There are new driving laws being introduced every year.
This year is no different and some new rules will change how we behave on the road but others will alter how much you need to pay to keep your car running.
New driving laws being introduced in 2019 range from alterations to car tax rates to updates to the MOT test.
Here are the new rules and laws have been announced in 2019:
MOT rules
MOT test changes could see more cars instantly fail the new test. Proposals have been made to adjust MOT test rules to see cars that have an outstanding recall against them instantly fail.
The MOT rules are set to change again in 2019, following the alteration to the rules that occurred in 2018. There have been proposals to adjust the MOT test rules to accommodate cars that have outstanding recalls against them.
Under the new rules, if a car was found to have a recall against it then it would instantly fail the annual roadworthiness test. It is estimated that there are around 2.39 million cars on the road with existing recalls against them. There is no indication when this new rule could be introduced but it is expected to take place in 2019.
The MOT test changed in 2018 introducing three new categories – Minor, Major and Dangerous – which categorised the severity of a fault handed to a car. New checks and stricter testing of diesel vehicles was also introduced. Here is a quick guide to exactly what changed and how it will affect you.
Car tax
DVLA car tax rates are increasing for the third time in three years in 2019. Vehicle excise duty rates will increase in line with inflation this year. The announcement was made by Chancellor Philip Hammond in the Autumn Budget 2018.
In the Budget, it confirmed that: “From 1 April 2019 VED rates for cars, vans, and motorcycles will increase in line with RPI.” This could add between £5 and £65 on to the cost of your annual VED bill.
Here’s how much more motorists will pay based on their tax band:
- 76g/km and 150g/km CO2 – +£5
- 151-170 g/km CO2 – +£15
- 171-190g/km CO2 – +£25
- 191-225g/km CO2 – +£40
- 226-255g/km CO2 – +£55
- 255g/km CO2 – +£65
Smart motorways
Changes to smart motorway rules could see motorists penalised £100 if they ignore a red X closure sign on a smart motorway.
Red Xs are used to signify a lane closure if there has been an accident or if there is no need for a fourth lane to be open.
Highway Code
The Highway Code is set to be altered to accommodate a new rule relating to passing cyclists. Under the new rules, there must be at least 1.5-metres (4ft 11 inches) between the driver and the cyclist when overtaking. Drivers that feel to leave this sufficient gap will be fined £100.
Graduated driving licence
In 2018 it was proposed that newly passed motorists could be given a graduated driving licence which would impose certain restrictions in a bid to make new drivers safer. Newly qualified motorists are the most risk on the roads as they have the least experience. The proposal to introduce this type of licence could help to reduce the number of accidents involving young motorists.
Here is a list of restrictions that the RAC believes the graduated licence could focus on:
- Curfews – Times when they are allowed to be on the road
- Passengers – Limits for how many passengers a new driver can have
- Speed – Separate, lower speed limits to other drivers
- Engine sizes – Limits on how powerful their cars can be
- Mandatory P plates – These are currently optional but could be made mandatory for up to two years
- Alcohol – Lower limits than the general driving population