New laws introduced under Prime Minister Andy Burnham have caused chaos for some drivers, with experts offering advice as to how falling foul of them can be avoided
British drivers have been warned over three things they need to do now after new laws were introduced. Following the introduction of three major driving rule changes this August under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, including compulsory eyesight retests for elderly drivers, reduced drink-drive limits, and enhanced MOT compliance enforcement, millions of British motorists are confronting fresh legal and financial obligations
These changes particularly impact cost-conscious drivers, self-employed van operators, and those with poor credit ratings who struggle to afford immediate repairs or a brand-new motor, experts have warned.
Tom Preston, Chief Executive Officer at Hippo Leasing, has outlined what local drivers must do immediately to prevent penalties or losing their transport.
He said: “Rule changes, such as stricter MOT inspections and mandatory eye examinations, invariably catch out motorists who are already financially stretched. When MOT standards become more rigorous, or safety assessments become compulsory, a driver depending on a decade-old runabout can suddenly be hit with a £1,000 repair bill simply to keep their vehicle roadworthy.
“If you’re uncertain how these August alterations affect you and you want to remain compliant while protecting your finances, there are things you can do to help.
“Our advice to anyone worried about how these August rules affect them is simple: check your current vehicle’s status today, ask your finance or lease provider what maintenance support you have, and explore options that protect you from sudden lump-sum expenses.”
What you can do to avoid breaking the new laws:
- Check your vehicle: Don’t wait for an MOT failure or a traffic stop. Check your tyre tread (minimum 1.6mm legal limit), wipers, washer fluid, and lights right now. Under new rules, small flaws that used to be minor warnings could now trigger an immediate MOT failure.
- Get an eye test: If you’re over 70 or renewing your driving licence soon, book an eye test at your local optician’s today. Driving with poor eyesight risks a £1,000 fine, 3 to 6 penalty points, or an instant licence ban.
- Do the maths on your older car: Add up what you spend each year on repairs, servicing, and road tax. If money is tight or you have a low credit score, keeping an ageing car running often costs more than leasing a modern car with maintenance built into one predictable monthly fee.