Motorists are being warned of new driving laws introduced in recent weeks, which could have a huge impact on them, including new licence rules and number plate changes.
While many expected Chancellor Rachel Reeves to announce new measures for drivers, many other motoring law changes were unveiled and rolled out.
To help drivers deal with the countless motoring changes, GB News has rounded up the most important new rules you need to be aware of.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Several new motoring rules were introduced over the last few weeks
PA
Driving licences
At the start of March, the Department for Transport confirmed new changes for people with Ukrainian driving licences following a snap consultation that received mass support earlier in the year.
Under the new measures, people with a Ukrainian driving licence will have up to four years and six months (54 months) after becoming a resident to use the foreign licence.
These rules apply to those who were granted permission to stay under either the Homes for Ukraine scheme or the Ukraine Family Scheme before 3pm on February 19, 2024, or the Ukraine Extension Scheme on or before 16 May 2024 – provided they became resident in GB on or after March 2022.
New driving licence rules for Ukrainian licence holders were rolled out earlier this month
PACertain Ukrainians on visa schemes will be exempt for a further 18 months from registering their vehicles or paying vehicle excise duty (VED) for their Ukrainian-registered vehicles in the UK.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "The Government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine, and it’s important those in the UK who’ve fled Putin’s illegal invasion are able to get about with ease for work or education.
"This may seem like a small thing, but I’m pleased our country is taking action to help make day-to-day life that little bit easier for those who have endured unimaginable hardship for three years now."
The DVLA also gave the green light to new QR code capabilities through the "Driver and vehicles" account, allowing motorists to more easily share details with others.
Experts hope new number plates will lead to an explosion in sales this month
GETTYNumber plates
In keeping with tradition, drivers across the country saw the latest models hit forecourts with new "25" identifiers on number plates.
Experts are confident that the "25" tag will stimulate growth in the new car sector, with registrations normally seeing a huge boost following a slump in February.
Drivers will see another new number plate identifier - "75" - launching in September to adorn the front and rear of new cars.
Advisory Fuel Rates are calculated quarterly by HMRC
PAFuel rates
March 1 saw new advisory fuel rates rolled out for employees who need to be reimbursed for business travel in their company cars. This can also apply if employees need to pay for the cost of fuel for their own private travel.
The rate for petrol engines between 1,401cc and 2,000cc jumped from 14p to 15p, while diesel vehicles with engines smaller than 1,600cc saw prices hiked from 11p to 12p.
Drivers will see new advisory fuel rates rolled out again on June 1, before further changes are seen on September 1 and December 1.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Drivers are 'spending more than ever' after rollout of 'lose-lose' car insurance law changes - 'Furious!'
- British drivers to fork out £16billion under 'controversial' car tax changes launching within days
- Labour to confirm phase out of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 this Spring - 'Environmental necessity'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander visited a Halfords garage after announcing the funding boost
PA
Potholes
Prior to the Spring Statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to suspend funding from councils if they do not prove how many potholes they are repairing.
Labour announced a massive £4.8billion investment for motorways and major A-roads, as well as £1.6billion to tackle the scourge of potholes, before calling on local authorities to put the cash to use.
Every council in England is required to publish how many potholes they've filled, or they will lose funding. It is hoped the £1.6billion in highway maintenance funding will be enough to fill seven million potholes a year.
