Revealed: New Driving Laws for 2018 & Beyond

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Revealed: New Driving Laws for 2018 & Beyond

Outline of the Article:

1. Introduction
   • Explanation of the confusion regarding sat nav placement in 2018
   • Importance of understanding new driving laws
2. What is the Law on Sat Nav Placement?
   • The Highway Code’s stance on windscreen obstruction
   • Official advice and the recent controversy
3. Why the Confusion?
   • Greater Manchester Police’s initial tweet and the public’s reaction
   • Misunderstandings and the issue of interpretation
4. The Correct Position for Your Sat Nav
   • The bottom right of the windscreen
   • Legal and safety considerations for placement
5. Alternative Mounting Solutions
   • Air vent mounts and other legal options
   • Pros and cons of different mounting positions
6. What the Highway Code Says About Windscreen Obstruction
   • The rule about keeping windows clear and free from obstructions
   • Other considerations for road safety
7. The Issue with Touchscreen Use While Driving
   • Recent laws regarding using sat navs and mobile phones while driving
   • Potential fines and penalties for using your sat nav improperly

8. Programming Your Sat Nav Before You Drive

   • The importance of planning routes before starting your journey
   • What to do when a message pops up on your sat nav during driving
9. Recent Updates on Sat Nav Legislation in 2018
   • Overview of changes in 2018 driving laws
   • Clarification and updates needed on these laws
10. Impact of the Changes on Drivers
    • How these changes affect daily driving routines
    • The role of awareness in road safety
11. Fines and Penalties for Misuse of Sat Navs
    • The potential consequences for breaking the rules
    • Tips on avoiding fines and staying compliant with the law
12. Is More Legislation Needed?
    • Calls for clearer and more consistent guidelines
    • The role of law enforcement in educating drivers
13. How to Avoid Mistakes: Practical Tips for Drivers
    • Simple advice on proper sat nav usage
    • Ensuring your driving habits align with the law
14. Public Reaction and Future Changes in Driving Laws
    • Responses from drivers and motoring groups
    • Predictions for future updates to driving laws
15. Conclusion
    • Summary of the key takeaways
    • Final thoughts on sat nav use and future changes
16. FAQs
    • Common questions and answers related to sat nav laws and usage

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Revealed: New Driving Law for 2018 & Beyond: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Sat Nav Placement

Introduction

The start of the year often brings new changes and clarifications in laws, and 2018 was no exception. One of the most debated topics among drivers was the new rules surrounding sat nav placement in vehicles. Recently, confusion erupted after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) shared a tweet that suggested drivers were breaking the law by placing their sat navs in the middle of their windscreens. While the police force quickly deleted the tweet, it left many wondering about the specifics of the law and where exactly it is permissible to place a sat nav.

In this article, we’ll explore the new driving laws for 2018, specifically regarding sat nav placement, and clarify the confusion surrounding it. We’ll also discuss the broader context of other important driving law updates that have emerged over the years.

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What is the Law on Sat Nav Placement?

The Highway Code is clear about one thing: your windscreen and windows must be free of obstructions that could impair your vision while driving. This includes everything from dirty windows to objects that may block your field of view.

However, when it comes to sat nav placement, things can get a little tricky. The confusion began when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) tweeted that the only legal position for a sat nav was the bottom right corner of the windscreen. This claim was met with immediate backlash from the public, including motoring groups, who questioned whether this was truly the case.

The truth lies somewhere in between. While there are no specific laws stating that a sat nav must be placed in one exact location, the general rule is that it should not obstruct your view of the road or interfere with your ability to drive safely.

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Why the Confusion?

GMP’s tweet sparked a lot of confusion, not only because of the location they suggested but also because many drivers were previously unaware of the exact rules for sat nav placement. The image they posted suggested that a sat nav in the middle of the windscreen was illegal, but experts were quick to point out that this was not necessarily the case.

This confusion largely comes from differing interpretations of what constitutes an “obstruction” on your windscreen. The Highway Code’s guidance is relatively broad, leading to varying opinions on where exactly a sat nav should be placed.

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The Correct Position for Your Sat Nav

To clear things up, the ideal place for your sat nav is on the bottom right of your windscreen. This location is generally accepted as a safe, legal position, as it does not obstruct your view of the road, nor does it interfere with other important aspects of driving.

If you place your sat nav in the middle of your windscreen or anywhere that blocks your view of the road, this could technically be considered illegal. However, keep in mind that as long as the device does not impair your ability to drive safely, enforcement might vary. To be safe, it’s best to adhere to the bottom-right placement or consider alternative mounting options.

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Alternative Mounting Solutions

If you’re worried about placing your sat nav on the windscreen at all, there are several alternative mounting solutions. One of the most popular options is the air vent mount, which slots into the air vent of your car, keeping your sat nav out of your line of sight altogether.

