As 2025 begins, the UK government has introduced several new motoring laws, many of which went into effect without much public awareness. These updates aim to improve road safety, streamline services, and promote electric vehicle adoption, but they also introduce new fines and restrictions that every motorist needs to be aware of.
Among the biggest changes are stricter rules for driving test bookings, updates to traffic offence penalties, the launch of digital driving licences, and tougher targets for electric vehicle sales. While some of these measures are designed to modernise the system, others come with potential penalties for non-compliance, meaning drivers who don’t stay informed could face fines or legal issues.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes every driver should know about.
New Traffic Fines and Offences
New traffic offences have been added to the Road Traffic Offender Act 1988, meaning drivers and cyclists could now face fines for offences that previously may have gone unnoticed. These include:
- Failure to stop at a school crossing patrol
- Cycling dangerously on the road
- Cycling without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users
- Cyclist holding on to a moving vehicle while in motion
- Using a pedal cycle without lights between sunset and sunrise
- Using lamps that cause undue dazzle or discomfort to others
Additionally, stricter rules have been introduced for Royal Parks and other open spaces, including:
- Failure to comply with traffic signs in Royal Parks
- Riding a bicycle in a manner that endangers others in Royal Parks
- Using a bicycle or vehicle without lights in Royal Parks at night
These new offences come with potential fines and legal consequences, meaning both motorists and cyclists need to be more aware of their actions on the road.
Driving Test Booking Rules Tightened
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced stricter rules to crack down on bulk booking of driving tests—a practice that has led to delays and cancellations for genuine learners.
From 6 January 2025, new rules state that:
- Driving instructors and businesses can no longer book tests on behalf of learners they are not actively teaching.
- Using a learner driver’s details to secure a test slot for someone else is now prohibited.
- Tests booked under false pretences could be cancelled.
These changes aim to reduce waiting times and prevent third-party businesses from hoarding test slots, which has been a long-standing issue for learners struggling to find available dates.
Digital Driving Licences Set to Launch
The government has confirmed that digital driving licences will be introduced in summer 2025, providing motorists with an alternative to physical photocard licences.
This new system will allow drivers to:
- Store their licence digitally on a GOV.UK app.
- Use the app to prove their age and driving status.
- Receive tax renewal reminders directly through the app.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called the move a “game changer”, particularly for those who frequently use their licence as identification. The digital format is expected to make it easier to access licence details while also reducing the risk of losing or damaging physical cards.
Electric Vehicle Sales Targets Increase
As part of the UK’s push toward zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), manufacturers now face stricter targets for electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2025.
- By the end of 2024, 22% of all new car sales had to be fully electric.
- For 2025, this target has now increased to 28%.
This means that car manufacturers must sell a higher percentage of electric vehicles or face fines of up to £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle.
The government sees this as a key step toward phasing out petrol and diesel cars, but it also raises questions about affordability and whether manufacturers can meet these targets without increasing EV prices for consumers.
What These Changes Mean for Drivers
With new fines, updated booking rules, digital licences, and stricter EV targets, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of significant change for motorists. Here’s what drivers should keep in mind:
- Be aware of new traffic laws, especially those affecting cyclists and school crossings, as fines could apply.
- Driving test slots will now be harder to manipulate, potentially making it easier for genuine learners to book tests.
- Digital licences will be available later this year, offering a new way to prove identity and driving status.
- Car manufacturers will be pushing more electric vehicles, which could impact car prices and availability.
While some of these changes will make driving safer and more efficient, others come with potential penalties for those who aren’t aware of the new rules. Staying informed is the best way to avoid fines and make the most of new services like digital licences.
With even more updates expected later in the year, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for UK drivers.
