Rules and regulations for driving in December 2024
With an ever-changing motoring picture, it’s important that the rules and regulations continue to stay up-to-date, so that every driver is singing from the same hymn sheet.
That’s why there are a number of new rules and changes introduced most years and 2024 has been no different. From new rules on parking to emissions regulations, there are several important changes to get your head around.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate
As of 1st January 2024, car manufacturers will need at least 22% of their car sales and 10% of van sales to be fully electric under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. As the Government is encouraging more UK motorists to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, this new mandate hopes to increase the sale of brand-new electric vehicles and encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric power in a bid to decrease fuel emissions.
As we get closer to the 2035 ban on the sale of brand-new petrol and diesel cars, each year the Government is planning on increasing the percentage of mandatory electric vehicle sales until we get closer to the zero emissions goal. This then puts pressure on vehicle manufacturers to expand their manufacturing processes further to meet this goal.
Even though there is no requirement on the sale of used electric vehicle sales, this change in rules for new car sales will increase the amount of electric vehicles seen on UK roads throughout 2024. We may also see more changes to the infrastructure to accommodate electric cars leading into 2025, such as electric chargers in car parks.
Tactograph ruling for commercial vehicles
Tactographs are devices fitted to a commercial vehicle that exceeds the maximum authorised weight limit of 3.5 tonnes. They are trackers that measure speed, mileage and time on the road and they ensure drivers are following the rules of the road and that they are well enough to drive. According to regulation,a full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 should be fitted to vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph when undertaking international journeys as of 31 December 2024, or a smart tachograph 1 when undertaking international journeys as of 19 August 2025.
New HGV safety rules
Transport for London (TFL) is taking action to reduce accidents and save lives on our roads. This means introducing the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit scheme for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Starting from October 28 2024, all lorries over 12 tonnes must have a three-star rating or a progressive Safe System to ensure safer driving in Greater London. The star rating system measures how much the driver can see out of the cabin windows, including surroundings and the road around them - this is so they can see other cars around them, as visibility is significantly reduced when driving a HGV. Any HGV that does not meet these requirements will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). HGV’s will be required to hold a safety permit before entering and using the areas covered by the HGV safety permit scheme - can be applied for completely free.
Fuel Duty Freeze to continue into 2025/2026
During the Autumn budget of 2024, it was announced that fuel duty would remain frozen until March 2026 to aid during the cost-of-living crisis. This has been in effect since January 2011 to stop rising inflation. For both diesel and petrol cars, the basic rate has been 52.95 Pence Per Litre (PPL).
Alongside this, the government announced a scheme called the Fuel Finder towards the end of 2025. This will give consumers transparency on fuel prices and they can plan where they want to get their fuel.
The purpose of this scheme is for any fuel retailers to publish changes in fuel prices or if there isn’t any fuel availability. This gives drivers a choice of which retailer they want to use and promotes a fair deal.
Electric vehicle exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty
Great news for electric vehicle owners - the £0 vehicle excise duty will continue until March 2025. After this, for the following financial year April 2025 - April 2026, electric vehicles will join the lowest rate of tax and pay just £10 for the first year. From then, the standard rate will be £165 per financial year.
Electric vehicles will also be exempt from paying the congestion charge while driving in London until 25th December 2025. After this, all vehicles will be expected to pay the congestion charge, no matter the fuel type.
Buy your next car with Swansway
Looking for a new car and don’t know whether to go petrol, diesel or electric? At Swansway, we have a range of new and used vehicles that have a range of fuel types - there is one suited to everyone, regardless of budget or lifestyle. Take a look through the cars we have to offer and book a test drive if you see something you like - you can do this using our contact form below. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.
View our current stock and offers
Get in touch to find your next vehicle
Find out more about our available new and used cars and contact us if you have any questions.