New changes to the UK driving laws in 2023

From fuel duty increase to mobile phone regulations. Startin Group is here to take you through the new changes being implemented to driving laws in the UK. So you know just what to expect and don't get caught out. 

The rules include an expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), benefits for electric car owners, and adjustments to fuel duty we take you through some of the changes that may affect you going forward.

The ULEZ is set to expand for the third time from 29th August 2023. The zone which currently covers parts of Central London, will soon apply to all 33 boroughs in London.

Affecting thousands of drivers. Commuters who drive a car that doesn’t meet the zone’s emission standards will face a charge of £12.50 each time they pass through the ultra-low emission zone.

According to the Mayor of London, this change will improve London’s poor air quality. Aiming to encourage people to switch to a greener car or use public transportation.

The pavement parking ban has been in talks since 2019, but the implementation of this law was delayed due to the pandemic.

If this law is to be enforced by the end of the year drivers could face a £70 fixed penalty notice for parking on a pavement. 

From April 2025, electric vehicles registered from 1 April 2017 onwards will have to start paying vehicle excise duty.

Electric vehicles registered after April 2025 will remain in the lowest tax bracket for the first year – paying only £10 - and then move up to the standard rate, which is currently £165. 

This does, however, mean that electric car owners will continue to enjoy 0% VED for the next two years while diesel and petrol car owners will pay the minimum flat rate of £165 at least.

Fuel duty rates were reduced by 5p for a year to help with the increasing price of fuel and cost of living. This change came into effect on 23rd March 2022 after it was announced in the Spring Statement.

On 23 March 2023, fuel duty rates will return to normal as this temporary measure reaches its end. Time will be the judge of what we can next expect to hear from the governments fuels duty plan. 

All heavy goods vehicles weighing over 12 tonnes pay a levy cost for the wear and tear on the roads.

During the pandemic, the government suspended this payment for UK-registered HGVs. This helped haulage companies reduce cost issues and tackle driver shortages. 

In August 2023, the HGV levy suspension will end which means that freight companies would go back to paying the levy costs.

As per every year, the UK gets two new number plates in 2023 for newly-registered cars from March. New cars will be registered under the '23' number plate, and in September, the '73' plate will be introduced.

Sometimes it's tricky keeping up to date with all the never-ending changes to motoring laws, but we hope to keep you covered with some of the updates. What do you think about the new UK Driving laws coming into effect this year? Are you behind them?

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