Three New Driving Laws Coming This November
The DVLA warns motorists of three new driving laws coming this November. Changes to existing driving laws include, clean air zones, caravan towing, and also an end to driving licence extensions. Rules are due to be phased in over the next few weeks. With fines of up to £1000, don’t be the one that gets caught out!
Clean Air Zone
Portsmouth will have a clean air zone phased in from November 29th, becoming the third city in the U.K. outside London to introduce this sceme. Coaches and lorries will be required to pay £50 per day, while hire cars such as taxis, a £10 daily charge will be introduced.
Portsmouth council says ”Although a clean air zone is not our preferred option for improving air quality, we are required by the central government to launch the zone.”
Any local businesses that may be charged by the new scheme have been made aware of the changes and some, have been offered support to upgrade their non-compliant vehicles.
New Caravan Towing Rules
A change to towing rules coming in on the 15th of November 2021 means anyone that passed their driving test after January 1st, 1997 can now tow trailers up to 3500 kg. Under the current rules, another test was required before you could tow heavier loads.
The DVSA stopped trailer tests on the 20th of September 2021 and will phase the new rule in on 15th November 2021 (subject to parliamentary approval). The DVLA will update your driving license record to show you are allowed to tow trailers.
You must wait until the change date! DVLA has warned that you could be fined up to £1000 or even banned from driving if you tow anything heavy before the law changes.
Driving Licence Extensions Due To End
Driving licences due to expire during the months of February through to December 2020 were granted an 11 month automatic extention, due to the coronavirus. This means that any licences due to expire last December will now need to be renewed by the end of this month. Due to social distancing measures, many drivers could be caught out by DVLA services running slower than usual.
With paper applications taking anywhere between six to ten weeks to process, it may be a good idea to apply online here!
Drivers that fail to renew thier licences could face fines of up to £1000. However drivers may continue to drive if they recieve confirmation from the DVLA that thier application is being processed.
