Drivers could be fined hundreds of pounds after several changes to the Highway Code.
Motoring experts have researched the several changes that the DVSA made to road laws in the UK in 2022. An electric vehicle was recently named the second best-selling car in the country in November and the government implemented new infrastructure laws to help new and existing EV owners.
The Highway Code also makes it clear that drivers caught using or even holding their phones will receive a fine of up to £200 and six points on their licence. The hierarchy of road users was also introduced, as pedestrians will now always have right of way, putting the greatest responsibility onto drivers of large vehicles.
According to experts at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk, one of the most interesting changes to the Highway Code in 2022 was Rule H1 - which puts the greatest responsibility for any accidents, onto drivers of large vehicles.
Doing so helps protect more vulnerable road users, like cyclists and pedestrians. The Highway Code states that motorists who are in control of a vehicle which will cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility of driving safely to protect road users who are more at risk.
The H1 rule also states how cyclists and horse riders must ensure they are accommodating and wary of pedestrians. Rule H2 in the Highway Code makes it clear pedestrians now always have the right of way.
Previously the vehicle had right of way, but now drivers must wait for the pedestrian to cross before continuing - this applies when turning into a road as well as someone crossing in slow-moving traffic.
Rule H3 tells drivers and motorbike users when they are turning - priority should be given first and foremost to cyclists and horse riders. Drivers should no longer cut across these more vulnerable road users who are continuing ahead when the motorist is changing directions or lanes and turning into or out of junctions.
Essentially vehicles need to avoid turning if a cyclist or horse is using the road on the approach to the junction, so the vulnerable users do not need to stop or swerve - wait for a safe gap. Other than the priorities of road users made more clear under the 2022 changes to the Highway Code, new laws are also to do with vehicle infrastructure.
From 2022 onwards, every single new home built in the UK is now required to have EV charging points installed. This change in the law comes after the government announced the ban on petrol and diesel car sales in 2030, making it easier for Brits to charge their electric vehicles.
The law on installing charge points also applies to new-build supermarkets, workplaces, and other buildings undergoing large renovations. The Highway Code also amended the law on mobile phone usage for motorists.
Since the law changed in March 2022, it is now completely illegal for those who are driving to hold or use their mobile phones, sat navs, tablets and any other devices that can send and receive data. Hands-free access is allowed whilst driving, such as voice command systems and built-in sat navs, so long as the driver is not holding these devices.
If motorists are caught holding or using devices as they are driving, a £200 fine and six penalty points could incur, and for new drivers, their licence could be stripped away completely.
READ NEXT:
Woman's tragic Snapchat message sent moments before taking own life
Schoolgirl 'could have been killed' in sickening attack video
'Besotted' couple together for 40 years die just one day apart
Live as heavy rain in Liverpool prompts flood alerts and weather warnings
