December's New Driving Laws: What You Need to Know
As we approach December, some major changes in UK driving laws are set to take effect, and petrol and diesel car owners in particular should be aware of the impact these new rules will have. The changes, primarily introduced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), will affect how much you pay to drive on UK roads, and they may even require you to make vehicle upgrades.
Starting tomorrow, a significant shift in advisory fuel rates will come into play. These rates, which are reviewed quarterly, dictate how much employees are reimbursed for fuel when using company cars for work or private travel. From December onwards, the rates will be adjusted, and this could mean a change in how much drivers pay per mile, depending on the engine size of their vehicles. Petrol cars with engines up to 1,400cc will see a reduction, now standing at 12p per mile. For cars with engines between 1,401cc and 2,000cc, the rate drops to 14p, and for cars over 2,000cc, the rate will fall to 23p per mile, down from 26p. Diesel car owners will also see reductions, with vehicles under 1,600cc paying 11p per mile, while those between 1,601cc and 2,000cc will pay 13p. Cars with engines over 2,000cc will now pay 17p per mile, a reduction from the previous 20p.
Also Read:- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Black Friday Deal: Still Live and Unbeatable!
- Newcastle United's Frustrating Draw with Crystal Palace: A Look at the Key Moments
These changes are designed to reduce costs for those who rely on company cars for their work, but it’s important to note that the impact could vary depending on the vehicle you drive. If you’re in a larger engine vehicle, you may see savings, while smaller engine owners could find themselves paying less overall.
Electric vehicle (EV) owners will also notice some positive changes from December onwards. New rules around charging stations will ensure improved reliability and accessibility. Charge point operators must meet strict criteria, including a 99% reliability rate, and stations must have a minimum power capacity of 8kW. This will make EV charging more reliable and easier to access, especially with the added benefit of contactless payment systems being mandatory. If any charging stations fail to meet these requirements, operators could face hefty fines of £10,000 per charger.
There are additional rules affecting Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) as well. From December 31, new government regulations require certain vehicles, particularly those undertaking international journeys, to retrofit a smart tachograph system. This will affect vehicles with analogue or digital tachographs and will be mandatory for those involved in international travel. However, UK-only operations won’t be affected by this change, and vehicles with older tachographs can continue using their existing systems for domestic trips.
These changes, while bringing some improvements, will also require petrol, diesel, and commercial vehicle owners to stay informed and potentially adjust to new rules. Whether it’s lower mileage rates for company car drivers or more reliable charging options for electric vehicle owners, these updates highlight the ongoing evolution of UK driving laws. As we move forward into December, it’s crucial for motorists to be aware of these developments to ensure they stay compliant and benefit from the latest changes.
Read More:
0 Comments