22 driving laws and road changes quietly introduced in January 2025
22 new road laws pushed through in January have been explained for road users, motorists and drivers. The changes include everything from driving licences to traffic fines, with motorists warned to adhere to the new restrictions going forward.
As 2025 continues, the new month will begin this weekend, with February bringing with it the prospect of new changes. But before that, motorists are reminded about some of the little know rule changes which have been made in January.
It comes weeks out from new car tax changes and rates coming in from the new Labour Party government. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced changes to the tax bands for brand new cars from April 2025 onwards, the Labour Party has confirmed.
READ MORE: Italy issues warning to UK tourists and says 'it is unacceptable'
READ MORE: Martin Lewis says claim free £5,644 from DWP 'which is not means tested'
READ MORE UK warned February 'snow events' looking more likely and could be days away
The changes will only affect the cost of VED for the first year the car is registered, but there are some substantial rises. But before that, Birmingham Live has rounded up the most important new rules you need to be aware of.
Traffic fines - 13 new rules
The Government gave the green light to new road rules which are set to be added to schedule three of the Road Traffic Offender Act 1988.
Use of a pedal cycle at night without lights or reflector being fitted S.91 RTOA 1988, regulation 23(1) Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
Use of a pedal cycle when the lights are not in good working order S.91 RTOA 1988, regulation 23(1) Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
Use of a pedal cycle without lights at night S.91 RTOA 1988, regulation 24(a)(i) Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
Use a non-motor vehicle with a lamp used to cause undue dazzle or discomfort S.91 RTOA 1988, regulation 27 Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
Fail to comply with instructions on a notice from a constable regarding the use of a pedal cycle in a Royal Park S.2(1) Parks Regulation (Amendment) Act 1926, regulation 3(9)(a) The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
Riding a pedal cycle in a dangerous manner in a Royal Park S.2(1) Parks Regulation (Amendment) Act 1926, regulation 3(10)(c) The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
Using a vehicle or cycle in the dark with no lights in a Royal Park s. 2(1) Parks Regulation (Amendment) Act 1926, regulation 3(11)(a) The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
Cyclist holding on to a vehicle for the purpose of being drawn along S.26(2) RTA 1988
Cyclist holding on to a trailer for the purpose of being drawn along S.26(2) RTA 1988
Cycle on a road without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other users S.29 RTA 1988
Cycle on a road dangerously s.28(1) RTA 1988
Fail to stop at a school crossing patrol S.28(3) Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA 1984)
Fail to wait at a school crossing patrol S. 28(3) RTRA 1984
DVSA - 7 new rules
Revised rules for booking practical driving tests have now come into force in a bid to reduce record waiting times and clamp down on black-market bookings. Driving instructors are now no longer able to book tests for rookie drivers that they are not teaching, while businesses that do not employ instructors are not allowed to book tests, although individuals can still book a slot for themselves.
Those charging administration fees for booking must make it abundantly clear at the point of sale, plus the minimum notice period in which you can cancel your test before waiving your £62 booking fee has also been extended from three working days to 10.
These changes come as part of a seven-step plan from the government and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to slash waiting times, which includes a consultation with the industry over further proposals on how to reduce wait times.
Driving licences
The Government has confirmed plans to introduce digital driving licenses, accessible via a new gov.uk app launching this summer. The initiative aims to modernise access to government services and will eventually allow the public to store a range of official documents within a secure digital "wallet" housed within the app.
Initially, the app will feature a veteran card, followed by a pilot programme for digital driving licenses later this year. The digital wallet will leverage existing smartphone security features, such as facial recognition, mirroring the technology used for mobile payment systems.
The digital licence will be optional, with physical documents remaining valid.
Electric vehicle targets
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate for 2025 in the UK requires that 28% of new car sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The mandate also requires that 16% of new vans be ZEVs.