From October 2025, 4 Major Driving Laws will undergo its most significant update in decades. Four core changes are set to affect older drivers, alcohol and drug enforcement, passenger safety rules, and local toll charges. Officials say the reforms are designed to cut road deaths, modernise outdated rules, and ensure drivers contribute fairly to infrastructure costs.

4 Major Driving Laws

Key Fact	Detail
Over-70 Drivers	Mandatory eyesight tests may replace self-declaration at licence renewal
Drink-Driving Limit	Proposed reduction from 35 to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath
Passenger Safety	Drivers may face penalty points if passengers fail to wear seatbelts
Local Charges	Oxford to introduce £5 daily toll for non-permit holders from 29 October 2025

The October 2025 reforms mark a decisive shift in the UK’s approach to road safety and driver accountability. While final details are subject to parliamentary approval, officials and campaigners agree the measures could reshape motoring standards for years to come.

Reforms Affecting Older Drivers

From October 2025, motorists over 70 will face mandatory eyesight checks at licence renewal, replacing the current self-declaration system. The Department for Transport says this is intended to ensure drivers can continue safely.

Road safety groups, including Brake, have welcomed the plan, pointing to research showing deteriorating vision is linked to accident risk. However, campaigners for older people argue the policy risks “age discrimination” and could remove independence from otherwise capable drivers.

Lower Limits for Drink and Drug Driving

The proposed new drink-driving limit — 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath — would align England and Wales with Scotland. Ministers argue the reform could reduce fatalities by discouraging “next day” driving after drinking.

Enforcement on drugs will also tighten, with saliva tests at the roadside becoming admissible evidence in prosecutions. A Home Office briefing stated that the measure would “streamline justice” and free up police resources.

Seatbelt Accountability and Passenger Safety

Under the expected reforms, drivers will be held accountable if passengers fail to wear seatbelts. At present, adult passengers typically receive their own fine. The change could introduce penalty points for the driver, even if the passenger is at fault.

Supporters argue that the rule reflects the driver’s overall responsibility for road safety. Critics counter that adults should remain responsible for their own actions, especially in private vehicles.

Local Tolls, Congestion Charges, and Fees

Several changes will affect motorists financially:

• Oxford toll: From 29 October 2025, vehicles entering certain Oxford zones without a permit will face a £5 daily charge.
• London congestion charge: From 25 December 2025, electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from the £15 fee.
• Vehicle Excise Duty (VED): From April 2025, electric vehicles will begin paying standard road tax.
• Fuel price transparency: A “Fuel Finder” system is expected to require petrol stations to publish live prices every 30 minutes.

These changes reflect a wider government effort to balance environmental targets with fair taxation.

Timeline of Reforms (2025)

Date	Change	Impact
1 April 2025	EVs lose exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty	All EV owners begin paying annual road tax
10 June 2025	Weight limit for zero-emission cars raised to 4,250kg on Category B licences	Makes larger EVs legal for standard drivers
29 October 2025	Oxford introduces £5 toll for non-permit vehicles	Local drivers and visitors face daily fee
October 2025 (national)	Mandatory eyesight tests at 70+, lower drink-drive limit, new seatbelt rules	Nationwide effect on older drivers, alcohol/drug driving, passenger safety
25 December 2025	EVs lose London Congestion Charge exemption	EV drivers must pay £15 per day

FAQ About 4 Major Driving Laws Changing