It can be hard remembering all the rules of the road at the best of times, so here's a round up of some of the more notable changes impacting UK drivers this year.
- MOT extension ends
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Boris Johnson previously announced a six-month extension to MOTs between 31 March and 31 July during the first lockdown. As such, these extensions will now have come to an end, so make sure you're not hitting the road without a valid MOT.
- Brexit changes to international travel
The 'B word' means when travelling in Europe you'll need a car insurance green card, which serves as proof you have a valid policy in place.
These can be obtained from a car insurance provider and you must have a physical copy at all times.
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You will also need to take your V5C logbook with you if your car is less than a year old (you jammy thing).
- Stricter penalties for mobile phone use
A loophole meant that drivers could technically get away with using phones to take photos and videos while driving. This loophole is expected to be closed in the coming months, meaning you could get a £200 fine and six points on your licence if you're caught holding your phone will driving - be it to check directions, skip a song or send a message.
- Automatic Lane Keeping Systems approved
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Automatic Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) keep cars in lane automatically at low speeds, and they were approved for use last June. It is thought they could be in place by spring.
- New Clean Air Zones
Bath and Birmingham will be the first cities outside of London to introduce new Clean Air Zone charges this year, with the highest-polluting vehicles in Birmingham charged £8 a day.
- Green number plates for cars with zero emissions
Electric or zero emission car drivers will now have green number plates, to make them more visible. It is hoped they will help to promote the vehicles, and cars with green number plates could access cheaper parking and be granted access to low emission zones.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels/Hassan OUAJBIRTopics: UK News