2024 Driving Rules & Regulations
With an ever-changing motoring picture, it’s important that the rules and regulations continue to stay up to date.
That’s why there are a number of new rules and changes introduced most years, and 2024 is no different. From new rules on parking to emissions regulations, there are several important changes to get your head around.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate
As of 1st January 2024, car manufacturers will need at least 22% of their car sales and 10% of van dales to be fully electric under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. As the Government are encouraging more UK motorists to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, this new mandate hopes to increase the sale of brand-new electric vehicles and encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric power.
As we get closer to the 2035 ban on the sale of brand-new petrol and diesel cars, each year the Government are planning on increasing the percentage of mandatory electric vehicle sales until we get closer to the zero emissions goal.
Even though there is no requirement on the sale of used electric vehicle sales, this change in rules for new car sales will increase the amount of electric vehicles seen on UK roads throughout 2024.
DVSA Eyesight Test Changes
The DVSA are changing the eyesight requirements during the driving test for 2024. Currently, during the test, the driver only has to rear a number plate from 20 meters in order to pass.
The DVSA are currently consulting a medical panel in order to make it more flexible and to test eyesight under different light levels.
New HGV Safety Rules
Transport for London, the TFL, is taking action to reduce accidents and save lives on our roads. Introducing the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit scheme for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Starting from October 28, 2024, all lorries over 12 tonnes must have a three-star rating or a progressive Safe System to ensure safer driving in Greater London.
HGV’s will be required to hold a safety permit before entering and using the areas covered by the HGV safety permit scheme, this can be applied to for free.
Ending the Fuel Duty Freeze
For over a decade, fuel duty in the UK has remained the same, frozen since January 2011 and protected from increasing in line with inflation. At its current rate of 52.95 pence per Litre (ppl) for both diesel and petrol, this figure includes a 5 pence per Litre (ppl) reduction, implemented by the government to reduce the the strain of the cost of living crisis.
With this temporary reduction scheduled to end in March 2024, all eyes are on the forthcoming Spring Budget 2024, where the government's stance on the continuation or withdrawal of the duty freeze and the associated 5 pence per Litre (ppl) relief will be revealed.
This anticipated announcement holds significant implications for everyday consumers like you, as it will influence fuel prices, transportation costs, and overall inflation rates.
Electric Vehicle Exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty
Great news for electric vehicle owners, the £0 vehicle excise duty with continue until March 2025. After this, for the following financial year April 2025- April 2026 electric vehicles will join the lowest rate of tax and pay just £10 for the first year, and then the standard rate of £165 per financial year.
Electric vehicles will also be exempt from paying the congestion charge while driving in London till 25 December 2025.
New number plates being introduced
While not so much of a law, a regular feature of the motoring year is the introduction of two new registration plates.
The first comes on March 1 when the ‘24’ registration will be introduced, and then later in the year on September 1 comes the ‘74’ number. If you want to drive a car with the latest number plates, it’s worth getting organised ahead of time.