Drivers warned of new road laws coming into force this month

Motorists have been warned to watch out for a series of road law changes coming into force this month.

The Highway Code has undergone several rule shake ups this year, with the most recent updates coming just last month in July.

However, this month has seen the arrival of four new rule changes, all of which could see drivers be fined up to £1,000 and receive points on their licenses if they are caught in the act.

Here’s what to be mindful of under the new rule changes:

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Mobile phone usage

While drivers could previously use their phones for purposes that were not considered ‘interactive communications’, such as looking for music or texting, it is now illegal for motorists to use their mobiles at any time during a journey.

This applies even when the vehicle is stationary.

Anyone caught using their phone for any reason will receive a £200 fine and six points on their licence, while any drivers to have passed their test within the last two years could lose their licence completely.

Taking good to Europe

Motorists will now need a licence to carry goods or people that are for hire or reward – such as shared-cost group minibus trips – into the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The standard international goods vehicle licence will be required for light good vehicles, vans, and cars/vans towing trailers.

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Speed Limiters

All new cars will be fitted with speed limiters installed, which will cap vehicles’ top speeds.

This change was proposed by the European Commission in the General Safety Regulation it was passed into law by the European Parliament in 2019. The UK is still likely to adhere to the rules despite Brexit, with it having kept most laws for new cars.

Low Emission Zones (LEZ)

Low Emission Zones are popping up in more and more towns and cities across the country, in an attempt to lower dangerous levels of emissions.

While Manchester is yet to see the arrival of one of these zones (not to be mistaken with the controversial Clean Air Zone), fines will be issued to drivers who enter it without paying for a licence, according to the RAC.