Revealed: New Driving Laws for 2020 & Beyond

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Revealed: New Driving Laws for 2020 & Beyond

Outline of the Article:

1. Introduction
   • The need for new driving laws in 2020 and beyond.
   • Overview of key driving laws changes.
2. Mobile Phone Use Behind the Wheel
   • Current situation regarding mobile phone use.
   • The loophole that allows non-communicative phone use.
   • The new law expected by Spring 2020.
   • Consequences of breaking the mobile phone laws.
3. Parking Fines and Grace Periods
   • The government’s action to regulate private parking fines.
   • The introduction of the 10-minute grace period.
   • How this aligns private operators with council rules.
   • Expected timeline for the new parking fines law.
4. City Diesel Ban
   • The rise of diesel bans in cities due to pollution concerns.
   • Bristol’s plan to implement a city-wide diesel car ban.
   • What it means for diesel car owners and the timeline.
   • The wider impact on other UK cities.
5. Drink Drivers and Breathalysers in Cars
   • New EU legislation for breathalyser devices in cars.
   • What it means for new and existing car models.
   • How this laws could impact UK drivers post-Brexit.
   • Expected implementation dates for the breathalyser laws.
6. Parking on Pavements
   • The dangers of parking on pavements.
   • The current status of pavement parking in London and Scotland.
   • Expansion of the ban across the UK.
   • Timeline for the nationwide rollout.
7. Speed Limiters and Intelligent Speed Assistance
   • Introduction of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) in new cars.
   • How ISA works to prevent speeding.
   • The EU’s new General Safety Regulations.
   • The impact of ISA on UK drivers post-Brexit.
8. The Environmental Impact of New Driving Laws
   • How the new laws aim to improve road safety and environmental conditions.
   • The role of technology in reducing traffic accidents and pollution.
9. Changes in Licensing and Driver Education
   • Possible changes in driver’s license requirements.
   • New regulations regarding driver education and testing.
10. What This Means for UK Drivers
    • How these changes affect everyday drivers.
    • Ways to stay informed and prepare for upcoming laws.
11. Conclusion
    • Recap of the major changes and their importance.
    • Final thoughts on driving safely and adhering to new laws.
12. FAQs
    • Questions regarding the impact of mobile phone bans, city diesel bans, and more.

Revealed: New Driving Laws for 2020 & Beyond

As we race toward the year 2020 and beyond, drivers across the UK need to stay informed about a raft of new driving laws and regulations. These laws are designed to improve road safety, curb pollution, and make the roads safer for all users. From mobile phone bans to citywide diesel vehicle restrictions, the changes are significant and are likely to impact how we all drive.

Let’s dive into the most important new driving laws set to take effect over the next few years, along with the timeline for when you can expect them to arrive.

1. Mobile Phone Use Behind the Wheel

If you’ve ever been tempted to check your phone while driving, you’re not alone. However, as of 2020, this habit will no longer be tolerated. While it’s already illegal to use a mobile phone for calls or texting while driving, a loophole still exists. You can currently be fined £200 and receive six penalty points for making calls or sending texts, but activities like scrolling through a playlist or taking pictures were not explicitly banned—until now.

What’s Changing?
The government has decided to close this loophole. Starting in the summer of 2020, anyone caught fiddling with their phone—whether it’s for social media, photos, or music—will face the same penalties as those using it for calls and texts. The message is clear: put your phone out of sight and focus on the road. Research shows that even a few seconds of distraction can blind you to the road for up to 100 feet—equivalent to driving blindfolded!

Why It Matters:
This law is aimed at reducing distractions and improving road safety. So, be proactive—stash your phone in the glove compartment and resist the urge to check it while driving.

2. Parking Fines and Grace Periods

Parking fines are one of the most contentious issues for drivers. Private car park operators have long been accused of issuing unjust fines, often for very minor infractions. Fortunately, changes are on the way to regulate the industry.

What’s Changing?
The UK government has tasked the British Standards Institution with creating a compulsory code of practice for private parking firms. The new rules will introduce a 10-minute grace period for overstaying your parking time—this is in line with the rules already in place for local council-run car parks.

