A series of recent and forthcoming changes made to motoring laws mean 2019 could prove to be an expensive year for drivers who fail to brush up on their highway code.
Changes to the amount of room drivers must leave for cyclists, how we use smart motorways, guidelines for learners and the way cars are assessed for their MOT mean there are several new ways road users an fall foul of the law.
How the Highway Code is going to change
There is now a defined amount of space drivers must leave for cyclists when overtaking, or face a £100 fine. The Highway Code says there must be at least 1.5 metres (4ft 11in) between the car and the cyclist, which is roughly the width of a car door.
Those who fail to leave enough of a gap will face a £100 fine.
Smart Motorways
Changes to smart motorway legislation could see drivers handed points on their licence for driving through a red X sign as well as a £100 fine. Driving under a red X is already an offence which can result in a police prosecution.
A section of the M1 smart motorway in West Yorkshire. Penalties for breaking smart motorway rules have changed. Shuttestock
Learner drivers on the motorway
In the summer, rules were changed to allow learner drivers to drive on the country’s motorway network. This is a change because previously learners were banned from motorways.
Changes to MOT
New categories are being introduced for the MOT. These include:
Dangerous: A car deemed a direct or immediate risk to road safety or the environment. This leads to an MOT test failure.
Major: Could affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or affect the environment. Also a failure.
Minor: No significant effect on safety but must be repaired as soon as possible.
Advisory: An issue which could become more serious in the future Pass: Meets the current minimum legal standards for maintenance and condition.