Other mounts that attach to your dashboard or use suction cups can also be viable options, as long as they don’t obstruct your vision. Keep in mind that using a mount that doesn’t attach to the windscreen can often be the most straightforward way to avoid legal issues.

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What the Highway Code Says About Windscreen Obstruction

According to the Highway Code, it is crucial that your windscreen remains clear and free from any obstructions that could reduce visibility. This applies not only to your sat nav but also to things like stickers or other devices placed on the windscreen.

The rule is simple: your vision must be unimpeded, and this includes ensuring that no object, such as a sat nav, is placed in a location that could block important areas of the windscreen, especially the driver’s view of the road.

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The Issue with Touchscreen Use While Driving

Along with sat nav placement, another area that’s been the subject of much debate is the use of touchscreens while driving. A new law introduced in 2018 made it illegal to interact with your sat nav or phone screen while driving, whether you’re moving or stationary with the engine running.

This means that any use of the touchscreen, even to accept a simple notification or select an option, could result in a fine and penalty points. It’s crucial to remember that the law considers any interaction with your device a potential distraction, so make sure all programming is done before you begin your journey.

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Programming Your Sat Nav Before You Drive

Before you hit the road, ensure your sat nav is programmed with your route. This is crucial to avoid distractions while driving. According to experts, if your sat nav pops up with a simple prompt, like offering a faster route, you can usually accept it with just one button press.

However, more complex interactions, such as typing in a destination or selecting multiple options, should be avoided while driving. It’s always best to set everything up before you start your journey to ensure you’re in full compliance with the law.

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Recent Updates on Sat Nav Legislation in 2018

While there was significant confusion surrounding sat nav use in 2018, there were also some important legislative updates aimed at improving road safety. These updates focused on reducing distractions, particularly from in-car technology, including sat navs and mobile phones.

One key change was the clarification of rules surrounding the use of mobile devices and in-car tech while driving. These changes were designed to ensure that drivers remain focused on the road and avoid any actions that could lead to accidents.

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Impact of the Changes on Drivers

The new driving laws in 2018 have had a significant impact on how drivers use technology in their vehicles. It’s become clear that while technology can be helpful, it also presents a risk if used improperly.

To stay compliant with the new laws, drivers must be mindful of where they place their sat navs and how they interact with them while driving. Awareness and education are key to ensuring that everyone is safe and law-abiding on the road.

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Fines and Penalties for Misuse of Sat Navs

If you don’t follow the correct rules for sat nav usage, you could face hefty fines and penalty points. Touching your device while driving can lead to a £200 fine and six penalty points, which could impact your driving record and insurance rates.

To avoid penalties, always make sure your sat nav is properly placed and that you’re not interacting with it while driving unless it’s absolutely necessary.

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Is More Legislation Needed?

Given the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing reliance on in-car devices, many experts argue that more specific legislation is needed to address issues like sat nav placement and usage. Clearer guidelines would help eliminate confusion and ensure that drivers are fully aware of what is and isn’t allowed.

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How to Avoid Mistakes: Practical Tips for Drivers

To stay on the right side of the law, here are a few practical tips for using your sat nav:

• Place your sat nav in the bottom right of your windscreen or use an air vent mount
• Always program your sat nav before you start driving
• Avoid touching the device while on the road
• Stay updated on any changes to driving laws that may affect you

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Public Reaction and Future Changes in Driving Laws

While some drivers are still confused about sat nav laws, many are calling for clearer and more specific rules to avoid further misunderstandings. As the use of technology in cars continues to rise, it’s likely that lawmakers will continue to refine and update driving laws to keep pace.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, while the laws surrounding sat nav placement and usage have caused confusion, they ultimately exist to ensure safety on the roads. By understanding where to place your sat nav, programming it before you start driving, and avoiding distractions, you can stay in compliance with the law and avoid unnecessary penalties.

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FAQs

1. Where is the best place to mount my sat nav?
   • The bottom right of the windscreen is generally considered the best and safest place to mount your sat nav.
2. Is it illegal to touch your sat nav while driving?
   • Yes, interacting with your sat nav or mobile device while driving is illegal and can result in a fine and penalty points.
3. Can I use my sat nav for a quick decision while driving?
   • If it’s just one simple button press, like accepting a faster route, you are generally allowed to do this.
4. Are there any other safe mounting options for my sat nav?
   • Yes, air vent mounts and dashboard mounts are alternatives that keep your sat nav out of your line of sight.
5. What are the penalties for breaking the sat nav laws?
   • You can face a £200 fine and six penalty points for improper use of your sat nav.

     Main Image By Pexels