Legislation Update – New driving laws

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Up and Under Group

Just a heads up on the new driving offences and increased that have recently come into force. 

“What do the new laws cover?
Many of the offences are covered by laws that already exist, but have been hard to enforce because police had to go through the courts. Now police can issue an on-the-spot fine, handed to you on the road, so it’ll be easier for them to do so.
The standard fine for a number of offences has gone up, including:

• Speeding
• Using a mobile phone while driving
• Driving on the hard shoulder
• Ignoring traffic directions

And 2 new bits of ‘careless driving’ have been made an offence:

• Tailgating
• Lane-hogging, usually in the middle lane

What is tailgating and lane-hogging?
Many drivers might be familiar with these things without necessarily knowing what they’re called.

• Tailgating – This is when someone drives too close to the car in front. It’s usually done by drivers trying to force the car in front to move faster or to change lanes.
• Lane-hogging – Many drivers use the middle lane as a ‘cruising lane’ and drive too slowly. This is dangerous and can force cars to slow down quickly. “

 Source: Post Office web site