New driving law could land drivers £1,000 and even a prison sentence
MOTORISTS that drive a car with semi-autonomous capabilities, such as Teslas, could face fines of up to £1,000, penalty points and even a jail sentence for flouting a new rule.
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New motoring regulations have been put in place to target drivers who may be misusing new technologies on their car.
A lot of modern cars are coming with semi autonomous driving modes and different assistance systems to help motorists on the road.
Systems such as lane steering, cruise control or emergency braking could, however, land you in some trouble if you don’t pay attention.
New UK government regulations will target drivers who let go of their steering wheel when systems like these are engaged.
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Motorists who flout these new rules could face some hefty punishment which include £1,000 fine, penalty points and even a prison sentence.
New legislation has also been imposed on car manufacturers requiring them to feature new alerts when a driver hasn’t touched the wheel for 15 seconds, reports the Daily Telegraph.
AA president Ed King told the Telegraph: “Until we have fully driverless cars, we cannot have people going out on their own and experimenting.
“We have to watch how the technology will be used.
“We are not at the stage where drivers should be taking their hands off the wheel.”
The Highway Code will also be tightened to accommodate these new rules.
Currently in the Highway Code it states that once a car is moving motorists should “drive with both hands on the wheel where possible.”
The proposed new rules say: “Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as motorway assist, lane departure warnings or remote control parking.
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“They are available to assist but you should not reduce your concentration levels.
“Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information while driving or riding. If necessary find a safe place to stop.
“If you are using advanced driver assistance systems, like motorway or traffic jam assist or a remote-control parking application or device, then you as the driver are still responsible for the vehicle and must exercise full control over these systems at all times.”
