New DVLA rules and driving laws coming in 2022

The way we drive and the rules around the roads are facing somewhat of an overhaul in 2022.

The law is going to get tougher around using mobile phones while driving and even the Highway Code is changing.

Some fuels will be restricted and “speed limiters” will be required on some cars.

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Two cities will obtain their own Clean Air Zones and laws for new cars and buildings are also being enforced from next year, reports HertsLive.

Here are all of the biggest changes to driving rules which you can expect in 2022, courtesy of a roundup by autotrader.co.uk.

Using your mobile phone while driving

2022 will see stricter laws on the use of mobile phones coming into force.

While texting or calling while driving is already illegal, it will now also become an offence to take photos and videos, select a song on your playlist and play games on your phone while driving – even if you are stopped at a red light.

Failing to observe this rule could cost you a £200 fixed penalty and six points on your licence.

You will still be able to use your phone for directions, as long as it’s secured in a cradle or you otherwise have hands-free access to it.

Changes to the Highway Code

Changes to the Highway Code called Rule H1, Rule H2, and Rule H3 are planned to come into effect from January 29, 2022.

The changes will introduce a concept of hierarchy of road users according to who is most at risk in the event of a collision – without removing the need for everyone to behave responsibly.

Pedestrians – in particularly children, older adults and disabled people, followed by cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists – are defined as more likely to be injured.

Rule H1 says that drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles bear the greatest responsibility to take care on the road, followed by vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Rule H2 requires drivers to give way to pedestrians at junctions as well as zebra, light controlled, and parallel crossings.

Rule H3 requires drivers to give priority to cyclists when they are turning into or out of a junction, or changing direction or lane.

Read the rules in detail.

Red diesel and rebated biofuels will become illegal for most vehicles

This measure will mostly affect businesses rather than individuals, and it restricts the lawful use of red diesel and rebated biofuels from April 1, 2022.

Red diesel is diesel used mainly off-road, such as for bulldozers and cranes, or to power drills for oil extraction.

The change is intended to promote the use of more sustainable fuels, as part of the UK’s 2050 climate targets.

Introduction of new Clean Air Zones

Greater Manchester and Bradford will introduce their own Clean Air Zones.

The Manchester Clean Air Zone will start on May 30, 2022, while a date is yet to be announced for the Bradford Clean Air Zone.

Mandatory speed limiters for all new cars

The UK is likely to adopt a regulation approved by the European Parliament in 2019, which mandates all new cars to be fitted with speed limiters from July 6 2022 to improve road safety.

The UK has retained most EU laws for new cars to help standardise car manufacturing across Europe.

New buildings in England to have compulsory built-in EV chargers

All new properties built in England from 2022, including housing and commercial buildings, will have to have an EV charging point installed.

Through the availability of more EV chargers, the government hopes to boost the uptake of electric vehicles ahead of the planned ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars in 2030.

Article Source: Kent Live