Britons are being warned of new driving laws being introduced in February which could have a huge impact on their experience behind the wheel.
Several changes have already been introduced at the start of the year including new electric vehicle updates, driving licence consultations and new guidance for road rules.
With the new rules being introduced over the next few weeks, GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes in February 2025 that could impact you.
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A number of new driving law changes are being introduced in February
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Driving licences
The Department for Transport could fast-track new driving licence rules in the coming weeks following a two-week consultation in January.
It called for views on whether the Government should extend the Ukraine driving licence exchange scheme for an additional 18 months, beyond the current 36-month timeframe.
Similar proposals were launched in 2023 and were quickly given the green light after 99 per cent backed an extension and 89 per cent said the extension should be for 36 months.
Any changes to the ZEV mandate could have a huge impact on the future of British manufacturing
PA
Electric vehicles
On Christmas Eve, Labour’s Department for Transport provided a major update on the future of the petrol and diesel vehicle ban, as well as the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
It asked manufacturers and those involved in the automotive industry a range of questions including the options available to end the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2030, potential requirements for non-zero emission vehicles sold after 2030 and what role small volume manufacturers should play.
The ZEV mandate requires manufacturers to have a minimum percentage of sales come from electric vehicles. In 2024, the target was 22 per cent, with this rising to 28 per cent this year.
Changes could be made to the ZEV mandate following a consultation
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Eventually, this will rise to 80 per cent in 2030, with the Government expected to allow the sale of plug-in hybrid models until 2035, at which point all new vehicles must not produce any emissions.
This was confirmed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander who told Parliament: “No new petrol or diesel cars will be sold after 2030. All new cars and vans will need to be 100 per cent zero emission by 2035.”
Many industry experts have already provided feedback to the consultation, which ends on February 18, regarding the need to provide stability to the automotive sector.
It is widely believed the feedback to the consultation will have an enormous impact on the future of the ZEV mandate and provide clarity for manufacturers and drivers in the coming years.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
New traffic rules were announced last month
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Traffic fines
It was recently announced that new rules would be introduced to improve safety on roads for all users, which included a new crackdown on drivers and cyclists which could be formally unveiled in February.
The new measures will be included in the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) regulations listing fixed penalty offences that offer educational courses as an alternative to prosecution. The course costs roughly £100, although this does vary according to local course arrangements.
Several new road traffic offences are set to be added to schedule 3 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act. These include:
- Offences under Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
- Failure to comply with any direction given by a constable or by a notice exhibited by order of the Secretary of State regarding the use of a pedal cycle in a Royal Park or other specified land
- Using a pedal cycle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person in a Royal Park or other specified land
- Using a vehicle or pedal cycle between sunset and sunrise, or in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset, with no lights in a Royal Park or other specified land
- Failure to stop at a school crossing patrol
- Cyclist holding on to a vehicle while in motion on a road for the purpose of being drawn along
- Cycling on a road dangerously
- Cycling on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road
- Offences under Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
- Using a pedal cycle without lights between sunset and sunrise
- Using lamps so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road
- Using a non-motor vehicle with any lamp so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort
DVSA changes
On February 11, the DVSA will conclude its consultation that asks for the public’s experience of booking and managing car driving tests.
It comes as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sets out a checklist of measures to deal with the months-long waiting times for driving tests, including hiring 450 driving examiners.
The consultation was launched to ensure that learner drivers can book their driving test easily and efficiently, with a specific focus on improving services, formalising rules and futureproofing the booking system.
