Three changes for drivers this month

Two of the changes could see you be hit with six penalty points added to your license

Drivers are being warned to prepare for three upcoming changes to the current road rules in order to avoid fines of up to £1,000. The DVLA has issued a warning to drivers telling them to ensure that they check whether they are affected by the new rules.

Each new rule comes into action by the end of November, giving motorists only a short period of time to act before the changes. New changes on the road include the end of the driving licence extension, and a new area added to the clean-air zone initiative. 

Here we outline all three rules so you can ensure you don't get hit with a hefty fine...

1.Driving license extension 

During lockdown it was announced that an additional 11 months would be added to any driving licences which were due to expire between 1 February and 31 December 2020. The extension was introduced in order to reduce admin and costs during the pandemic. 

However, if your licence was due to expire on 31 December, you have only until 30 November to renew your licence.

Anyone caught driving without a valid driving license can be fined up to £1,000, and be hit with anywhere between three to six penalty points. It can also result in any insurance claims being rejected.

2.Clean-air zones

London was the first to introduce new clean-air zones, in order to reduce pollution and emissions. Birmingham has since followed in the capital's foot steps, introducing a low emissions zone earlier this year. 

Now, Portsmouth has also launched a clean-air zone, in an attempt to stop the use of old diesel cars. From 29 November it will come into action in the area, applying to all non-compliant vehicles including HGVs, buses, coaches, and taxis. 

There will also be a £10 daily fee for driving in certain sections of the city.

3.Changes to towing rules 

This rule applies to anyone who passed their driving test on or after 1 January 1997. From 15 November, you will be legally allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM.

The DVLA will automatically update your driving record, which will then show you are allowed to tow trailers. Category BE will be added to your next new driving licence. 

It is important you are aware of the specific weight, as anyone found towing anything heavier than the amount of kilograms allowed, can be fined £1,000, be banned from driving, and get up to six penalty points added to their licence.