New Year - New Laws: What do car drivers (and manufacturers) need to know in 2022?

We are only a month into the new year, but there are already quite a few changes to the law that car drivers (and car manufacturers) need to be aware of in 2022.

Changes to the Highway Code

There are proposed changes to the Highway Code that came into effect from 29th of January 2022, and these have been proposed as a way of improving road safety for road users who are perceived as being more likely to be injured in an accident – cyclists or pedestrians.

The rule changes include introducing a hierarchy of road users:

• H1 – cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians
• H2 – drivers to stop and give way to pedestrians stopping or waiting to cross the road
• H3 – consider safe passing and speeds, and don’t cut H1 road users up at junctions

Compulsory EV car chargers on all new builds

From January 1st this year, all new builds must have an EV charger installed as standard. This includes both residential properties – homes – AND commercial properties such as offices and supermarkets. The law also states that any building with over 10 parking spots that is “substantially renovated” should also have an EV charging point installed as well.

 The UK government is hoping that this piece of legislation will help to boost the number of people buying electric vehicles, as well as boosting the number of EV chargers available to the general public – before the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles comes into force in 2030.

Introduction of Clean Air Zones

Greater Manchester is introducing a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) on May the 22nd and this zone will cover:

• Bolton
• Bury
• Manchester
• Oldham
• Rochdale
• Salford
• Stockport
• Tameside
• Trafford
• Wigan

Private car, moped and motorbike drivers will not be charged under the CAZ scheme, but buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles will be charged £10, Caravan and motorhome drivers will also be charged – with the charge being dependent on their tax class.

The CAZ measures have been put in place to reduce air pollution and help protect people from harmful emissions. If the CAZ charge is not paid, then drivers face a fine of up to £120.

Speed limiters to be mandatory for all new cars

From 6th of July 2022, all new cars will be fitted with speed limiters as part of an ongoing campaign to increase road safety in Europe. This General Safety Regulation was proposed by the European Commission and approved by the European Parliament in 2019, and is likely to be followed by the UK despite us not being part of the European Union anymore, in a bid to help standardise the car manufacturing process.

Stricter laws on the use of a mobile phone while driving

The laws on using your mobile phone while driving is also set to change this year (2022). Calling or texting while driving is already against the law, but playing a game, selecting a song on a playlist, and taking a photo or video will now be added to that list. This rule will apply when you are driving and when you are stopped at a red traffic light also.

If you are caught breaking this law you could be slapped with a fine of up to £200 and may also receive 6 points on your licence as well.

Drivers will still be allowed to use their phones as a sat nav to help with directions, provided they have their phone in some kind of holder which allows them to use it hands free.

 Biofuels and red diesel set to become illegal

At the moment, biofuels and red diesel are rebated for businesses, but businesses who currently take advantage of this tax rebate are being forced to switch to taxed white diesel from 1st of April 2022. This step has been taken by the UK government in a bid to promote the use of more sustainable fuels, and encourage businesses to work in a more energy efficient and sustainable way.

However, red diesel will still be allowed for some businesses, including those in the rail, forestry, fish farming and agriculture niches. It will also be allowed for non-commercial heating system users as well.

It's not all bad news this new year though. Why not take part in the Cartime New Year Swap and Save challenge? We are offering the best ever price when you part exchange your old car. View our current range of used cars for sale now.