Every New UK Driving Law and Rule Change in 2026

Transport for London increased the daily Congestion Charge from £15 to £18 on 2 January 2026. Electric vehicles lost their 100% discount and now pay £13.50 (a 25% reduction). Commercial vans and HGVs get up to 50% off at £9/day.

From 2 February 2026, all UK petrol stations must report their fuel prices to a central government database within 30 minutes of any change. The data is available through the GOV.UK website and third-party apps like Fuelwise. The government estimates drivers could save £40–60 per year by comparing prices.

The digital driving licence trial is being rolled out more widely via the GOV.UK One Login app. Drivers can access a provisional digital version of their licence on their smartphone. The DVLA advises keeping your physical photocard as backup — the digital version doesn't replace it yet. A full rollout is expected by 2027.

From 31 March, learners can only make 2 changes to their driving test appointment after booking, must give at least 10 working days' notice to cancel, and driving instructors will no longer be able to book tests on a learner's behalf — you'll need to do it yourself via GOV.UK.

The standard annual rate rises to £200. First-year rates for high-emission new cars climb to as much as £5,690. Electric vehicles — previously exempt — now pay the standard £200 rate from their second year. Cars costing over £40,000 still face the £410 premium supplement for five years. Full details in our road tax guide.

Intelligent Speed Assistance has been required on all new car models since July 2024, but from July 2026 it applies to all new cars sold — including existing models that previously didn't have it. ISA uses GPS and camera data to detect the speed limit and provides warnings or resistance through the accelerator if you exceed it. You can override it by pressing harder, and you can turn it off — but it reactivates every time you start the engine.

The temporary 5p per litre fuel duty cut — in place since March 2022 — ends. The government plans a phased increase that will add roughly 5p per litre by March 2027, with the first increase hitting in September. On a 55-litre tank, the full increase works out at about £2.75 extra per fill. Full timeline in our fuel duty article.

All new cars and vans sold from November must meet Euro 7 standards, which tighten limits on NOx, particulate matter, and — for the first time — brake and tyre particle emissions. Euro 7 also introduces stricter battery durability requirements for EVs. This won't affect used car buyers, but it may push new car prices slightly higher.

The government's Road Safety Strategy proposes reducing the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood, matching Scotland's existing limit. New drivers would face a near-zero limit of 20mg. The consultation runs until 31 March 2026 — if approved, the change could take effect later in the year. In practical terms, the new limit would mean a single pint of beer could put some drivers over the line.

Currently, not wearing a seatbelt only results in a fine of up to £500 — with no points on your licence. The government is consulting on making it an endorsable offence carrying 3 penalty points. This would bring the UK in line with many European countries and significantly increase the consequences, especially for drivers already carrying points.

Police will be able to use roadside saliva tests as standalone evidence in more drug-driving cases, without needing a follow-up blood test every time. This is expected to speed up investigations and increase conviction rates for drug-impaired driving.