New UK Traffic Laws

[boycott]

For those that drive or still have vehicles back in the UK there are some new traffic laws that come into effect in 2019.

How the Highway Code is going to change -
Overtaking cyclists
Drivers now have to leave enough space for cyclists when overtaking, or face a £100 fine. The Highway Code says there must be at least 1.5 metres (4ft 11in) between the car and the cyclist, which is roughly the width of a car door. Those who fail to leave enough of a gap will face a £100 fine.


Smart Motorways -
Changes to smart motorway legislation could see drivers handed points on their licence for driving through a red X sign as well as a £100 fine. Driving under a red X is already an offence which can result in a police prosecution. Learner drivers on motorway

Learner drivers on motorways -
People learning to drive will from 2019 be able to use motorways if an instructor is supervising. This is a change because previously learners were banned from motorways.


Changes to MOT tests -
New categories are being introduced for MOT tests. These include:
Dangerous: A car deemed a direct or immediate risk to road safety or the environment. This leads to an MOT test failure. Major: Could affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk or affect the environment. Also a failure. Minor: No significant effect on safety but must be repaired as soon as possible. Advisory: An issue which could become more serious in the future
Pass: Meets the current minimum legal standards for maintenance and condition

Read more at: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/cr ... -big-fines

I am not sure how the Police or a member of the public (presumably a cyclist) is going to prove the 1.5m or 4ft 11 inch gap between a motor vehicle and a cyclist!

[Lincoln]

I was brought up to always give a SIX foot clearance to any cyclist.

[William Morris]

Thanks for that post. That was most enlightning.

[trevnhil]

And if you pull up in a line of traffic and there is only 4 foot between you and the kerb.. Are cyclists approaching from the rear banned from riding through that gap ???

[William Morris]

And if you pull up in a line of traffic and there is only 4 foot between you and the kerb.. Are cyclists approaching from the rear banned from riding through that gap ???

No because it only applies if YOU are overtaking.

I read the article and I thought that it was very straightforward.

[WHL]

About time cyclist were made to have third party insurance, and Police should nick them for any traffic violations like car drivers.