Do you hold a driving licence? Or are you a driver over 70? Then soon there could be new laws in the UK which might affect you as a motorist and here is everything you need to know.
What are the current rules for drivers over 70?
The current rules in the UK for drivers over 70 state that you must renew your driving licence every three years, update your photograph and self-report any problems with your eye sight to the DVLA except if you are long sighted, short sighted or colour blind.
Only 3 European countries have self-reporting rules when it comes to people’s visual competence to drive with the UK being one of them but this could soon be something of the past.
What are the Governments new proposals for drivers over 70?
If you are over 70 then soon you could face having to take a compulsory eye test when you renew your driving licence every three years. This is all part of the Governments Road Safety Strategy to try and protect road users and reduce the number of injuries and fatal accidents caused on UK roads.
This is not the only area the Government are considering the imposition of medical tests, as this may also be a requirement for other conditions including dementia.
Drink driving changes
In the UK the current drink drive limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. If found guilty of a drink driving offence you could currently face a minimum of a financial penalty and a 12-month disqualification from driving, but sentencing for drink drive can range up to a custodial sentence and a 60-month disqualification at the most serious end. This could all soon change.
The Government are considering tightening the UK laws on drink drive to mirror the limit set in Scotland in December 2014 of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.
Proposed changes to drug driving laws
If you are suspected of a drug driving offence this can currently be a lengthy process as you have to wait for your blood sample to be tested which at present can take more than 6 months for it to be tested. A proposal in this latest consultation would allow police the power to rely on positive roadside drugs wipe test to prosecute, rather than having to test blood samples.
Seatbelt laws could change too
These aren’t the only proposed changes with motoring law as soon you could face being given penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt. Currently this offence would see you being punished with a fine of up to £500.
Did you know you can also be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 is in the incorrect car seat or if they are not wearing a seatbelt whilst you are driving.
Lydia Etheridge is a talented and experienced defence lawyer, and motoring law is one of her specialties .
How can we help you at Lewis Nedas Law?
If you have been accused of a driving offence then our team of motoring law specialists are here to advise you. Lewis Nedas Law have one of the foremost motoring offence (defence) teams in the country and Lydia is one of the leading specialists in the Oxford and Thames Valley area.
Please get in contact with Lewis Nedas Law for tailored advice to your needs on 020 7387 2032 or via our online enquiry form