In the year that saw new approaches to sustainability and climate change through COP26 , driving laws were introduced to help push towards a greener country .

The car leasing experts at LeaseElectric- Car . co . uk are breaking down some of the most prevalent road rules introduced over the previous 12 months .

Extensions made to the UK ’ s Clean Air Zones laws have meant hybrid cars are no longer exempt from London ’ s Congestion Charge .

Clean Air and Zero Emissions Zones have expanded beyond London and been introduced in other major cities .

Expansions include a Low Emission Zone in Birmingham and a Clean Air Zone in Bath . Looking towards 2022 , drivers can expect charges to come into force in zones in Greater Manchester and Bradford .

A spokesperson from LeaseElectricCar . co . uk said : “ 2021 has been a busy year for lots of us , with new covid lockdowns , government briefings and lots of new laws making it hard to keep up !

“ As we approach 2022 we think it is important to look back over the year and round up important new motoring laws to avoid motorists being caught out in the new year .”

New laws surrounding the introduction of green number plates , which are used to make zero-emission vehicles more visible , help to establish which drivers can freely utilize these zones .

Green number plates , distinguished by a green bar down the left hand side , are part of the Government ’ s Road to Zero strategy which will see the sale of new diesel or petrol cars phased out by 2030 .

Incentives to drivers with green number plates could include access to bus lanes and cheaper parking as well as free entry into zero emission zones .

As well as the introduction of laws to help tackle climate change , there have been other road laws introduced over the past year including those pertaining to mobile phones use .

Although it has been illegal to use a phone while driving since 2003 , there was a legal loophole that allowed drivers to take photos and videos from behind the wheel .

New 2021 laws make it illegal for motorists to use their phone for any purpose while driving - even while stationery . Law breakers could find themselves £ 200 out of pocket with 6 points on their license .

Brexit has also contributed to new road laws , with British drivers now having to carry a physical copy of a green card ( available from insurers ), their driving license and have a GB sticker on the rear of their vehicle if hoping to drive in the EU .

The past 12 months also saw 33 Highway Code rules changed following a £ 338 million investment into walking and cycling .

The Highway Code ’ s new ‘ hierarchy of road users ’ is now prioritising pedestrians over drivers , resulting in 33 rule changes and two brand new rules introduced .

With a shocking 6 % of young motorists admitting to playing a mobile game whilst driving , experts look into new laws to ban the use of mobile phones behind the wheel . Government plans to strengthen road laws plan to punish offenders with a £ 200 fixed penalty fine and six points on their license .

Although it has been illegal to use a phone while driving since 2003 , there was a legal loophole which allowed drivers to take photos and videos from behind the wheel . New rules

will ban drivers from picking up the phone in virtually any circumstance , unless the driver is parked in a safe spot or in contacting the emergency services with no safe or practical place to stop their vehicle .

A spokesman for LeaseCar . uk said : “ Although it has been illegal to use a mobile device whilst driving for some years , there have been ways for drivers to avoid fines or points on their license . We believe these stronger laws being implemented will greatly improve road safety and help towards abolishing distracted driving .”

What motorists can do

Drivers who depend on mobile phones for navigation must ensure they have hands-free access . This can be through a bluetooth headset , a dashboard holder or mat , a windscreen mount , voice command or a built in sat-nav . The device must be mounted and secure in a position which does not block the driver ’ s view of the traffic ahead .

The law does , however , allow for motorists in emergency situations to use their mobile device whilst driving if they are contacting 999 or 112 and have no safe place to stop their vehicle .

What motorists can ’ t do

Drivers cannot use their hand held mobile device under any non-emergency circumstances when behind the wheel , including when stopped at traffic lights , queueing in traffic or supervising a learner driver .

Potential penalties

Motorists who have passed their driving tests in the last two years will completely lose their license if found breaking the newly imposed mobile phone laws .

For more experienced drivers , the consequences will be a £ 200 fine and six points on their license , with a potential to be taken to court and face even dearer fines of up to £ 1,000 ( or £ 2,500 if driving a lorry or bus ).

Any drivers caught using a hands free device in a manner that blocks their view may receive three penalty points if it is found they don ’ t have full view of the road head or proper control of their vehicle .

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