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Motability Confirms Telematics ‘Two‑Week Rule’ as Drive Smart Rolls Out to New and Under‑30 Leases

The charity says the data‑driven checks aim to improve safety not curb trips.

Overview

  • Drive Smart, which launched on April 13, is now being fitted to first‑time leases and any agreement that names a driver under 30, with a 10‑day deadline to register the paired phone app after the device arrives.
  • Motability says a driver who gets a red‑rated week and then records two more red weeks in a row, or four red weeks within 12 months, may have their vehicle removed after feedback is given.
  • The windscreen device and app record precise location, speed, journey length, braking and cornering, and phone use while driving, including handset model and ID and background GPS data.
  • Motability has cut the annual mileage allowance for new leases to 10,000 miles with a 25p‑per‑mile excess, and ministers told MPs the change affects new agreements and is expected to impact about a quarter of customers.
  • Motability says high usage alone will not count against a lease, and a Northern Ireland pilot of the system last year led to about 300 vehicle removals.