What new driving conviction laws were introduced in 2019?

New driving laws are being introduced in the UK all of the time. These could be entirely new laws, or there might be updates to legislation already in place.

As a driver, it’s your duty to stay up to date with any new regulations, otherwise you could risk falling foul of the law and receiving a driving conviction.
 
If you’re found guilty of committing a driving offence, you could receive a fine, points on your licence or even a driving ban. In severe cases, you could even be sent to jail.

The more serious the offence, the greater the implications – not only for your driving record, but also for your personal life.
 
You might find it difficult getting affordable car insurance after committing a driving offence, but not if you choose the Insurance Factory.

We specialise in convicted driver insurance, helping motorists to get back behind the wheel with competitively-priced policies packed with the same benefits as standard car insurance.
 

What new and upcoming driving laws do you need to be aware of?

A court hammer scales
From overtaking cyclists to smart motorway driving and new driver restrictions, let’s take a look at some of the laws that have either come into force in 2019, or could be introduced in the near future.
 

Overtaking cyclists

The BBC explains how in the not too distant future, the Highway Code may be updated to include measures designed to protect cyclists on the road, encouraging drivers to adopt the so-called ‘Dutch reach’.

This is when you open the car door using the hand furthest away from the handle, which encourages you to look behind for any cyclists who may be approaching the car.
 
Over 100 cyclists died in road traffic accidents in 2017, with Cycling UK calling the new proposed rule a major step for cycle safety.

Some local forces are already penalising drivers who drive too close to cyclists when passing, and it’s possible you could receive three to nine points on your licence for driving without due care and attention.
 
Rule 163 under the Highway Code explains that when passing cyclists, you should give ‘as much room as you would when overtaking a car’.

Cycling UK is pushing for the code to include guidance on the minimum distance you need to leave when overtaking a cyclist – it’s asked for at least 1.5m for cars travelling under 30mph and 2m when cars are driving over 30.

The group also suggests that the code should stipulate that drivers should give way to both cyclists and pedestrians when turning.
 A cyclist on a road on a sunny day

Smart motorway fines

A new law has been introduced for driving on smart motorways – and drivers face a £100 fine and three penalty points if they ignore it.

So says the Express, drivers face these penalties if they ignore a lane closure on a smart motorway.
 
Smart motorways, which are considered by many to help ease congestion and improve driver safety, are becoming more commonplace in the UK.

They are set to increase from covering 416 miles to 788 miles by 2025.
 
It’s possible for variable speed limits to be used for each lane, with the limit displayed on the gantry overhead.

A lane could also be closed – and if a red ‘X’ is displayed over that lane, that a driver cannot travel in it, or else they risk a fine.
 

Newly-qualified drivers

There’s been a big push by the government this year to make new drivers safer on our roads.

The focus is on further exploring whether or not graduated driver licensing – or a scheme similar to it – should be launched in England.
 
Such a scheme would lead to a number of restrictions for new drivers. For instance, there could be a minimum learning period, no driving at night, or no driving with passengers in the car under a certain age.

The move is designed to improve road safety, with one in every five new drivers involved in an accident within their first year on the road.
 
At present, new drivers have their licences revoked if they build up six or more points within the first two years of driving.

That’s equivalent to the points received for using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, or two speeding offences.

There are likely to be significant implications for ignoring the restrictions if graduated driver licensing is introduced.
 A new driver being handed the keys to a car

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Back in April, London introduced an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in a bid to cut harmful emissions and improve air quality.

It replaced the former T-charge scheme and requires drivers to pay a daily charge to drive in the ULEZ if their vehicle doesn’t meet the required emission standard.
 
Drivers can receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if they drive within the ULEZ without meeting the standards or paying the relevant daily charge.

As the TfL website notes, the penalty charge is £160 for cars, vans, motorcycles and mopeds, reducing to £80 if paid within 14 days.

You could get separate PCNs for every charging day you drive within the ULEZ, and they can be issued to vehicles registered in the UK or in another country.
 

Convicted driver insurance from the Insurance Factory

If you’re looking to get back on the road following a driving conviction, we can arrange a policy that suits your needs and budget.
 
We consider a number of convictions, including:
 
  • Driving without insurance
  • Driving or attempting to drive with a blood alcohol level exceeding the limit
  • Exceeding the speed limit on a motorway
  • Driving in a dangerous manner
  • Driving at a dangerous speed
  • Reckless driving
  • Non-motoring convictions
 
We never judge drivers. We understand that the past is the past, and with our 20+ years of experience will work hard to find you competitively-priced convicted driver insurance packed with benefits.
 
We’re here to help you get back on the road with as little hassle as possible – so, what are you waiting for? Get a free, no-obligation quote today!