Drivers are being reminded of some new rules coming into force in 2023.
Every year, new regulations for motorists are brought in and people are urged to be aware of them so they don’t end up breaking any rules. There will be several changes in 2023, from new number plate availability to matters affecting the cost of living.
These changes will have an impact on drivers in in the UK, reports Leicestershire Live. Here are some things drivers should bear in mind in 2023.
Read More: Drivers warned of major law change as they could be hit with £2,500 fines
New number plates
Every year brings with it new number and licence plates - and 2023 is no different. If you are looking to buy a new car, you could be getting a ‘23’ registration-plated vehicle. The change comes into effect in March and will allow anyone to register a new car under the latest number plate.
Those wanting the bigger ‘73’ number plates will have to wait though. The year is divided into two halves for licence plates on cars, with ‘23’ in place from March to September, and ‘73’ then able to be registered after that.
Fuel duty rises
Fuel duty was cut by 5p in 2022 to help people struggling financially - especially as prices soared to incredible highs - but that will not last forever. Directly affecting all motorists in the spring, fuel duty will rise in 2023.
The Government decision means fuel duty rates will return to their former levels on March 23, 2023, as the temporary reduction is ended. The result is that fuel prices could rise by around 23% in the coming months. That could mean drivers face seeing prices rise by 12p a litre.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has yet to confirm if this high figure is indeed the case, but a rise of some form is expected. The Chancellor is expected to give further details in 2023’s Spring Budget.
Good news for electric car owners
Car tax - or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) - is something everyone has to pay. Well almost everyone and those who miss out have just a little longer to bask in this news.
That’s because new rules have ensured that anyone with an electric vehicle will have to start paying VED in the near future. The rule will apply to any electric vehicle registered from April 1, 2017, and comes into force from April 2025 - with lawmakers warning people that 2023 is one of the last years to make the most of their VED-free status.
That is in stark contrast to petrol and diesel owners who will have to continue paying VED for the time being. The minimum rate for the tax is £165, so electric vehicle owners are saving a pretty penny or two - for now.
As we know, electric cars will be the only option after the Government previously confirmed its 2030 ban on the production of any new petrol and diesel cars.
HGV levy returns
Not everyone drives a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or lorry, but many do and they need to know that the levy which was implemented to help them in the wake of Covid-19 comes to an end in 2023.
The levy applied to all UK-registered vehicles that weighed over 12 tonnes and helps fund any wear and tear issues caused on the roads by these vehicles. However, Covid-19 saw many haulage firms and businesses struggle with costs, so the levy was suspended to help them out.
However, the Government has confirmed it will come to an end in August 2023, meaning businesses across the land will have to pay more to cover these costs.
Company car benefits
Also seen as a way to help move more people to electric cars, Benefit in Kind (BiK) are non-payment benefits handed out to employees by their bosses. Rates have crept up in recent years and could lead more people to switch from a gas guzzler once and for all.
BiK rates for cars - which are sometimes called the company car tax - apply to any employee who uses a company car for personal use and pays tax on it. This is deducted from their salary, with current rates set to remain in place for some time yet.
The Government has confirmed that rates will be unchanged until April 2025, with the idea part of efforts to get more people to move to electric. If they do that, they’ll pay less on their company car tax compared to a petrol vehicle.
Read Next:
Motorists issued urgent warning to check under vehicles before driving in cold weather
Driving offences you may not know about that could land you with a fine or penalty points
Things you can do to prepare your car for winter and avoid a nasty fine
Drivers warned of heavy fines over viral TikTok method of avoiding parking tickets
Drivers warned of relatively unknown parking rule which could land you with £1,000 fine
