The 6 new driving law changes in March that drivers should be aware of
Motorists are being warned of six new driving law changes that are being enforced this month.
From March there will be major updates including DVLA number plate changes, car tax hikes and changes to new petrol and diesel fuel rates
Drivers are being warned to be be aware of the significant alterations or they could face being slapped with hefty fines.
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And this month sees a loophole that drivers can take advantage of when dealing with license updates if they act quickly.
Motorists should also be aware of the introduction of new electric car policies being introduced this spring.
Here is a look at the biggest update hitting the roads over the next 31 days, reports the Express.
Number plate changes - March 1
The DVLA introduces new number plate designs twice per year, with March seeing the launch of new '25' registrations.
The '25' designs will be installed on all new cars registered now until the start of September when the '75' plates will come out.
The new plates tend to lead to a surge in demand for new cars while models with the old '24 or ‘24’ or ’74’ designs could see major discounts.
However, the DVLA has confirmed as many as 210 new number plate combinations have been banned due to rude or offensive statements.
HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates - March 1
Motorists could receive more money back from their employer when filling up at UK petrol stations after updates to HMRC advisory fuel rates.
These charges tell companies how much to reimburse employees for fuel costs, with a slight rise in the total figure this month.
Petrol vehicles with engines producing between 1401cc to 2000cc will see a 1p increase, with totals rising from 14p per mile to 15p per mile.
Diesel engines up to 1600cc will also secure an extra 1p per mile with no changes to any other engine size this time around.
Driving licence extension - March 4
New driving licence rules coming into effect within days will allow Ukrainians to continue to drive in the UK.
Under the changes, Ukrainian driving licence holders can continue to use mopeds, motorbikes and cars beyond the current 36-month limit.
Instead, certain licence holders will be able to drive in the UK for up to 54 months using their existing certificates.
New road cameras - March
A trial of new AI cameras which can automatically detect when motorists are using their phone or not wearing a seatbelt has been extended until March 2025.
Ten police forces will use the new equipment with the latest trial set to look at how the technology could work on National Highways roads. Officials stress the latest analysis will help to "inform a possible future roll-out nationwide".
National Highways confirmed there are also plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries for the first time.
Electric car funding - March
From March, motorists will be able to secure extra funding to make the transition to electric vehicles.
An extra £120million boost will ensure businesses can receive grants when buying certain vans.
Motorists can get £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes in weight with £5,000 available for those securing larger vans of up to 4.25 tonnes.
Car tax loophole - March 31
Electric car owners will pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for the first time ever from April 1, 2025.
However, Martin Lewis has warned road users could avoid fees by taking advantage of a simple loophole before the end of the month.
EV owners can re-tax their vehicle at any time and doing this before March 31 means motorists will not be liable to pay any VED rates until 2026.
