New Driving Laws in the UK for 2025

When it comes to UK driving laws, the situation is rarely static for long. Politicians and regulators like adjusting the rules to see if they can further reduce injuries and deaths on the road.

That said, changes for 2025 will likely be minimal. The UK’s existing driving laws were already quite strong. The country already had numerous rules to protect people and punish those who disobey them.

This post has two parts. The first looks at the existing driving laws and penalties in the UK, and the second discusses some of the new rules for 2025 and what they mean for you.

Existing UK Driving Laws

UK law already puts various fines and penalties in place for motoring violations and to ensure road safety. These cover things like speeding, running red lights, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance carries a fine of up to £1,000 and can result in receiving 8 points on your license. Police will also sometimes confiscate your vehicle and require you to pay a fee to recover them.

As an aside, UK drivers can lose their licenses if they receive more than 12 points on their license in 3 years (or just 6 points for the two years after passing your driving test).

Speeding

Fines for speeding and points on your license depend on the amount you break the speed limit. Minor violations (between 1 and 10 mph over the limit) usually carry 3 points on the license. However, more extreme speeding, like doing 90 mph in a 30 mph zone can result in disqualification.

Running A Red Light

Running a red light is also a serious offence in the UK. Depending on intent you can receive a fine of up to £1,000, and 3 points on your license.

Using A Mobile Phone While Driving

In recent years, the UK government has been cracking down on the use of mobile phones while driving. It now carries numerous fines (up to £2,500 in some circumstances) and 6 points on your license. Some drivers also face disqualification if police take the case to court.

Careless Driving

Careless driving is a more nebulous offense and the penalties depend on the severity of the negligence. Minor incidents may attract a small fine and 3 points on your driving license. However, more serious carelessness that risks many people’s lives could lead to possible outright disqualification.

Drunk Driving

Finally, drunk driving carries heavy penalties in the UK. Drivers can receive 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine, and rolling bans, including 3-year driving disqualifications for repeat offences.

New UK Driving Laws For 2025

Various new driving laws may arrive in 2025, with some expected with more certainty than others.

Electric Vehicle Road Tax Changes

For example, electric vehicles must pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from April 1, 2025. The government is introducing this legislation to streamline driver payments and to reflect the reality that EVs are becoming more common.

Drivers of newly registered vehicles will pay £10 from the 2025/2026 tax year, and £195 annually thereafter.

The government will also introduce the Expensive Car Supplement for cars costing more than £40,000 for the first five years after purchase. The cost per year will be £425.

Fuel Finder Scheme

The government will also improve fuel pricing transparency for drivers in 2025 by upgrading the existing Pumpwatch scheme. Current rules limit how long retailers have to inform drivers of unavailability and price changes. However, new legislation will shorten this period to around 30 minutes (outlined in the Autumn Budget 2024).

E-Scooters

The government may also introduce snap legislation for e-bikes and e-scooters due to growing safety concerns. Ministers are not confirming any new laws at present but trials are underway to see whether further legislation is necessary. Currently, using private e-scooters on public roads is illegal in the UK.

Eyesight Tests

Finally, the government is exploring revising eyesight testing for older drivers. Policymakers are wondering whether to submit those over age 70 to tests every three years to ensure they remain fit to drive on public roads.

However, no plans or timetables for any such legislation are currently published.

Wrapping Up

UK driving laws are changing. However, the number of new confirmed laws for 2025 is minimal. The main change will be the loss of tax exemption for electric vehicle drivers.