Look out learners. New penalty fine laws have been introduced, which includes fines for failing to display ‘L’ plates. Book Theory Test Today looks at what other driving offences are now punishable with a fine or increased penalty points.
On the 8th December, 2014, new penalty fine laws were introduced, which are applicable to every road user in the UK, including those of you learning to drive.
The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Most applicable to you is the law concerning ‘L’ plates. Basically, the vehicle you’re learning in must display ‘L’ plates. While there’s no law where they must be placed on a vehicle, the DVSA does advise common sense when displaying them. It’s your job to make sure they’re clearly visible.â€
Failure to display ‘L’ plates results in a fine of £60 and 3 to 6 points added to your licence.
For fully fledged drivers, you will be subjected to changes to penalty points rules, which include the introduction of new offences.
The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “It’s understood that nine current offences will have increased penalty points, while 14 new offences have also been introduced, which will incur penalty points.â€
Offences like parking a car precariously will incur an on the spot, fixed charge fine.
The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Offences like dangerous parking used to lead to a mandatory court appearance, which usually resulted in drivers receiving more penalty points if found guilty.â€
Penalty Points System
Introduced in 2002, the penalty points system was implemented to deal with offences that pose a risk to road safety.
The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “The system underwent review in 2012, resulting in the changes that drivers now face. These changes are now in legal effect as part of the Road Traffic Act 2014.â€
In a statement from the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Paschal Donohoe, he said: “The fixed charge and penalty points system has played a major role in improving road safety in the years since its introduction.â€
What has changed?
The new penalty points system reads as follows:
New offences
- Failure by learner or novice drivers to display L plates or P plates respectively on their cars
- Drivers breaking a ban on U-turns
- Breaking rules on the use of mini roundabouts
- Offences relating to the size and weight of larger vehicles
- Going beyond no-entry to vehicles signs
- Disobeying traffic control signs
- Driving without a licence plate or with one that has been altered inaccurately
Offences subjected to a change in the number of penalty points they now carry
- Driving without a test certificate
- Dangerous parking
- Failure to keep to the left-hand side of the road
- Dangerous overtaking
- Driving across the road’s middle line
- Failure to stop for a stop sign
- Failure to yield at a yield sign or yield line
- Not following traffic signs at junctions
- Driving through traffic lights
- Breaking of speed restrictions
Book Theory Test Today says: “Be mindful of these new rules otherwise you could end up with points on your licence before you’ve even passed a theory test or driving exam.â€
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…
Tags: Learning To Drive
