Drivers can legally park their car using a remote control from next month – but does it break mobile phone laws?
Until now, drivers were at risk of a fine for touching their phone or key fob while in the car - but new rules will mean you never have to worry about trying to fit your motor into a tight space again
DRIVERS will be allowed to park their cars using remote control systems from next month.
A new clause added to the Highway Code will mean drivers can legally park their cars using their mobile phone - and they don't even have to be inside the vehicle.
A number of luxury connected motors offer remote parking features, which can be accessed either via the key fob or a smart phone app.
Laws surrounding the use of the emerging tech have been blurred in the past, because drivers could be fined under mobile phone regulations if they used parking assist features while still in the car.
But the new condition will make it legal for motorists to use a remote control device if they are inside or within six metres of the vehicle.
The new section of the Highway Code, which comes into force in June, reads: "You may park your vehicle using a handheld remote control app or device.
"The app or device MUST be legal, and you should not put other people in danger when you use it.”
The Department for Transport hopes the technology will make it easier for drivers to perform tricky manoeuvres and fit into tight parking spaces.
Remote control parking is included in a number of high-end models and the Government believes the technology can help people with small garages or mobility issues.
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: "Advanced driver assistance systems are already starting to revolutionise driving.
"It's encouraging to see the strong support for these innovations from a range of stakeholders.
"We will continue to review our driving laws, in order to ensure drivers can enjoy the potential of these new tools safely."
The Government plans on making a number of changes to ensure UK road laws support automated driving technology.
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Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: "Even the best drivers can get sweaty palms when confronted with a tight parking space, but as with so many aspects of motoring the technology to assist exists and has now been legislated for.
"This law change shows that ministers are determined to ensure regulations keep up with the tech so we all benefit from advances that make our lives both simpler and safer.
"It is important that these relatively small advances in automation work flawlessly as this will build consumer confidence for the day when the car won't just be doing the parking but also all of the driving."