Driving laws you should know about
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, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest motoring laws to avoid costly fines and penalties.
To help, we’ve pulled together a list of driving law changes and key motoring updates introduced over recent years, plus changes arriving in 2026.
Digital driving licenses
Although physical driving licences are not going anywhere, digital licences are expected to become available during 2026 as part of a move towards a more convenient, tech-led motoring system.
Digital licences are expected to support the same everyday uses as physical licences, including:
- Car hire.
- Age verification.
- Police checks.
- Identity verification.
Drivers are also encouraged to keep their digital details up to date, as inaccurate information could lead to fines or legal complications.
Zero emission vehicle mandate
From 1st January 2025, car manufacturers will be required to ensure that at least:
- 22% of all new cars sold.
- 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.
With more e-vehicles on the road, the zero emissions mandate aims to:
- Improve air quality.
- Support climate change targets.
- Encourage the adoption of cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies.
The ZEV mandate ramps up each year and 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. As of 2026, all vehicles, including fully electric and hydrogen-powered models, will be subject to an increased London Congestion Charge:
- £18 if paid before or on the day of travel.
- £21 if paid within 3 days after travel.
This marks a significant shift in policy, as EVs have previously been exempt from these fees to encourage their adoption.
However, to encourage the switch to e-vehicles while remaining to manage traffic, new discounts are available for electric vehicles registered for Auto Pay:
- 25% discount on the daily charge for electric cars.
- 50% discount on the daily charge for electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles.
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 are required to meet new government standards covering:
- Reliability.
- Accessibility.
- Seamless and/or contactless 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
The government plans to require petrol stations nationwide to share real-time fuel pricing through the Fuel Finder scheme, improving transparency for drivers.
The 2026 Fuel Finder scheme means:
- Drivers can compare prices easily and find the most cost-effective places to refuel.
- Competitive pricing will be more encouraged.
On the topic of fuel, from September 2026 the 5p-per-litre fuel discount is scheduled to end. This means higher pump prices are to be expected. Check out our top tips for saving money on fuel.
Changes for learner drivers
There are a few changes for learner drivers expected to begin from 2026.
Practical driving test changes include:
- A mandatory minimum learning period before taking the test.
- Reduced routine and emergency stops.
- Double the amount of independent driving time to increase real-world confidence.
Learner drivers will also be tested on additional topics as they take their theory test, including:
- Simple CPR principles.
- Emergency road response awareness.
When it comes to booking your actual driving test, only the learner themselves will be permitted.
- From spring 2026, driving instructors and third parties may not book a learner’s driving test.
- Learners can only make 2 changes to their test booking. Additional changes require the learner to cancel and rebook.
Check out our full new driver blog for all the important bits you need to know if you’ve recently passed or are about to take your test.
Drink driving limits
Both England and Wales are set to lower the legal alcohol limit to drive from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg per 100ml.
These rules align with Scotland to minimise the risk of drunk driving accidents and demand higher levels of control in drivers behind the wheel.
Tighter penalties over seatbelts
Although it’s already illegal for drivers or passengers to travel without a seatbelt where one is fitted, the penalties for this are increasing.
- Drivers who are caught without a seatbelt may receive 3 penalty points on their license.
- Drivers can be held legally responsible if their passengers fail to wear a seatbelt.
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.
More cities with clean air zones
London isn’t the only city with clean air zones. Many other cities introduced their own in 2021 including:
- Bath.
- Oxford.
- Bristol.
- 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 (an internationally recognised certificate of insurance).
- Your driving license.
- A UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle, unless your number plate already has a UK identifier with the Union Jack.
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 up to 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 – although this can still be overridden by the driver.
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 of £5.49 (£65.88 total) or £54 annually 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!
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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.
If you want the best motoring services, you want Halfords!
