New driving laws in April 2021

Car tax, a crackdown on using phones in cars and the return of driving lessons - just some of the changes in this month.

Motorists in Reading and the rest of Berkshire will be affected by an array of new driving laws that come into force in the UK from April 2021.

Car tax is on the increase - which will mean that drivers will find themselves paying out considerably more depending on how much CO2 their vehicle uses.

Among those who will be happy are learner drivers waiting to sit their tests - with the road map out of the lockdown restrictions brought in to tackle the coronavirus pandemic meaning they may soon be able to take lessons again.

The laws and rule changes are among 25 rule changes coming into force in the country in April

Here are some of the changes you can expect from April 2021.

Fuel Tax
Fuel tax is set to be frozen for the new tax year - keeping it at the same rate for the tenth year in a row.

Fuel Duty currently stands at 57.95p per litre of diesel, petrol, bioethanol and biodiesel. In the 2014 and 2015 financial year, the Government made £27.1 billion from fuel duty - around 1.5% of the United Kingdom's total Gross domestic product.

Car Tax
Road tax is set to rise from April onwards, meaning vehicle owners will have to pay more to keep driving their vehicles on UK roads.

Prices will depend on how much CO2 your car produces. Those that emit zero grams per kilometre of CO2 will pay zero, but those in possession of petrol, diesel and even some hybrids, will likely be charged £10 for the first 12 months, as they emit between 1g and 50g per kilometre.

Cars that emit between 51g and 5g per kilometre will continue to pay twenty-five pounds for the first year.

The fuel duty, officially known as the Hydrocarbon Oil Duty, has not increased since March 23 2011.

Driving Lessons and Theory Tests
Those learning to drive will be able to resume their lessons and tests this month as the road map out of the coronavirus lockdown continues.

Learners are currently included in step two of the government’s roadmap with April 12 the current date that they will be able to resume lessons, with theory tests resuming at the same time.

Practical examinations will commence 10 days later, although this is all dependent on the coronavirus infections continuing to slow.

Phone ban coming into effect
New rules aimed at tackling people using phones behind the wheel will come into force.

The new ban replaces an earlier loophole that allowed drivers to film video or take photos while driving without facing a penalty.

Now motorists face a two hundred pound fine and 6 penalty points for holding their device while driving.



Remember for all your automotive needs call the team at Bowers Automotive on 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.