According to Bristol Live, significant changes to UK driving laws are arriving this December, set to impact a wide range of motorists and industries. These updates, introduced by the new Labour Party government and implemented by HMRC, span from company car regulations to electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about the new December UK driving law changes:
Advisory Fuel Rates Adjustments
Starting from December 1, 2024, the HMRC will implement new Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) for company cars. These rates help employers reimburse employees for business fuel and manage the repayment of fuel costs for private travel. Key changes include:
- Diesel Company Cars:
- Engine size >2,000cc: Reduced from 18p per mile (ppm) to 17ppm
- Engine size 1,601-2,000cc: Reduced from 14ppm to 13ppm
- Engine size up to 1,600cc: Reduced from 12ppm to 11ppm
- Petrol Company Cars:
- Similar reductions in rates
These updates are crucial for employers managing fuel reimbursements, with specific implications for VAT reclaims. Note that these rates are not applicable to vans, and hybrid cars can be considered either petrol or diesel for these purposes.
New HGV Regulations
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) face new regulations beginning this winter. Starting on February 21, 2024, all newly registered HGVs must be equipped with a ‘full’ or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2. This advancement in tachograph technology is aimed at improving compliance and monitoring.
Additionally, existing in-scope vehicles undertaking international journeys must retrofit these smart tachographs by December 31, 2024. This update is part of the broader effort to harmonise logistics standards across Europe.
Significant Fines for EV Charge Point Non-Compliance
From December, electric vehicle (EV) charge point operators face stricter rules and potential penalties. New regulations mandate that:
- All EV charge points with a power capacity of 8 kW and above must offer contactless payment options.
- Existing chargers of 50 kW or above must also comply with these requirements.
Charge point operators could face fines of up to £10,000 per non-compliant charger, emphasising the importance of adhering to these new standards. These measures are designed to make EV charging more accessible and user-friendly, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
Ensuring EV Charge Point Reliability
New regulations introduced at the end of November require that EV charge point operators guarantee a 99% reliability rate for their devices. This means that EV owners can expect more dependable access to charging points. The regulations also ensure that new chargers with a power capacity of 8 kW and above, as well as existing charge points of 50 kW and above, offer contactless payments as a standard feature.
These changes are part of a broader push to modernise the UK’s EV infrastructure, reducing barriers to adoption and supporting a smoother transition to electric vehicles for businesses and fleets.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate
A pivotal component of the December UK driving law changes is the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. From January 1, 2024, car manufacturers must ensure that:
- 22% of their car sales and
- 10% of their van sales are fully electric.
This mandate aims to significantly reduce emissions by increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road. The goal is to have 80% of car sales be electric by 2030 and to have all cars sold in the UK produce zero emissions by 2035. Manufacturers failing to meet these targets will face steep fines: £15,000 per car and £9,000 per van below the target.
Conclusion
The new December UK driving law changes bring substantial updates that will affect drivers, businesses, and the automotive industry at large. From revised fuel rates and stringent HGV rules to enhanced EV infrastructure and ambitious emission targets, these changes represent a major shift towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
Staying informed and compliant with these updates is essential for all stakeholders. As we approach December 2024, understanding these driving law changes will help ensure a smoother transition and contribute to the UK’s efforts in reducing emissions and modernising its road network.