New Year, New Rules! The 6 Laws Arriving in 2022

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

New Year, New Rules! The 6 Laws Arriving in 2022

As each new year rolls in, so do new regulations aimed at making British roads safer and better for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to the road, knowing the latest rules can make all the difference in avoiding fines, staying safe, and understanding your responsibilities. In this guide, we’ll break down the top six laws introduced in 2022 that every driver, especially learners, should know. From handling your mobile to respecting wild animals on the road, here’s what you need to know to drive safely and smartly in the new year.

Outline

1. Introduction
   • Why new road laws are introduced yearly
   • Importance of understanding and following these rules for road safety
2. Expect More Fines
   • Overview of councils’ new power to fine drivers
   • Types of minor traffic offences covered
   • Examples of offences and fines in London and Cardiff
3. Mind the Feral Ponies
   • Highway Code updates for areas with feral ponies
   • Guidelines for passing feral ponies safely
   • Importance of this rules for local areas
4. Put Away Your Mobile
   • Current laws on mobile use while driving
   • The new expansion to cover all mobile use, including browsing and gaming
   • Fines and penalties for breaking the rules
5. Prioritizing Vulnerable Road Users
   • Explanation of the “hierarchy of road users”
   • New rules for giving way to pedestrians and cyclists
   • Potential impact of the hierarchy on road safety
6. Curb Your Speed with New Speed Limiters
   • Requirement for all new cars to have speed limiters
   • How the technology works using GPS
   • Implications for drivers and road safety
7. No More Parking on Pavements
   • Expected law for fining pavement parkers
   • Challenges and importance of banning pavement parking
   • Examples from London and Scotland’s regulations
8. Conclusion
   • Summary of the new rules and their impact
   • Importance of staying informed about changes
9. FAQs
   • Common questions about new road rules
   • Clarifications on fines, mobile usage, and speed limiters

Article

Introduction

Each year, new laws are introduced to make Britain’s roads safer and better for everyone. With changing technology, new driving habits, and ongoing issues in road safety, these updates help address modern challenges faced by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. In 2022, several significant laws have come into play, from stricter mobile phone rules to updated regulations for handling wild animals on the road. Let’s dive into the top six laws that will affect drivers across the country and what they mean for road safety.

1. Expect More Fines

ETA: Spring 2022

For the first time, councils across England and Wales now have the power to fine motorists for minor traffic offences, a responsibility that was previously handled by the police. This means that councils can now issue fines of up to £70 for a range of minor offences, including:

• Making illegal turns
• Stopping in a box junction
• Failing to yield to oncoming traffic

Councils in London and Cardiff have already been exercising this power, bringing in significant revenue through fines. Drivers in other parts of the country should expect similar enforcement soon, so be extra vigilant to avoid these minor, but costly, infractions.

2. Mind the Feral Ponies

ETA: Early 2022

Drivers in areas like Hampshire and Devon may already be familiar with the sight of wild ponies wandering the roads. In 2022, the Highway Code has been updated to address these specific road users. The Code now requires drivers to give these feral ponies at least a two-meter gap and to slow down to 10mph when passing.

This rules aligns with existing guidance on safely passing ridden horses, ensuring that these animals—and the drivers encountering them—are kept safe. Local communities have welcomed this update, as it helps preserve the safety and wellbeing of both drivers and animals on shared roads.

3. Put Away Your Mobile

ETA: Early 2022

While it has long been illegal to text or call while holding a phone while driving, previously there was a loophole: activities like scrolling through playlists, browsing the internet, or even gaming weren’t covered. The new law eliminates this gap, making it illegal to interact with your phone for any reason while driving. Drivers caught breaking this law will face penalties of six points on their license and a fine of £200.

This law is designed to reduce distracted driving, which has been a major cause of road accidents. So, before you reach for that phone to check directions or switch up the tunes, remember that any form of phone use while on the road can now lead to hefty fines and penalties.

4. Prioritizing Vulnerable Road Users

ETA: End of January 2022

One of the biggest changes to the Highway Code in 2022 is the introduction of a “hierarchy of road users,” aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, such as pedestrians and cyclists. This hierarchy means that drivers are required to prioritize these road users in various situations. Practical changes include:

• Giving way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra or parallel crossing.
• Yielding at junctions to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.

The idea behind this hierarchy is simple: the larger and more potentially dangerous your vehicle, the more responsibility you have to protect others on the road. This initiative is expected to reduce collisions and increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, though it will require drivers to adjust to new ways of yielding and giving way.

5. Curb Your Speed with New Speed Limiters

ETA: July 2022

Starting in July, all new cars sold in the UK will come with mandatory speed limiters. These devices use GPS to prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit by limiting the vehicle’s power delivery. The technology will not abruptly apply the brakes, but rather gently prevent the vehicle from going over the set speed limit.

Speed limiters are aimed at curbing dangerous driving speeds and reducing road fatalities. As the feature becomes more common, it may also help with compliance on highways and in urban areas where speed control is crucial for safety.

6. No More Parking on Pavements

ETA: TBD

Pavement parking has long been a problem in urban areas, obstructing sidewalks and forcing pedestrians—especially those with mobility issues, children, or strollers—to step into the road. While already banned in London, and set to become illegal in Scotland by 2023, the government is expected to introduce similar laws for the rest of England and Wales soon. This new regulation will empower authorities to fine drivers who mount the pavement.

Banning pavement parking would make city streets more accessible, especially for vulnerable pedestrians, by keeping sidewalks clear and safe. It’s a move that many feel is long overdue, and it could lead to a significant shift in urban parking habits.

Conclusion

These new regulations for 2022 reflect a concerted effort to improve road safety, accessibility, and driver responsibility across Britain. As we navigate these changes, understanding and adhering to the updated rules is key to not only avoiding fines but also ensuring safer roads for everyone. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, awareness of these new laws will help you contribute to a safer, more mindful driving environment.

FAQs

1. How much can councils fine for minor traffic offences?
Councils can issue fines of up to £70 for minor traffic violations, including illegal turns, stopping in box junctions, and failing to yield.

2. What is the purpose of the new “hierarchy of road users”?
The hierarchy prioritizes the safety of vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, requiring drivers to yield to them in certain situations.

3. Are all mobile phone activities banned while driving?
Yes, as of 2022, any interaction with a mobile phone, including browsing, gaming, or changing playlists, is illegal while driving.

4. How do speed limiters work in new cars?
Speed limiters use GPS technology to limit a car’s speed to the posted speed limit, ensuring compliance and promoting safer driving.

5. When will pavement parking become illegal across the UK?
While already illegal in London, pavement parking is expected to be banned throughout England and Wales soon, with Scotland enacting a similar law in 2023.

Ticket photo by Caspar Rae on Unsplash