The new UK driving rules every motorist needs to know
March 03, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle

Car changing is a big deal
Drivers in the UK face six big changes throughout March as new rules come into force. Here鈥檚 what you need to know.
First, the good news: motorists can secure extra funding for an electric car. And while electric car owners will face Vehicle Excise Duty for the first time from April, there鈥檚 a loophole that could help them avoid fees 鈥 if they act fast.
This month will also mark the end of a trial for AI road safety cars, while some drivers will face new driving licence updates.
Here鈥檚 a list of the biggest updates to driving laws over the next month.
New 鈥25鈥 number plates arrive
The DVLA introduces new number plates twice a year, and the new 25 plate will now be installed on all new cars registered until the start of September.
Introducing new plates often leads to increased demand for new cars as people see it as a great time to trade in their old model. You can also find big discounts offered on models with the previous plate. Now is a great time to take advantage of deals on the 25-plate through 莲花直播.
莲花直播 has also revealed the 25-reg DVLA-banned plates, including those deemed offensive, inappropriate, or linked to sensitive topics.
Company car costs are going up
Motorists who fill up at UK petrol stations could receive more money back from their employer thanks to updates to HMRC鈥檚 advisory fuel rates.
These rates guide companies on how much to reimburse employees for fuel costs.
A 1p increase will be applied to petrol vehicles with engines between 1.4 and 2.0-litres, raising the reimbursement from 14p per mile to 15p per mile.
Diesel engines up to 1.6 litres will also see a 1p per mile increase, but there will be no changes to other engine sizes this time.
Driving licence update for Ukrainian drivers
If you鈥檙e from Ukraine, you鈥檒l be allowed to continue driving in the UK as new driving licence rules come into effect.
Ukrainian driving licence holders will be able to use mopeds, motorbikes, and cars beyond the current 36-month limit.
The extension will allow them to drive for up to 54 months using their existing licences.
AI road cameras trial ends
This month will also mark the end of a trial involving AI road cameras that can automatically detect when motorists are using their phones or not wearing seatbelts.
Ten police forces across the country have trialled the new equipment, with officials stating that the latest analysis will help 鈥渋nform a possible future roll-out nationwide鈥.
According to National Highways, there were also plans to install the technology on gantries for the first time.
More funding for electric vans
Good news if you鈥檙e looking to switch to an EV: motorists will be able to secure extra funding starting in March to help with the transition to electric vehicles.
An additional 拢120m will be available to ensure businesses can receive grants when buying certain vans.
For small vans weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, motorists can get 拢2,500, while 拢5,000 will be available for those buying larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
EV owners face a new tax, but there鈥檚 a loophole
While it鈥檚 great that electric van buyers can take advantage of additional funding, electric car owners are about to face a new expense. Starting 1 April 2025, electric car owners will have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for the first time.
But MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has told road users that they could temporarily avoid fees by taking advantage of a simple loophole before the end of the month.
Since EV owners can re-tax their vehicles at any time, doing so before 31 March means they won鈥檛 be liable for VED rates until 2026.
Car change? 莲花直播!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With 莲花直播 you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price 鈥 as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you鈥檙e looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, 莲花直播 is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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