Important law changes for drivers

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has announced several important law changes for drivers throughout 2021 that could leave unaware drivers facing fines or even points on their licences.

In this article, our motoring offence experts are going to bring you up to speed with some of the key rule changes that have either recently come into force or will soon come into force.

Towing Trailers

Since the 15th November 2021, a new law has come into effect which allows anyone who passed their car driving test after 1st January 1997 to be able to tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg without having to take a prior test.

The DVLA will update the driver’s record to show that you are allowed to tow trailers and you will be able to see that the category BE has been added to your driving licence when you next get a new photocard driving licence. 

Driving Licence change

Drivers are being urged to check when their licence expires as anyone who fails to renew their licence could be fined £1,000.

The tweak to the law comes after the DVLA extended driving licences that had expired between February and December 2020 for 11 months amid Coronavirus restrictions.

However, this extension ran out last month drivers could face a fine of up to £1,000 if their licence is not renewed.

Number plate change – Driving Abroad

Previously drivers in the UK needed to have a GB sticker on their car unless they had a number plate with the initials. However, under new rules, a sticker or magnet will not be valid and the number plate will need to be replaced with a UK one.

This means that drivers must now have a UK sticker if their number plate has a GB identifier.

Stricter penalties for mobile phone use while driving

The rules have been tightened around mobile phone use whilst driving. A loophole, which meant that people could get away with using their phones to take photos or videos at the wheel, has been closed.

On top of that drivers could now be fined £200 and issued six points on their licence if they are caught holding their phone or sat-nav device whilst driving as well as those caught texting or calling at the wheel.

How we can help

If you’ve been charged with a driving offence, get in touch with our dedicated motoring offence solicitors, who have a proven track record of protecting the driving licences of many British motorists. We’ll do everything we can to clear you of wrongdoing or minimise action against you.

For more information go to https://cartwrightking.co.uk/services/driving-offence-solicitors/