A number of changes to UK road laws came into force in January 2026, with further proposals under consultation. The aim is to improve safety for all road users, drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians and help reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
Here’s a straightforward overview of what’s changing and what it could mean in practice.
1. Lower drink-drive limits
The current legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales is 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Plans are in place to lower this to 22 microgrammes, bringing it more in line with Scotland and many European countries.
Drivers convicted of drink-driving may also be required to use an alcolock device before they can legally drive again. This system requires the driver to pass a breath test before the vehicle will start.
2. Updated rules for older drivers
Drivers aged 70 and over currently renew their licence by self-declaring that they are fit to drive. Under the new proposals, mandatory eyesight tests every three years will be introduced at renewal.
Further medical and fitness assessments, including potential cognitive testing, may also be introduced in future.
3. Changes for learners and new drivers
Proposals under consultation include introducing a minimum learning period of three to six months before learners can take their practical test. The aim is to ensure new drivers gain experience in a range of driving conditions, such as night driving, heavy traffic and poor weather.
Northern Ireland is also introducing a graduated driving licence system for drivers aged 17–23, including restrictions on night driving and carrying passengers during the early stages of driving.
4. Driving test system updates
Changes are being introduced to reduce booking delays and prevent test reselling. Learners will be required to book their own driving tests, with limits on how many times a test date or location can be changed, and bookings must remain within the same general test area.
Theory tests may also be updated to include first aid and CPR knowledge, alongside other safety-focused questions.
5. Tougher enforcement measures
Road safety enforcement is expected to become stricter, with proposals including:
Potential licence suspension for suspected drink-drivers before court proceedings
Higher fines for uninsured drivers
Increased penalty points for offences such as not wearing a seatbelt or carrying children without proper restraints
Expanded roadside drug testing to help reduce drug-related collisions
6. Introduction of digital driving licences
Digital driving licences are being introduced through a phased rollout. By 2027, government-issued credentials, including driving licences, are expected to have a digital version available alongside physical cards, stored within the official GOV.UK app.
7. Mandatory in-vehicle safety technology
Future legislation, including the proposed “Dev’s Law,” is expected to require all new cars, vans and lorries to include advanced safety systems such as:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Lane-keeping assistance
These technologies are designed to help prevent collisions and reduce the severity of accidents when they do occur.
Why these changes matter
UK road safety laws have remained largely unchanged for more than a decade, while many European countries have made faster progress in reducing road casualties. With an average of several fatalities and dozens of serious injuries occurring on Britain’s roads each day, these reforms aim to modernise road safety standards and improve protection for all road users.
If you’d like, I can also shorten this into a “key changes at a glance” summary box for the top of the article (useful for SEO and readability), or adapt it into a LinkedIn post and email newsletter version.
Key changes at a glance
Lower drink-drive limit: The legal limit in England and Wales is set to drop from 35 to 22 microgrammes, bringing it closer to Scotland and Europe.
Alcolock devices: Some drink-driving offenders may need to pass a breath test before their vehicle will start.
Stricter licence renewals for over-70s: Mandatory eyesight tests every three years, with possible further medical checks in future.
Longer learning period for new drivers: A proposed 3–6 month minimum learning period before taking a driving test.
Graduated licences for young drivers: New restrictions for 17–23-year-olds in Northern Ireland, including limits on night driving and passengers.
Driving test reforms: Learners must book their own tests, with fewer date changes and tighter location rules.
Tougher enforcement: Higher fines for uninsured drivers, more penalty points for safety offences, and expanded roadside drug testing.
Digital driving licences: A digital alternative to physical licences will roll out via the GOV.UK app, with full availability expected by 2027.
Mandatory vehicle safety tech: New vehicles may be required to include systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane assist.
