A top car sales firm has compiled a list of the most crucial legal changes that drivers are likely to encounter in 2025. According to a survey by webuyanycar, three-quarters of motorists are unaware of the new rules, putting them at risk of fines and penalty points.
Only a quarter of drivers anticipate changes and updates related to electric vehicle (EV) regulations, such as modifications to road tax and charging, compared to 75% who aren’t expecting any changes. This is despite the planned congestion charge rule set to be introduced in December this year.
The research also revealed that 54% of drivers never check for updates on UK driving laws, followed by 23% who check less than once a year, 10% once a year, 10% every few months, and 3% monthly. Richard Evans, spokesperson for webuyanycar, compiled the most significant new changes to driving laws for drivers to be aware of to avoid hefty fines.
Some of the new rules expected to come into effect this year include: Road tax increases From April 2025, motorists can expect a rise in road tax for all vehicles. This move is designed to promote the use of lower-emission and electric vehicles.
The increase in road tax is set to affect over 19.9 million cars manufactured before 2017*. This change in driving law will impact a significant number of drivers.
Moreover, vehicles that run on petrol or diesel and emit over 76g/km of CO2 will see their first-year tax double. Even electric vehicles (EVs) won’t be spared.
From April 1, 2025, EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax, with the £0 first-year rate rising to £10 for those purchasing an EV after this date. .
Fast forward to December 2025, and congestion charge rules are set to change. Any vehicle entering London’s Congestion Charge zone will have to pay the £15 fee.
This is a significant shift for those who have invested in electric vehicles, as they will now be subject to the congestion charge. It’s crucial to stay informed about this rule change to avoid unexpected fines.
While there have been no official changes announced regarding eyesight assessments, it has been suggested that drivers over 70 may soon need to undergo mandatory eye tests when renewing their licences. The Association of Optometrists recommends that all drivers over 70 should have comprehensive eye tests when they renew their licence and every three years thereafter, to minimise the risk of poor vision contributing to accidents.
However, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has not yet confirmed how it plans to update its approach to eye testing.
Updates to the zero-emission mandate are also expected.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, first introduced in January 2024, has been revised. The mandate sets a target for 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in the UK to be zero-emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035.
Car manufacturers have struggled to meet the initial annual zero-emission vehicle target, leading the government to reassess their goals to make them more attainable. While this update won’t immediately impact current drivers, it’s crucial they are aware of the extended target.
If they’re thinking about purchasing a new or used car, they might consider switching to electric vehicles sooner to help the UK achieve the zero-emission mandate target more quickly. UK Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds and Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood have confirmed that a consultation will be fast-tracked to include revisions by January 2025, responding to manufacturers’ appeals.
Although specific revisions have not yet been confirmed, Reynolds has reassured that the 2035 deadline will remain unchanged. Company car tax is set to rise as benefit-in-kind (BIK) rates, which have been frozen since 2022, are due to increase again.
The BIK rates will see a 1% increase in each tax bracket for every type of vehicle, with higher-emission vehicles facing steeper hikes. Electric vehicles, currently enjoying a low BIK rate of 2%, will also see an annual increase of 1% starting from April 2025 until 2028.
