Six new driving laws and road changes coming in March 2025

Six new driving law changes and road tweaks are coming into effect in March 2025. The third month of the year brings with it a raft of changes for motorists, road users and drivers to ensure they are up-to-date with and in-the-know about.

The changes focus on everything from company cars to VED rates – with the new bands set to kick in in April. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, said: “Electric car drivers have long enjoyed free road tax, but that’s set to change from April 1, 2025, when electric cars registered between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2025, will pay the same standard £195 road tax rate as petrol, diesel and hybrid cars.”

To complete the renewal, drivers will need their vehicle’s number plate and the 12-digit reference number from their V5C logbook. Mr Sheehan added: “All they [drivers] need to do is renew their road tax on the Government’s website before March 31, 2025, by putting in their car’s number plate and the 12-digit reference number on their V5C (logbook).”

Table of Contents

Company car rates

The advisory fuel rates that apply from 1 March 2025 have been adjusted for petrol vehicles of 1401cc to 2000cc with a 1p increase, with other engine sizes unchanged, while diesel engines up to 1600cc are up 1p per mile, with other engine sizes at the same rate. The electric mileage rate remains unchanged

The previous rates, effective from December 2024, can be used for up to one month from the date the new rates apply. The rates only apply in the following circumstances:

These rates cannot be used in any other circumstances. If the rates are used, it is not necessary to apply for a dispensation to cover the payments made.

New number plates

From March 2025, every car registered will carry a 25-plate but If you’re planning to buy in the autumn, you’ll be pleased to know the 75-plate arrives in September. There’s never too long to wait for the next number plate update! Every six months, the age-identifying characters on UK number plates get refreshed.

This twice-yearly plate change often creates a buzz in the new car market—car buyers love the excitement of having the latest number plate. As a result, we usually see a noticeable spike in new car sales in the UK, with many buyers eager to showcase the newest registration parked in their driveways.

Safety camera trial concludes

A trial of new mobile technology which can automatically detect motorists who are not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving is being extended with police across the country taking part.

Ten police forces will be using the new kit which is mounted to a vehicle or trailer and has multiple cameras giving differing views of the driver and their passengers.

The National Highways trial first launched in 2021 when motorists spotted driving without seatbelts or on the phone by police using the technology were sent warning letters informing them of the dangers of their behaviour.

In partnership with AECOM, the research is now being extended to work with more police forces to help learn more about how the technology could work on National Highways roads and inform a possible future roll-out nationwide. The latest trial began on 19 February and will run until March 2025.

Driving licences

At the end of February, it was announced that the Ukraine driving licence scheme would be extended on March 3, to help motorists from the nation keep their Ukranian licences for a longer period of time.

Under the new rules, drivers will be able to keep their Ukrainian licence for up to 54 months after becoming a GB resident if they applied for permission to stay or entry clearance.

EV car tax loophole

Over one million drivers in the UK are urged to renew their car taxes before March 31 to take advantage of a major loophole and save £195 before tax changes come into effect. From April 1, 2025, electric vehicles in the UK will be subject to a £195 road tax and added fees if their value exceeds £40,000, as part of new tax policies introduced by Rachel Reeves.

According to car expert Sam Sheehan, drivers can get another year of free road tax if they make sure to act before the deadline.

Electric vehicle funding

In a bid to help those who own vans, taxis and motorbikes, the Government has launched a £120million boost to help motorists switch to electric vehicles.

Businesses will be able to receive grants up to £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel