The petrol and diesel car ban has changed direction more than once, so it’s no wonder drivers are confused about what’s actually happening. Here’s a clear breakdown of where things currently stand.
Key takeaways
- The government has committed to ending sales of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and confirmed this in its 2025 response to its consultation
- 2035 is the full zero-emission deadline: every new car and van must be fully zero-emission by then
- Between 2030 and 2035, full hybrids and plug-in hybrids can still be sold new. Mild hybrids aren't named in this decision. The government has said it will consult further on the detailed technology rules
- Pure petrol and diesel vans, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, can still be sold new until 2035, not 2030, and small-scale specialist manufacturers get extra time to comply too
- This only affects new vehicle sales. There are currently no national restrictions on driving, buying or selling used petrol and diesel cars, and no plans to introduce them
When are petrol and diesel cars actually being banned?
New pure petrol and diesel cars can no longer be sold from 2030. By 2035, every new car and van sold in the UK must be fully zero-emission.
If you’ve lost track of the exact date, you’re not alone. The ban was first announced for 2040, brought forward to 2030, pushed back to 2035 by the previous Conservative government, then reinstated to 2030 by the current Labour government, confirmed in its 2025 response to the consultation on phasing out these sales.
That history is exactly why so many drivers are unsure what’s actually in force.
The hybrid loophole, what can still be sold between 2030 and 2035?
Not every car with an engine disappears from showrooms in 2030.
The government has said in its 2025 response that it will permit full hybrids, like the Toyota Corolla, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), like the Kia Sportage PHEV, to be sold new right up until 2035.
Both combine a combustion engine with an electric motor, which is why they’re treated differently from pure petrol or diesel cars.
Mild hybrids aren’t named in this decision. The government has said it will consult further on the detailed technology rules.
What about vans and small manufacturers?
Vans get more time than cars. The government’s 2025 response confirms that new petrol, diesel, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid vans can continue to be sold until 2035, rather than facing the same 2030 cut-off as petrol and diesel cars.
Small-scale and specialist manufacturers get more breathing room too. Micro-volume manufacturers selling fewer than 1,000 vehicles a year and small-volume manufacturers selling between 1,000 and 2,499 get extra time to meet the 2030-2035 requirements.
This buys time rather than removing the obligation altogether, all manufacturers, however small, must hit zero-emission sales by 2035.
Is the 2030 ban definitely happening? What about the current review?
The Department for Transport ran a consultation on the ZEV mandate from 14 August to 23 October 2026, and it has now closed.
This covers the ZEV mandate’s annual sales targets and manufacturer flexibilities. It also sets out options for how the 2030 phase-out is defined, so the detail of which vehicles are covered could still be refined.
The consultation document states: “The UK Government’s commitment to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and all new non-zero emission cars and vans by 2035 is unwavering.” The government hasn’t given a specific date for responding to this consultation, though it has said it will review the ZEV mandate by early 2027.
Given how many times this policy has shifted before, it’s reasonable to want to keep an eye on this one too. The government’s position is that the 2030 date hasn’t changed, the review is about how manufacturers get there, not whether they do. We’ll update this page once the government publishes its response.
Can I still drive or buy a used petrol or diesel car after 2030?
Yes. The ban only applies to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. There are currently no national restrictions on driving, buying or selling used petrol and diesel cars, and no plans to introduce them.
Local clean air zones, such as London’s ULEZ, can still apply their own charges or restrictions, so check the rules for areas you drive in regularly.
What will happen to classic cars when petrol is banned?
The used-car position above applies to classic cars too. There’s currently no proposed restriction on owning, driving, fuelling or repairing a classic car. Nobody can say for certain how used values will change as new petrol and diesel sales wind down.
If you’re interested in cars that may become collectable, read more in our guide to future classic cars.
Should I buy a petrol, diesel or hybrid car before the ban?
This comes down to your own driving needs and budget. You’ll still be able to buy a used petrol or diesel car after 2030, and after 2035 too. The ban only applies to new vehicle sales.
Car insurance is also worth factoring in if you’re considering an EV. Electric car insurance can cost more than petrol or diesel cover, partly because repairs can cost more.
Insurance Business reports Thatcham Research data showing EV repairs are about 25% more expensive and 14% longer. The premium gap varies by model and has been narrowing.
EV owners have also paid tax on their cars since 2025. The old tax-free status was a genuine draw for some buyers, so losing it may factor into your decision if you’re weighing up an EV against a petrol, diesel or hybrid car. If you’re leaning towards making the switch, it’s worth reading our guide on whether you should buy an electric car first.
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