Motorists are being warned of new driving law changes set to launch in the near future which could impact how much they pay to stay on the road and if they need to upgrade their vehicles.
As the end of the year draws closer, many drivers will be looking forward to 2025, although they could be surprised to see further law changes in the coming weeks.
With the new rules being introduced over the next few weeks, GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes in December that could impact you.
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Drivers could see the amount they pay to stay on the road change in December
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Advisory Fuel Rates
From December 1, HM Revenue and Customs will roll out new Advisory Fuel Rates for reimbursing employees for business travel in their company cars or when employees need to repay the cost of fuel used for private travel.
Rates have fallen slightly since the start of the year, with drivers not having to pay as much to use their company vehicles.
The rates are normally reviewed four times per year, namely March, June, September and December.
Petrol
Engines up to 1,400cc – Reduced to 12p
Between 1,401cc and 2,000cc – Reduced to 14p
Over 2,000cc – Reduced to 23p
Diesel
Engines up to 1,600cc – Reduced to 11p
Between 1,601cc and 2,000cc – Reduced to 13p
Over 2,000cc – Reduced to 17p
LPG
Engines up to 1,400cc – Remains at 11p
Between 1,401cc and 2,000cc – Remains at 13p
Over 2,000cc – Remains at 21p
Electric
All EVs – Remains at 7p
Hybrid vehicles are treated as either petrol or diesel cars for the sake of advisory fuel rates.
HGV rules
New Government rules outline that on or after December 31, 2024, a “full” smart tachograph 2 or “transitional” smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph undertaking international journeys.
If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then the vehicle can still use the original digital or analogue tachograph that has been fitted.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has called on its members to consider uploading their tachographs sooner rather than later, especially if they regularly travel abroad.
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All electric vehicle charging devices are expected to have a 99 per cent reliability rate
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Electric car charging
Drivers will also be able to reap the benefits of improved electric vehicle public charging stations across the UK in December.
Under new regulations introduced at the end of November, EV owners will be given assurances from charge point operators who will need to guarantee their devices have a 99 per cent reliability rate.
This will also ensure that new chargers with a power capacity of 8kW and above, as well as existing charge points of 50kW and above, can offer contactless payment options as standard.