UK drivers face HUGE FINES in 2023 unless they follow new changes to Highway Code - everything you need to know

UK drivers are facing huge fines or points on their licence over the next year unless they take note and follow new changes to the Highway Code.

The changes in the Highway Code range from the use of mobile phones on the road to electric charge points being installed on any new buildings.

Drivers are not allowed to handle a mobile phone in any capacity.

This means if a driver is caught holding a mobile phone but not using it, they can still face a fine of up to £200 and six points on their licence.

Drivers caught cutting across cyclists or horse riders could also face huge fines or points.
Kirsty O'Connor

New rules also now always give pedestrians the right of way, meaning there is more responsibility on motorists while driving.

This means drivers caught cutting across cyclists or horse riders could also face huge fines or points.

Instead, they are advised to wait for a “safe gap” to change lanes in order to minimise risk to themselves and other road users.

From 2030, there will be a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

In an attempt to encourage more people to go electric, any new buildings which do not feature a charging point could also see themselves handed a nasty fine.

Tim Alcock from Lease Electric Car said: ““There is no excuse for any of us drivers not to know any changes and amendments, however minor they are, to the Highway Code.

“You need to stay up to date with the latest laws on the road to avoid hefty fines and penalty points - if you are caught just holding your phone you could face a £200 fine and six points. One of the most important laws is the introduction of rules H1, H2, and H3 which ensures that pedestrians always have right of way when crossing at junctions and in slow moving traffic, and how drivers of larger vehicles now bear the most responsibility.

“Implementing these law changes will help to protect the more vulnerable road users, like pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

“Law changes also apply for infrastructure - the rise of electric vehicles in the UK over the past year has been reflected in the rule book too. New homes and buildings now need to come with EV charging points.

“The best thing drivers can do going into 2023 is to review and keep in mind these changes that have happened in the past year to avoid those big penalties as we go into 2023, when no doubt there will be more adjustments made to the Highway Code.”

New buildings will have to be fitted with electric charging points for cars.
John Walton

Last year, Drivers were warned over the “alarming” sale of fake Highway Code books.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said “popular retail websites” are selling counterfeit versions of the code, which contains advice and rules for Britain’s road users.

People using these books risk failing theory or practical tests, or even committing road offences, the agency stated.

The code is produced by the DVSA and the Department for Transport.

Selling counterfeit books containing “unlicensed intellectual property” breaks copyright laws, according to the DVSA.