New driving laws: 7 major changes for road users

Since 2022, several new driving laws have been introduced in the UK. To help road users get clued up, we've put together a list with some of the major changes.

Highway Code

A change to the hierarchy of road users in the Highway Code became effective from 29 January 2022, requiring those who have the potential to cause the greatest harm to take on the responsibility of reducing danger in a situation.

Someone driving a car for example is more responsible than a cyclist for the safety of them both. From least to most responsible, the new hierarchy is: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists and drivers.

Tougher phone laws

Since 25 March 2022, drivers have been banned from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games. Those caught can now face a £200 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on their licence.

The use of hands-free devices like sat navs is allowed, as long as they are secured in a holder and don’t negatively affect the driver’s control of the vehicle.

Fines from councils

Drivers can now be fined by councils, rather than just the police, if they are caught performing bad manoeuvres.

From 31 May 2022, councils in England have been able to apply to the Secretary of State for new powers to enforce ‘moving traffic offences' such as stopping in a yellow box junction or ignoring signage.

Parking on pavements

Parking on the pavement is not illegal outside of London, but the whole of the UK could soon follow the capital in making it an offence.

Rule 244 of the Highway Code currently states that you must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere in the country unless signs permit it.

Parking on the pavement can obstruct pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments, and those with prams or pushchairs.

Speed limiters

A new European Union (EU) mandate published on 7 July 2024 means that all new vehicles sold in the EU must be fitted with speed limiter.

Known as Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), the system uses GPS to work out what the speed limit of a road is and issues a visual and/or audio warning to the driver if it's broken.

While the law doesn't apply in the UK, it's still likely to affect us as most manufacturers won't modify their car designs for the British market.

Tax increases

Vehicle Excise Duty, also known as road tax or car tax, increased on 1 April 2024 in line with standard uprating. This is currently paid by those who drive a petrol and diesel, but will apply to electric and low emission vehicles from 1 April 2025.

Road tax is based on the age of your car as well as the rate of its CO2 emissions. The more eco-friendly, the cheaper the tax.

Fuel costs

The price of petrol and diesel in the UK has fallen to its lowest levels since 2021, saving motorists money on their fuel costs. Better still, the government has extended the temporary 5p cut in fuel duty rates until March 2025.

Now you’re on top of the rule changes, make sure you’re on top of your car insurance too. Visit our car insurance page to find out more and get a quote.