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UK driving laws change frequently to improve road safety, reduce emissions, and ensure compliance with modern vehicle technology. December driving law changes UK introduced several key updates that drivers, fleet managers, and transport businesses must follow to avoid penalties.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the latest changes in UK driving laws, covering everything from fuel reimbursement updates and stricter mobile phone rules to new electric vehicle (EV) regulations and tachograph requirements.
December Driving Law Changes UK (AFRs)
The UK government revises Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) quarterly to ensure fair mileage reimbursement for company car users. The latest AFR updates, effective December 1, 2024, reflect changes in fuel prices. These updates are part of the December driving changes UK, impacting company car users and businesses managing travel expenses.
New Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) for Company Cars
| Fuel Type | Engine Size | New Rate (Per Mile) |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | Up to 1,400cc | 12p |
| 1,401cc – 2,000cc | 14p | |
| Over 2,000cc | 23p | |
| Diesel | Up to 1,600cc | 11p |
| 1,601cc – 2,000cc | 13p | |
| Over 2,000cc | 17p | |
| Electric | All EVs | 7p |
The new AFRs help businesses calculate fuel reimbursement fairly while ensuring drivers do not overclaim expenses. Employees using company cars must use these updated rates when submitting mileage claims.
Stricter Mobile Phone Rules While Driving
The December driving law changes UK its zero-tolerance approach to mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Key Updates to Mobile Phone Laws
- Drivers can no longer interact with their phones, even if stationary at traffic lights.
- Voice commands are still allowed, but touching the phone is strictly prohibited.
- Penalties for non-compliance:
- £200 fine
- Six penalty points
- For new drivers (within two years of passing), disqualification from driving
These changes aim to reduce distracted driving incidents and increase road safety.
New Regulations for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points
The UK is making electric vehicle adoption easier by introducing new regulations for public charging points.
Key Changes in EV Charging Rules
- Mandatory contactless payment on all public EV charge points (8kW and above).
- Existing fast chargers (50kW and above) must also have contactless payment options.
- Charge point operators must maintain a 99% reliability rate.
These regulations ensure that EV charging infrastructure remains user-friendly, addressing long-standing concerns about broken or inaccessible chargers.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate for Manufacturers
The UK government has implemented stricter targets for car manufacturers to encourage the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
What the New ZEV Mandate Means for Car Manufacturers
- From January 1, 2025, car manufacturers must ensure at least 22% of new car sales are fully electric.
- For vans, the minimum EV sales requirement is 10%.
- These targets will increase annually, reaching:
- 80% for cars and 70% for vans by 2030
- 100% for both by 2035
- Failure to meet targets results in fines:
- £15,000 per non-compliant car
- £9,000 per non-compliant van
This mandate is part of the UK’s commitment to net-zero emissions, accelerating the shift to cleaner transport.
December driving law changes UK (Heavy Goods Vehicles)
December driving law changes UK have been introduced for international HGV drivers to enhance road safety and prevent driver fatigue.
Key Updates to Tachograph Rules
- All HGVs involved in international journeys must have Smart Tachograph 2.
- These digital devices track driving hours, speed, and distance.
- Deadline for compliance: December 31, 2024.
HGV operators must retrofit vehicles with the new tachograph technology to comply with international road safety regulations.
Car Insurance Premium Adjustments
A government ruling has led to lower car insurance premiums for many UK drivers.
What Has Changed?
- The Personal Injury Discount Rate (PIDR) was increased from -0.25% to 0.5%.
- This change reduces overall compensation payouts, leading to a 5% drop in insurance premiums.
- On average, drivers can expect to save around £50 per year on car insurance.
This adjustment is part of efforts to stabilize insurance costs while ensuring fair compensation for accident victims.
Conclusion
The December Driving Law Changes UK reflect the UK government’s ongoing commitment to:
- Improving road safety through stricter mobile phone usage penalties.
- Encouraging electric vehicle adoption with new charging point regulations.
- Ensuring fair company car fuel reimbursements with updated AFRs.
- Holding car manufacturers accountable with the ZEV mandate.
- Enhancing safety in the transport industry with new tachograph rules.
Staying informed about these changes ensures that drivers businesses and fleet operators remain compliant and avoid potential fines or penalties.
FAQs
What are the new fuel reimbursement rates for company cars?
The Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) effective from December 1, 2024, are:
- Petrol:
- Up to 1,400cc: 12p per mile
- 1,401cc – 2,000cc: 14p per mile
- Over 2,000cc: 23p per mile
- Diesel:
- Up to 1,600cc: 11p per mile
- 1,601cc – 2,000cc: 13p per mile
- Over 2,000cc: 17p per mile
- Electric:
- All EVs: 7p per mile
These rates ensure fair reimbursement and prevent overclaiming on expenses.
Can I use my mobile phone while driving if it is in a holder?
No, touching your mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited, even in a holder. Only voice commands are allowed. The penalty for non-compliance includes a £200 fine and six penalty points, with potential disqualification for new drivers.
What do the new EV charging regulations mean for drivers?
The latest regulations ensure that all public EV charge points (8kW and above) must have contactless payment options. Existing fast chargers (50kW and above) are also required to support contactless payment. Charge point operators must maintain a 99% reliability rate to improve accessibility and convenience.
What happens if car manufacturers fail to meet the ZEV mandate?
Starting from January 1, 2025, manufacturers must meet minimum EV sales requirements:
- 22% of new cars must be fully electric.
- 10% of new vans must be fully electric.
Failure to comply results in fines of £15,000 per non-compliant car and £9,000 per non-compliant van. These targets will increase annually, reaching 80% for cars and 70% for vans by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
Are Smart Tachograph 2 devices mandatory for all HGVs?
All HGVs involved in international journeys must install Smart Tachograph 2 by December 31, 2024. These digital devices track driving hours, speed, and distance, ensuring compliance with international road safety regulations.
How do the new car insurance premium adjustments benefit drivers?
With the Personal Injury Discount Rate (PIDR) increasing from -0.25% to 0.5%, car insurance premiums are expected to drop by 5% on average, saving drivers approximately £50 per year.
How can I stay updated on future UK driving law changes?
To remain compliant with UK driving regulations:
- Regularly check the DVLA and Gov.uk websites.
- Follow updates from the Department for Transport.
- Subscribe to industry news sources for the latest legal changes.
By staying informed and adhering to the latest driving laws, UK motorists, businesses, and fleet operators can avoid fines, improve safety, and contribute to a greener transport system.
