If you drive a car in the UK, don’t get caught out by out-of-date laws. The government will be bringing new rules into force in 2023, and it’s important that you educate yourself on these.
To help you out, we’ve put together a quick guide to take you through the basics. Some of these may not apply to you, but others could. Remember, it’s always good to take your car to a reliable garage like Priory Service Station to ensure that it’s fit for UK roads. The law always states that vehicles must be in a safe, roadworthy condition.
Vehicle Tax Changes
Your Road Tax charge won’t change in 2023. However, the law will change in 2025. Keep in mind that your vehicle will always be subjected to the tax band system that was in place at the time it was registered. Therefore, it’s important to keep your future plans in mind.
If you decide to wait to purchase a brand new vehicle in 2025, you could find that the tax rates are far higher than they are right now for a comparable vehicle. This will particularly apply to electric vehicles, which will be subjected to much higher rates of Road Tax than they are now. You’ll be better off spending the next couple of years finding the perfect EV if you want to take advantage of low tax rates.
ULEZ Rollouts
ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. Until recently, these zones were only in London, but they have since expanded out. Many cities now enforce a fee on cars that don’t meet their emissions standards. The vast majority of petrol vehicles manufactured after 2006 will not incur a fee. However, if you drive a diesel engine or van, you’ll probably have to pay. It’s a good idea to check what charges apply to your vehicle before you drive in a clean air zone.
Mandatory Speed Limiters
Since 2022, any new vehicles that are manufactured are legally required to be fitted with a speed limiter. This is to ensure that the UK’s roads are safe and that speed limits are adhered to. While the notifications on limiters can be annoying, they are in everyone’s best interests. Accidents that happen at high speeds can be devastating. Speed limiters aim to reduce the amount of accidents on the roads by reminding drivers to keep their speed at a safe level.
Mobile Phone Laws
Everyone knows it’s dangerous to use a mobile phone while driving. Did you know that in 2022, a new law was introduced to make even touching your phone while driving illegal? If you choose to tap your phone – even to skip a song on your playlist – you risk a £200 fine. In fact, your device mustn’t be in your hand for any reason. This law applies when you’re driving, queuing in traffic and supervising a learner.
The only acceptable circumstances are if you’re calling emergency services, are parked safely, making a contactless payment in a drive through service or are using a remote parking feature. Hands-free interactions are acceptable, so long as you do not touch the device and it’s not obstructing your view of the road. If you appear to be distracted and not in control of your car while using hands-free, you could still be stopped by police.
To Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Safe For Driving In 2023, Choose Priory Service Station
Some laws change and others will always stay the same. We’re confident that UK law will always state that vehicles must be in a safe, roadworthy condition. To make sure that your car is compliant with the UK’s current road laws, bring it to the team at Priory Service Station. We’re happy to help out with all aspects of vehicle maintenance, including MOTs, servicing, diagnostics and electrical repairs. Book your appointment with us today to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive in 2023.
