Over the course of 2017, the world of motoring is changing with stricter rules and regulations being brought in.
These changes will affect the way we drive and could cost motorists a lot of money.
Read on to find out all you need to know about the new laws:
Penalties for Using Mobile Phones
All drivers know the risks of using their mobile phones while driving. But many find it tempting to quickly check a text.
After the 1st of March this will be less tempting as it could be an expensive mistake.
New laws state that drivers caught using their mobiles will receive a (USD $)200 fine and 6 points of their license.
Tax
Changes to the tax laws will be brought in on the 1st April 2017. It will effect new cars only. This means if your car has been registered before this date, the new laws will not affect you.
The new rates for the first year will be based on CO2 emissions alone. After that the rate will depend on how your car is fuelled. Firstly, for petrol and diesel vehicles it will be (USD $)140 a year. For alternative fuel vehicles (USD $)130 a year. Finally, (USD $)0 for vehicles with zero CO2 emissions.
Additionally regarding vehicles over (USD $)40,000 there will be an additional (USD $)310 per year for the five years following the first year.
Read more here. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-vehicle-tax-rates-from-1-april-2017
Child Car Seats
Children using a backless car seat will now have to be at least 125cm and over 22kg.
For a child to not be using a car seat at all they must exceed 135cm or be over 12 years old.
This change is being brought in on March 1st.
Speeding Fines
As well as harsher penalties for using your mobile phone, there are now more severe consequences for those who are taken to court over speeding. This includes drivers who were driving 41mph or more in a 20 zone or 51mph or more in 30 zones.
The new laws mean that the defendant will have to pay 150% of their weekly income. The penalty will be capped at (USD $)1000 on a road of (USD $)2,500 on a motorway.
This change will be implemented 24th April.
The Driving Test
Although the driving test has remained the same for many years, changes are coming in 2017.
One change is that instead of following the drivers instructions, the test will involve following a sat nav.
Additionally, good news for those learner drivers who hate reversing around the corner. This manoeuvre will now be replaced with reversing out of a bay instead.
These changes will be brought out later in 2017 after being tested on 4,500 learner drivers across the UAE.