Warning for drivers as they face £200 fine & 6 points for common habit under Highway Code changes
DRIVERS could now face a £200 fine and six points on their license for a common habit under a Highway Code change.
New changes to driving rules coming into force at the end of January mean motorists will be slapped with fines and points for habits some people are used to doing.
Everyone knows that being on the phone or texting while you're driving is an offence - and has been for a long time.
But from January 29, motorists won't be able to take photos or videos, scroll through music playlists or play games while behind the wheel.
Drivers can still use a “hands-free” device when driving - such as a sat-nav.
It's already illegal to text or call using a hand-held phone while driving - but now motorists face fines for changing music or taking photos.
Drivers won't be able to scroll through playlists or play games while on the road either.
As well as these new changes, there will also be updates to the Highway Code in 2022.
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For example, new cars are set to be fitted with tech to curb their speed, while homes built from next year will be kitted out for electric vehicles.
Some things don't come into force until later in the year, but other changes begin as early as the end of January.
In the new rules, there will be a "hierarchy of road users" in the updated version of the Highway Code.
It's based on the idea that those who can do the greatest harm – for example, lorry drivers – have the most responsibility on the road.
Pedestrians, and especially children, the elderly and other vulnerable people, will be at the top.
They’ll be followed by cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists and cars, with vans, HGVs and buses at the bottom.
EYES ON THE WHEEL
It's intended to make it clearer who is at fault in the event of an accident.
However, it doesn't come with any new punishments such as fines.
There is also guidance on safe passing distances, including that drivers should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching behind you.
And from 2022, all new cars will be prevented from going to fast as they'll be fitted with a speed limiter.
The decision was passed by the EU parliament but the UK is expected to go along with the new rule despite leaving the European Union.