Drivers across the UK face significant updates to road rules starting in 2026, aimed at boosting safety, cutting emissions and modernising enforcement. These changes build on recent efforts to tackle distracted driving, poor compliance and environmental impact, with stricter penalties for seatbelt offences, new taxes on electric vehicles and expanded roadside testing. While some tweaks roll out gradually, others hit immediately from January, affecting everyone from daily commuters to HGV operators. Staying informed now helps avoid unexpected fines or points that could jeopardise your licence.
Stricter Seatbelt Enforcement
One of the biggest shifts targets seatbelt non-compliance, currently punished by fines up to £500. From early 2026, drivers caught without belts face three penalty points alongside the fine, matching penalties for other licence-endorsable offences. This applies to drivers and passengers alike, with police empowered to issue on-the-spot points via digital systems. The move responds to persistent data showing seatbelts save lives in 99% of cases, aiming to eliminate excuses like “short trips” through roadside campaigns and AI-assisted cameras.
Electric Vehicle Road Taxes Introduced
Pure electric cars lose their road tax exemption with the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) overhaul. From April 2026, EVs pay a first-year rate of £10, then £195 annually, plus a new “eVED” charge of 3p per mile for EVs and 1.5p for plug-in hybrids. Mileage gets tracked via MOT data or OBD devices, integrated into existing systems. This levels the playing field with petrol drivers, who pay similar fuel duty equivalents, while funding infrastructure like charging networks.
Congestion and Fuel Duty Increases
London’s Congestion Charge jumps from £15 to £18 if paid on the day, or £21 within three days, effective early 2026. Fuel duty rises by 1p per litre across petrol, diesel and alternatives, with BiK rates for company cars climbing—EVs now at 4% up from 3%. These hikes target revenue shortfalls from declining fuel sales, but critics warn they hit rural drivers hardest amid squeezed budgets.
HGV Tachograph Mandates and Drug Testing
Heavy goods vehicles registered after December 24, 2026, must fit “smart 2” tachographs with GPS tracking to enforce driving hour limits: nine hours daily maximum, 56 weekly, 90 fortnightly, with 11-hour daily rests. Roadside drug-driving tests expand using saliva kits for immediate results, targeting cannabis and cocaine beyond breathalysers. Drink-drive limits may tighten further to 22 micrograms per 100ml breath, aligning with Scotland.
New Penalties Overview
| Offence Update | Current Penalty | 2026 Change |
|---|---|---|
| Seatbelt Non-Compliance | £500 fine | +3 points + fine |
| EV Road Tax (annual) | £0 | £195 + 3p/mile eVED |
| Congestion Charge (London) | £15 (day of)/£17.50 (late) | £18/£21 |
| Fuel Duty Increase | Baseline | +1p per litre |
| HGV Tachograph (new regs) | Standard | Smart 2 mandatory post-Dec 24 |
| Drug-Driving Tests | Limited roadside | Expanded saliva screening |
Impact on Learners and Elderly Drivers
Learner rules tighten with mandatory eyesight tests at renewal, potentially barring those failing vision standards. Elderly drivers face biennial checks, while graduated licensing for new motorists adds nighttime and passenger restrictions for two years. Mobile phone rules stay firm at six points and £200 fines for handheld use, with sat-nav mounts scrutinised.
Preparation Tips for Compliance
Update insurance for tax changes, fit dashcams for disputes, and use apps tracking mileage for eVED. HGV firms budget tachograph upgrades costing £1,000+ per vehicle. Regular eyesight checks prevent surprises, and defensive driving courses mitigate point risks. These reforms prioritise safety and revenue—adapt early to stay penalty-free.
FAQs
Q1 EV tax shock?
Yes, £195/year + 3p/mile from 2026.
Q2 Seatbelt points?
3 added to fines.
Q3 HGV deadline?
Dec 24, 2026 for smart tachographs.
Disclaimer: The content is intended for informational purposes only. Check official sources; our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
