Drivers Beware!: 3 updates you need to know

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As an experienced driver, you almost forget that the rules of the road are being updated regularly. Even if you have had your licence for years, it is important that you stay up to speed with the most recent rules and regulations to ensure everyone’s safety and avoiding heavy fines.    In 2019, there have been a few things that were introduced to the MOT test, additional expenses for your vehicle and new penalties you may want to avoid.  

New items tested during the MOT test

It is a legal requirement for a car over 3 years old to have an MOT every 12 months, while most of us are generally aware of what it is, changes have been made to how the test works.   The new items that are now being tested as part of the MOT are listed as follows:

• To check if the tyres are underinflated
• To see if the brake fluid is contaminated
• Whether there are any leaks that may pose a risk to the environment
• If there are any brake pads or discs missing, or problems with the brake pad warning lights

  Therefore, make sure that these elements are up to standard before you head to your MOT. If you are found to be driving your car with a dangerous fault, you could be fined £2,500, receive three points on your licence and even be banned from driving altogether.

Increased car tax and parking fees for diesel vehicles 

With growing concerns and focus on the environment, there have been more regulations put into place to reduce environmental impacts made by cars. In particular, diesel vehicles will be taxed higher than what they have done previously, and parking surcharges for diesel cars will go up in price.   Specifically, in April 2018, tax rates increased significantly for three million diesel drivers in the UK, and will continue to do so in 2019. Instead of receiving a standard Vehicle Excise Duty (which is often referred to as car tax) of £140 per year, these vehicles will now be taxed according to their CO2 emissions.    As for the parking surcharges, these were introduced to major cities in the UK such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bath. In London, on-street parking costs 50 per cent more for diesel cars sold before 2015. The council said as a result of the scheme, the number of older diesel cars being parked in certain areas fell.    This is to encourage people to switch over to cars that are better for the environment. 

Keeping cyclists safe 

With more and more cyclists sharing the road with drivers, there is a growing importance in keeping cyclists safe. The Highway Code is due to change this year regarding drivers passing cyclists on the roads. The rule being reinforced mentions that there must be at least 1.5 metres (or 4ft 11 inches) between the driver and the cyclist. Should you fail to abide by this new rule, it will be a £100 fine. Therefore, it is important to make sure you leave a sufficient gap when you’re overtaking a cyclist   In another attempt to keep cyclists safe, the Highway Code will be introducing the ‘Dutch Reach’ method. This is to encourage drivers and passengers to open their door using the hand furthest from the handle. This will encourage the person to look behind for cyclists before pushing the door open. While the ‘Dutch reach’ hasn’t been fully introduced in the Highway Code, ‘car dooring’ is considered to be a criminal offence in the UK and you can be fined up to £1000 if you do so.   It is hard to stay updated with the latest changes, thankfully, Kwik Fit has put together a brief, handy e-Book that summarises a few of the main changes. This invaluable guide is free to download here.    By educating yourself, you are making sure you keep yourself and others safe while driving. It will also help you stay on the right side of the law, avoiding any unwanted accidents or unnecessary charges. Join the conversation today by using #DrivingIn2019.