Why It Matters:
This regulation aims to give drivers a bit more leeway and stop private parking firms from issuing unfair fines. While this law is still in the planning stages, it’s expected to be rolled out soon.

3. City Diesel Ban

With growing concern over air quality and the environmental impact of diesel vehicles, cities across the UK are taking action. One of the most high-profile changes is Bristol’s plan to ban diesel cars from the city center during certain hours.

What’s Changing?
Bristol will become the first city in the UK to introduce a complete diesel vehicle ban, with affected cars being banned from the city center between 7 am and 3 pm. Drivers caught violating the ban will face hefty fines.

Why It Matters:
This initiative aims to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions in urban areas. If successful, it may set the stage for similar bans in other cities across the UK. If you own a diesel vehicle, make sure you’re aware of any local restrictions.

4. Drink Drivers and Breathalysers in Cars

The European Union has passed legislation that will require all new cars to be equipped with a breathalyser device before they can start. While the UK is set to leave the EU, it’s highly likely that Britain will adopt this regulation as well.

What’s Changing?
From 2022, all new cars sold in the EU will need to have a breathalyser device installed. This device will require drivers to blow into it before they can start the engine. Existing vehicles sold after 2024 will also need to be retrofitted with the device.

Why It Matters:
This new regulation is aimed at reducing drink driving and improving road safety. For drivers in the UK, even post-Brexit, it’s expected that these regulations will be mirrored, so be prepared for the possibility of breathalyser-equipped vehicles in the near future.

5. Parking on Pavements

Parking on pavements may seem like a harmless habit, but it can be dangerous for pedestrians—especially for parents with prams or elderly people. Currently, pavement parking is banned in London, but this ban is set to be expanded nationwide.

What’s Changing?
Scotland has already announced that pavement parking will be outlawed from 2021, and the rest of the UK is likely to follow suit.

Why It Matters:
This move is aimed at improving pedestrian safety and ensuring that sidewalks remain clear. If you tend to park on the pavement, it’s time to start adjusting your habits to avoid fines and penalties.

6. Speed Limiters and Intelligent Speed Assistance

For those who find it hard to stick to speed limits, new technology is about to make speeding a thing of the past. The EU has mandated that all new cars be equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems starting in 2022.

What’s Changing?
ISA uses a combination of GPS and a forward-facing camera to detect speed limits and automatically reduce the car’s speed if the driver exceeds the limit. The system can also issue warnings to the driver if they continue speeding.

Why It Matters:
This system aims to reduce speeding and improve road safety. While the UK may no longer be part of the EU post-Brexit, similar regulations are likely to be adopted.

7. The Environmental Impact of New Driving Laws

The new laws aim not only to improve road safety but also to tackle pollution and reduce carbon emissions. Whether through limiting the use of polluting diesel vehicles or reducing distractions that lead to accidents, these regulations contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.

8. Changes in Licensing and Driver Education

As driving laws evolve, so too may the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. Future changes could include updates to the way driving tests are conducted or additional training for specific vehicles and technologies.

9. Conclusion

As the UK faces a new decade, these upcoming driving laws mark a significant shift towards safer roads and a cleaner environment. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new motorist, staying informed about these changes will help you avoid penalties and contribute to the road safety movement.

FAQs

1. Will I get fined for scrolling through my phone while driving?
   Yes, once the new law comes into effect in Spring 2020, any phone use, including scrolling or taking pictures, will be subject to fines.
2. When will the city diesel bans affect me?
   Bristol is set to implement its diesel ban by March 2020, with other cities potentially following suit in the future.
3. How will the breathalyser in cars work?
   A breathalyser device will require you to blow into it before starting your car. If you are over the limit, the car won’t start.
4. Can I park on the pavement in Scotland?
   No, starting in 2021, parking on pavements will be illegal in Scotland, and similar rules may apply in the rest of the UK.
5. How do speed limiters work?
   Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) uses cameras and GPS to monitor speed limits and automatically reduces the vehicle’s speed if you exceed the limit.

   Main image by Pexels