Drivers in the United Kingdom face significant fines or points on their licences in the coming year unless they pay attention to and follow new Highway Code changes.
The changes to the Highway Code range from the use of mobile phones on the road to the installation of electric charge points on all new buildings.
Drivers are not permitted to use a cell phone in any capacity.
This means that if a driver is caught holding a phone but not using it, they could face a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
New laws also always give pedestrians the right of way, implying that motorists bear more responsibility while driving.
This means that drivers who cut off cyclists or horse riders may face large fines or points.
Instead, they should wait for a “safe gap” before changing lanes to reduce risk to themselves and other road users.
The sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles will be prohibited beginning in 2030.
In an effort to encourage more people to go electric, any new buildings that do not include a charging point may face a hefty fine.
Tim Alcock from Lease Electric Car said: ““There is no excuse for any of us drivers not to know any changes and amendments, however minor they are, to the Highway Code.
“You need to stay up to date with the latest laws on the road to avoid hefty fines and penalty points – if you are caught just holding your phone you could face a £200 fine and six points. One of the most important laws is the introduction of rules H1, H2, and H3 which ensures that pedestrians always have right of way when crossing at junctions and in slow moving traffic, and how drivers of larger vehicles now bear the most responsibility.
“Implementing these law changes will help to protect the more vulnerable road users, like pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
“Law changes also apply for infrastructure – the rise of electric vehicles in the UK over the past year has been reflected in the rule book too. New homes and buildings now need to come with EV charging points.
“The best thing drivers can do going into 2023 is to review and keep in mind these changes that have happened in the past year to avoid those big penalties as we go into 2023, when no doubt there will be more adjustments made to the Highway Code.”