New UK driving laws in 2021: the changing rules and regulations that will affect all drivers

Most drivers aren't travelling far at the minute thanks to the continuing lockdown restrictions but that doesn't mean the rules around driving are standing still.

2021 is set to bring changes to some motoring laws and policies which will have an impact on motorists' day-to-day life.

Here we've round up the most significant changes expected in the coming months.

Tighter rules on mobile phones

One of the most significant changes expected this year surrounds the use of a mobile phone while driving.

Currently you can only be charged if you are using a phone for “interactive communication” such as making a call or sending a text message.

Under planned changes to the law drivers will effectively be banned from touching their phone for any purpose while driving, including any offline use such as scrolling through playlists or taking photos.

Driving in Europe

It doesn’t look like many of us will be enjoying holidays on the continent this year but for anyone heading abroad, Brexit has changed the rules on driving in Europe.

The end of the transition period means that you now must carry more documents with you, including a physical copy of an insurance green card, your driving licence and vehicle’s V5C logbook.

If you only have a paper licence or one issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man you will also have to apply for one or more International Driving Permits.

Depending on your vehicle’s registration plate you may also need to use a separate GB sticker.

You can find details of the registration plate rules and all the documents you need here.

Highway Code

2021 could see revisions to the Highway Code which give priority to pedestrians and cyclists.

The DfT consulted last year on various changes to the Code, including introducing a hierarchy of road users which gives the most vulnerable priority and places more responsibility on those “who can do the greatest harm” to reduce danger to others.

The changes would include new guidance for all road users on overtaking cycles, motorbikes and horses, giving way at junctions, on using crossings and for using cycle or shared-use lanes.