The four new laws which could catch drivers out in 2024
Drivers have four new laws to be aware of as we head into the new year. It’s worth keeping updated on the rules of the road, as the Highway Code changes frequently. From a little-known rule here and there, to new speed cameras – it’s vital that drivers check restrictions before setting off on a journey.
To get in good stead for the year ahead, AutoTrader[1] has highlighted a number of new motoring laws which could come into force in 2024. In bad news for drivers, petrol and diesel prices are potentially rising yet again as the Government considers a potential end to the freeze on fuel duty. That could hurt most of us in the pocket, so it’s crucial you don’t fall foul when it comes to other potential bumps in the road.
Some law changes could also catch learners out when they take their test – including possible changes to the eyesight exam. Here are the four key rule changes you should be aware of as we head into the new year.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)
AutoTrader said that drivers of HGVs could be restricted when driving in London as of October 2024. Transport for London (TfL) announced that HGV drivers will require a safety permit before they are allowed to enter the capital city, featuring a star rating based on the vehicle’s visibility.
Fuel duty
Fuel duty has been frozen since 2011 (Image: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Nimisha Jain, motoring expert at AutoTrader, said that 2024 could be a bad year for petrol and diesel prices, as the Government could put and end to the fuel duty freeze.
She added: “Fuel duty has been frozen since January 2011 to prevent its rise with inflation. The basic rate on diesel and petrol has been 52.95 pence per litre (ppl) as per the Office for Budget Responsibility which includes the 5ppl cut the Government has granted until the end of March 2024 to help with the cost-of-living crisis. “In Spring Budget 2024, we will find out more about what the Government plans to do with the fuel duty freeze and the 5ppl cut.”
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate
AutoTrader also suggested that 2024 could see more motorists driving electric vehicles across the UK, adding: “From January 1, 2024 onwards, car manufacturers will need at least 22 per cent of their car sales and 10 per cent of their van sales to be fully electric under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate which aims at increasing the sale of electric vehicles to help reduce emissions.
“The Government plans to increase this percentage of electric vehicles sold over time so that by 2030, at least 80 per cent of the cars sold are electric, and by 2035, all cars sold in the UK produce zero emissions to stay in line with their ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2035.”
Eyesight test
Learner drivers might be impacted by potential changes to eyesight tests (Image: MWN)
While the DVSA is still yet to confirm what changes will be made to the eyesight exam, a number of experts predict that drivers could have to be tested in different lighting conditions to simulate the time of day. Nimisha said that this could catch more learners out when they’re taking their driving test, explaining: “As part of the DVSA’s plan for 2024, the eyesight test during a driving test might see some changes. Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link[4]
“Currently, if you can read a number plate from 20 metres away, you pass the eyesight test.
This method of testing your eyesight might change in the future.
The DVSA is consulting a Medical Panel on how the testing procedure should look, as well as asking drivers and experts on better ways to conduct the test.”
References
- ^ AutoTrader (go.skimresources.com)
- ^ The winter walk in a Greater Manchester country estate ending in a cosy pub (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Medical breakthroughs, hope for endangered animals and a delivery from space – good news stories from the year 2023 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ clicking this link (chat.whatsapp.com)