Once you’ve passed your driving test, it’s easy to believe that you know everything there is to know about driving.
In reality, the rules of the road are constantly changing and it’s important to have up-to-date knowledge of the latest motoring laws to avoid costly driving fines. To help, we’ve pulled together a list of driving laws that have been updated over the past two years – all of which could lead to a fine or penalty points if you break them.
Zero emission vehicle mandate
From 1st January 2025, car manufacturers will be required to ensure that at least 22% of all new cars sold and 10% of all new vans sold are fully electric. This mandate is part of a broader effort to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower carbon emissions. By increasing the share of electric vehicles on the road, this initiative aims to improve air quality, support climate change targets, and encourage the adoption of cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies. By 2030, the government aims to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars and by 2035 all new cars and vans will need to be 100% zero emissions.
EVs to pay London congestion charge
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are set to face another setback as the era of free city driving comes to an end. Starting 25th December 2025, all vehicles, including fully electric and hydrogen-powered models, will be subject to the £15 London Congestion Charge. This marks a significant shift in policy, as EVs have previously been exempt from these fees to encourage their adoption. The change is expected to impact thousands of drivers who have benefited from cost-free access to central London. While the move aims to ensure fair contributions from all road users and manage traffic levels, it may also raise concerns about the affordability and appeal of EVs in urban areas.
New government standard for EV charging
Some better news for EV drivers – charging stations across the country are set to become more reliable and user-friendly. From 2025, EV charging providers will be required to meet new government standards for reliability, accessibility, and seamless payment options. Those failing to comply could face fines of up to £10,000 per charger. This initiative is designed to enhance the charging experience, ensuring that drivers have consistent and convenient access to a well-maintained charging network.
Introduction of Fuel Finder scheme
By the end of 2025, all UK petrol stations will be required to provide real-time fuel prices through the new ‘Fuel Finder’ scheme. This will allow drivers to compare prices easily and find the most cost-effective places to refuel.
New default speed limit in Scotland
In 2025, Scotland will implement a nationwide default speed limit of 20mph in urban and residential areas. This initiative aims to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists while helping to reduce accident rates. Remember – ‘twenty’s plenty’!
Clean air zones
London’s clean air zones (CAZ) have been around for a few years, but the boundaries for the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has expanded.
The ULEZ increased to cover all London boroughs from 29th August 2023. You can see the entire expansion on the Transport for London website.
Introduced in 2019, the ULEZ includes stricter emission standards and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additionally, the Mayor of London announced a scrappage scheme, meaning that eligible Londoners can receive payment for scrapping their vehicle and put it towards a new one that meets the emissions standards. There’s also the option to receive a lower payment, plus two annual bus and tram passes. Find out more info here.
London isn’t the only city with clean air zones. Many other cities introduced their own in 2021 including Bath, Oxford, Bristol, and Birmingham. Glasgow also has a CAZ but in 2024 will install cameras to catch vehicles that don’t meet the emissions standard. Click here for further information.
Brexit motoring laws
Remember those days when you’d groan every time you heard another Brexit update? It may seem a long time ago now, but the consequences of Brexit impacted motoring laws.
With the UK no longer part of the EU, British drivers must adhere to new requirements when driving in EU countries. This means carrying a green card, your driving license, and having a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle unless your number plate already has a GB identifier, either alone or with the Union flag.
Those travelling abroad for less than 12 months will also need their V5C logbook.
Remember, in certain countries, you’re also required to carry specific equipment in your vehicle such as reflective clothing, emission stickers, and headlight converter stickers – so, make sure you research the requirements of the country you’re visiting ahead of time.
Learn more about driving in Europe with our handy article.
Mobile phone motoring law
Laws banning the use of mobile phones while driving has been in place since 2003 – with a loophole that still allowed drivers to take photos or videos while driving.
To address this, the law changed in 2021, which made it illegal to hold your mobile phone for any purpose while driving – that includes flicking through a playlist or scrolling through social media.
If you break this law, you could find yourself £200 out of pocket with 6 points on your license.
However, the law then changed again in 2022 with amendments in line with evolving use of technology and what is considered to be ‘using a phone’. In addition to making phone calls and taking photos, some other prohibited actions while driving now include:
- Illuminating the screen
- Unlocking the device
- Checking the time
There are, however, exceptions such as making a contactless payment on a drive-thru and making emergency 999 calls.
For a full list of prohibited and acceptable phone uses while behind the wheel, take a look at our article on mobile phone driving laws.
Green number plates
From the beginning of December 2020, new green number plates became legal on UK roads.
Featuring a green slip on the left side of the plate, these are available for zero-emission vehicles. With one, these vehicles should become more visible helping owners to take advantage of zero-emission zones and green parking initiatives.
If you have a zero-emission vehicle, it could be worth considering a green number plate.
Speed limiters
From 2022, speed limiters became mandatory on all new vehicles. These systems alert drivers if they’re driving too fast and will automatically slow the car’s speed if the driver doesn’t lower it themselves.
So, if you’re buying a new car, expect it to have a speed limiter.
Introducing the Halfords Motoring Club
Another way to stay safe on the roads this year is to join the Halfords Motoring Club. You’ll get access to a range of amazing benefits and discounts that will help to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving.
It’s free to join and you’ll receive money off your MOT, a free car health check and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service.
Or choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment) to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.
With so much to enjoy, this is too good an opportunity to miss!
Join the Halfords Motoring Club today at www.halfords.com/motoring-club.
Now you’re up to date with motoring law changes! Head out on your next drive safe in the knowledge that you’re clued up on the rules of the road.
Don’t forget, it’s illegal to drive a car without an MOT and you can book your MOT test with Halfords here. We also offer a range of car services to help keep you and your car on the move.
Plus, with the uncertainty of the energy price cap and cost of living crisis, we know that you’ll be keen to save money as and when you can. Here at Halfords, we’re committed to driving down prices and offering you the best value possible to keep you safe, happy, and secure. We’ve pledged to never be beaten on price on 1000s of motoring essentials – read more here.
You want the best motoring services, you want Halfords!