11-08-2025
Four new changes to UK driving rules under ‘biggest shake-up since 2006' – and how YOU can be punished for breaking them
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MOTORISTS across the UK could soon face four major changes to driving rules - seen as the most significant overhaul in nearly two decades.
The major shake up looks set to come into effect in Autumn 2025 as part of a new road safety strategy.
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One drink could soon be too many as the UK prepares to potentially lower the drink-drive limit to match Scotland and Europe
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A set of new rules could also ensure drivers over 70 are fit for the road
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Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and 'ghost plates' may also be on the horizon
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Buckle up or face the consequences - stricter seatbelt laws could bring fines and licence points for offenders
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A major shake up looks set to come into effect in Autumn 2025 as part of a new road safety strategy
Credit: Getty
According to The Times, these proposed changes reflect stricter measures to improve road safety and introduce tougher penalties for rule violations, which will include a reduction of the drink-drive limit and older drivers being required to take mandatory eye tests.
These amendments, set to be introduced to help tackle persistent safety issues on UK roads and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries, have been put forward by UK Government ministers and led by the Department for Transport (DfT).
They represent the biggest reform to driving laws since the Road Safety Act of 2006 - a major piece of legislation which aimed to improve road safety in the UK.
Lower drink-drive limit
The drink-drive limit in England and Wales may be reduced from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms - making it easier to be penalised for driving after consuming even small amounts of alcohol.
This figure would be in line with Scotland and the rest of Europe, where no other country has a limit as high as that in England and Wales.
This lower threshold may mean that just one drink puts someone over the limit.
Additionally, the Government plans to simplify drug-driving prosecutions by allowing police to use roadside saliva tests as evidence, rather than blood tests.
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, has urged more needs to be done to tackle drink-driving, adding: 'Data for Scotland suggests merely reducing the legal drink-drive limit isn't enough.
'A significant number of drink-drive offences are committed by reoffenders, so tackling the risk associated with habitual drink-drivers is crucial.'
Being caught drink-driving in the UK carries hefty penalties, which includes a potential six-month prison sentence, an unlimited fine and a minimum driving ban of one year.
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The severity of the punishment depends on the level of alcohol in the driver's system and any other factors, such as causing a collision.
Drug-driving convictions also result in a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.
Other consequences can include higher car insurance costs, potential issues with employers seeing the conviction on a licence and difficulties in travelling to certain countries, such as the US.
Older driver safety
Proposed changes may also affect older drivers, with a focus on ensuring that drivers over the age of 70 are fit to drive.
This may include drivers over 70 being required to undergo compulsory eye tests every three years when renewing their licence, with an aim to detect visual impairments that could affect driving ability.
Currently, the UK relies on self-reporting of visual conditions - making it one of only three European countries to do so.
These new measures would align the UK with stricter standards seen elsewhere.
It may also see medical tests introduced for conditions that may impair driving, such as dementia or other age-related illnesses.
These come in as the number of drivers over 60 involved in crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries has increased by 47% since 2010 - highlighting the need for stricter checks.
Older drivers who fail the mandatory eye test or medical assessments would be banned from driving and could result in criminal proceedings if they're caught behind the wheel after failing these tests.
Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers
Changes may also be made to tackle uninsured driving, with more focus on increasing penalties and improving enforcement to address the ongoing issue.
The current penalty for driving without insurance - a £300 fixed fine and six licence points - is now expected to be raised under the new proposals, which could include uninsured drivers facing unlimited fines and possible disqualification from driving if a case goes to court.
Measures are also being considered to combat vehicles with so-called "ghost plates" - number plates that evade detection by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Seatbelt non-compliance
Finally, the Government is also considering stricter penalties for those caught not wearing a seatbelt - with drivers receiving fines and even licence points as punishment.
Currently, drivers face a £100 on-the-spot fine for not wearing a seatbelt, which can rise to £500 if taken to court.
These offences, though, do not currently result in penalty points on a driving licence.
Under the possible changes, drivers would now face penalty points if passengers are not wearing seatbelts, marking a significant shift from the current fine-only system.
This aims to address rising fatalities - with 25% of road deaths involving individuals not wearing seatbelts and 40% of these fatalities being back-seat passengers.
Motorists are already legally responsible for ensuring passengers under 14 are properly restrained, with these tougher penalties simply adding further accountability.
