not give room to a cyclist when they are passing by your vehicle. The Highway Code states drivers should leave at least 1.5m (4.9ft) between the vehicle and a cyclist – which is roughly the width of a standard car door.

• Closed lanes – drivers risk the wrath of traffic police if found to be driving in ‘closed’ motorway lanes. A £100 fine and 3 penalty points on the license will be implemented against those driving in a line marked with a red ‘X’ above the road and roadside cameras will assist in capturing these drivers.

• License scheme – graduated licenses for new drivers are being tested in Northern Ireland this year in a bid to crack down on offenses such as using a mobile phone while driving. This means stricter penalties for those who have only been driving for 2 years or less.

According to a report by the RAC, Government statistics repeatedly suggest as many as a quarter of newly-qualified motorists are involved in an accident during their first two years on the road – with 400 young UK drivers sustaining serious or fatal injuries each year. Although no countrywide scheme is currently in place, the government is apparently exploring its possibilities, with the aim of reducing the number of early-stage accidents.

Van drivers should also be aware that there is a limit to the amount of time one can spend driving a van that is governed by law – 11 hours a day working with only 10 hours driving.

According to Business Vans drivers that fall foul of the law face up a £300 penalty fine and even jail time.

Disclaimer: The advice provided here are our own interpretations and opinions. We have tried to simplify the main points to create this article and the information provided is for general informational purposes only. While we try to keep the information up-to-date and correct, there are no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this article for any purpose. Any use of this information is at your own risk.

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