New Year, New Laws: Everything You Need to Know about Driving in 2020

Since it’s the season of new beginnings and resolutions, we’re introducing you to all the new driving laws to prepare for in 2020. That way, you can navigate the roads with ease and confidence throughout the year ahead!

Low emission regulations

Whilst a new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEX) was introduced to London back in April 2019, other parts of the country outside of the big smoke (albeit reduced!) are set to go green this year. Whilst Leeds are expected to embrace the change in January, Birmingham will introduce its own scheme in July. If a vehicle doesn’t meet ULEX emission standards, watch out – drivers will have to pay a charge to drive in the defined areas once the scheme is in place. Don’t let 2020 hit you with an unexpected bill already…

New MOT rules

This year sees the MOT criteria shift slightly, with the arrival of new car defect categories ranging from Major, Minor, Dangerous, Advisory and Pass. A selection of new requirements is also being included in the MOT criteria for the first time, such as checks for under-inflated tyres, contaminated brake fluid and brake pad warning lights.

Parking surcharges and new legislation

Although a pavement parking ban has been honoured in London since 1974, a new law could be brought in that places the same restrictions across the whole of England. This one has caused a lot of controversy however, so we’ll have to wait and see what’s in store for the year ahead…

Car tax

Whilst the vehicle excise duty bill was increased by £5 in line with inflation last year, owners of high emission cars will also be charged up to an additional £15 this year. Diesel car owners whose vehicles fail to meet the new mandatory RDE2 emission standards will continue to pay higher tax rates, and new car buyers could too be charged an extra £65 on their first year’s car tax.

It’s not all rulebooks and regulations however! Why not test the waters of our Urban Vehicles collection for a thrilling adventure, or take the new SEAT Mii for a spin for an entirely modern experience?

Why not test the waters of the new SEAT Electric Mii with a test drive at the end of February, or taking one of our Urban Vehicles for a spin for an entirely modern experience?