Driving laws and rules you need to know for 2023

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• 20 mph speed limit zones in Wales.

In September 2023, most 30 mph roads in Wales had their speed limit reduced to 20 mph.

The speed reduction applies to restricted roads, which are in residential or built-up areas with high pedestrian activity. Usually, these roads have street lights placed no more than 200 yards apart.

You can see a map of these exceptions at GOV.WALES.

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• 12 councils now have the power to fine motorists.

Councils that have permission will be able to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’. These include: 

• Incorrectly driving in a bus lane

• Stopping in a yellow box junction

• Banned right or left turns

• Illegal U-turns

• Going the wrong way down a one-way street

• Ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO)

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• Graduated driving licences for new drivers under 25.

New drivers under 25 years of age could be banned from carrying passengers who are also under 25. This is part of a proposed 'graduated driving licence' scheme.

If the law goes ahead, new drivers won’t be able to carry passengers of the same age group for either 6 months or a year after passing. 

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• DVLA eyesight rules could change in weeks.

New rules for eye sight could mean that anyone who wears glasses to drive will need to tell the DVLA about their eye condition.

At the moment, you only have to declare your eyesight condition if you can’t read a number plate that’s made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres away.

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• London's ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) is expanding.

From 29 August 2023, London’s existing ultra low emission zone covers all London boroughs.

You can see which areas the new expansion covers on the Transport for London website.

The ultra low emission zone aims to improve air quality to residents of the zone by charging people with high-polluting vehicles.