- The end of the fuel duty freeze is most likely to impact motorists, as the average UK driver currently spends close to £1,000 per year on fuel
- Meanwhile, 1 in 4 (24%) UK drivers say the new mandatory eye tests for over 70s will impact them
- Lower drink-drive limits could also see more motorists penalised, as a third (33%) admit to driving after drinking regularly
- New driving laws in 2026: Confused.com experts outline everything you need to know about upcoming changes this year
Changes to driving laws and charges could see many motorists at a higher risk of penalties or increased costs in 2026. However, only 1 in 4 (26%) UK drivers are aware of these changes, which include a potential increase in fuel prices1, mandatory eye tests2, and lower-drink drive limits3.
That’s according to new research from the team behind Confused.com car insurance, which found that only 2 in 5 (39%) UK drivers are aware that fuel prices could increase from September this year. Meanwhile, only a further 2 in 5 (42%) are aware of mandatory eye tests being proposed for over 70s at their licence renewal. While just 1 in 4 (26%) are aware that the drink-drive limit in England and Wales could be lowered this year, putting more people at risk of being caught over the limit.
| Proposed change for 2026 | % of UK drivers aware |
|---|---|
|
Mandatory eye tests for over 70s at licence renewal
|
42%
|
|
Fuel duty increase
|
39%
|
|
Increase in luxury car tax threshold for EVs
|
33%
|
|
Driving test booking changes
|
29%
|
|
Lower drink-drive limits in England & Wales
|
26%
|
|
Stricter seatbelt penalties
|
18%
|
|
Introduction of CPR & first-aid in driving tests
|
16%
|
|
Benefit-in-Kind tax increases
|
13%
|
According to the research, more than 2 in 5 (41%) UK drivers believe they’ll be most affected by the fuel duty freeze ending in September. This means the current cut of 5p could be lifted, and prices could increase for drivers. With UK drivers spending £82 per month on fuel, or £984 per year, on average, drivers could be paying more at the pumps once the freeze ends, making filling up more expensive than it currently is. In fact, almost a third (31%) claim they’d have to drive less if fuel costs increase, with a further 23% saying it would make driving unaffordable.
Meanwhile, almost 1 in 4 (24%) drivers surveyed claim they’ll be most affected by the mandatory eye tests for over-70s at their licence renewal and every 3 years thereafter. Before, drivers would have to self-declare that their eyesight is fit for driving, but under new rules set out by the government, this has become a mandatory requirement at the renewal stage, where drivers would need to make a legal declaration stating that they meet the eyesight requirements.
For all drivers, they must be able to read a number plate from at least 20 metres away, or about the length of 5 parked cars. This is why it is recommended that drivers get their eyes tested regularly, as even the smallest of changes could impact their ability to drive. Worryingly, 8% of UK drivers will only get their eyes tested if they notice a change in their vision, while only 51% do so every 1-2 years. And if caught driving without meeting the standards of vision for driving, motorists could be prosecuted, not to mention putting themselves and other road users at risk.
Another change which could see many drivers at risk of penalties this year is the proposal to lower the drink-drive limits in England and Wales. According to the research, a third (33%) of UK drivers admit they drive after having an alcoholic drink, with 10% doing so at least once a month. And previous research by Confused.com found that more than 1 in 5 (21%) drivers feel comfortable getting behind the wheel after having 3 drinks or more.
Currently, in England and Wales, the drink-drive limit is 80g of alcohol in 100ml of blood. However, in Scotland, this limit is much lower at 50mg per 100ml of blood. In the near future, Northern Ireland could also follow the same limits. With many UK drivers comfortably driving after drinking, and perhaps after a few, lower limits could see many drivers over the limit and therefore at risk of endangering themselves and others. And if caught, they could receive an unlimited fine, up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a driving ban.
Worryingly, only 1 in 8 (14%) UK drivers are put off by the potential new lower drink-driving limits.
Another change which could see drivers face more penalties this year is a proposal to introduce points for seatbelt offences3. According to the research, more than 1 in 8 (15%) UK drivers admit to driving without their seatbelt. At the moment, drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt face a fine of £100. But under a new review from the government, this could soon include penalty points, alongside the existing fines. While the fine isn’t currently set to increase, having penalty points on your licence could increase your insurance costs.
While some of these proposals are still under review, this year could see a lot of changes which could hit drivers in the pocket, either through increased costs or harsher penalties. Worryingly, many drivers are unaware of these changes, putting them at higher risk of being caught out.
For more information on more upcoming motoring changes in 2026, visit: https://www.confused.com/compare-car-insurance/guides/driving-law-update
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, comments,
“Every year we can expect to see some changes to our motoring costs, guidelines and even laws, and this year is no exception. Many changes coming into effect, or proposed for this year, could see many drivers at higher risk of increased costs or penalties - especially if they’re unaware. Keeping up to date with announcements, law changes and price changes is important to prepare financially when it comes to increasing costs but also ensures you’re keeping on the right side of the law.
“It’s also important to remember that a lot of changes are being implemented to improve safety for drivers, such as lower drink-drive limits and harsher penalties for motoring offences. Being aware of these and ensuring you’re adhering to them will not only save you from fines but will keep you and others safer.
“Changes to motoring rules and laws aren’t there to catch you out but to keep us all safer on the roads.”
-ENDS-
Unless otherwise stated, research carried out by One Poll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK drivers between 23 and 31 December 2025.
1. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10405/#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20extended%20the,Index%20inflation%20from%20April%202027.
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-penalties-for-motoring-offences/proposed-changes-to-penalities-for-motoring-offences#:~:text=In%20England%2C%20Wales%20and%20Northern,mic
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