Seven motoring changes set to be implemented in 2026

Drivers are being urged to get familiar with upcoming motoring rules and regulations that are expected to take effect in 2026. 

Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have outlined seven changes that could affect drivers across the UK next year. 

Significant new regulations aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents are set to be rolled out, with proposed changes to drink-driving limits among the most notable. 

The government is hoping to reduce the drink-driving limit in England and Wales to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, aligning it with the stricter limit that’s currently in place in Scotland. 

Drug driving is also set to see a clampdown, allowing police to use roadside saliva tests as sufficient evidence for prosecution, instead of waiting for blood tests. 

A major change potentially affecting elderly drivers is the introduction of mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70 years old. This would replace the current system, which relies on older drivers reporting their medical conditions themselves. 
 

Seatbelt laws are also expected to be toughened, with drivers facing penalty points as well as fines for not wearing one, and passengers potentially receiving points on their own licence too.
 

With fuel duty tax and London Congestion Charges increasing, drivers are also likely to see motoring become more expensive in the year ahead. 
 

In addition, updates to the driving test booking system are expected, designed to reduce waiting times and cut down on fraudulent test bookings.
 

John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco said: “We’re set to see a big shake-up to motoring rules next year, and it’s important that drivers understand how these changes are going to affect them. 
 

“Many of the proposals aim to improve road safety, with the stricter drink-drive limit and tougher drug-driving enforcement highlighting a clear push to crack down on dangerous driving. 
 

“Mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers and stricter seatbelt rules are also significant changes designed to make the roads safer for everyone. 
 

“At the same time, drivers should be prepared for rising costs, with expected increases to fuel duty and changes to congestion charges likely to add to the overall expense of driving in 2026.”
 

Here are seven motoring changes set to be introduced in 2026:
 

1. Reduced drink-driving limits
The Government is planning to reduce the drink-driving limit from the current 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, which matches the stricter limit that’s already in place in Scotland. 
 

2. Roadside tests for drug driving
Proposed new regulations will enable police to use saliva-based roadside tests as sufficient evidence for the prosecution of drug driving offences. This would significantly speed up the prosecution process, as currently, a positive roadside result requires a follow-up blood test. 
 

3. Mandatory eyesight tests
Drivers aged 70 and above may soon be required to undergo mandatory eyesight tests every three years when they renew their licence, as the current system relies on motorists to self-report any problems with their vision. The new regulations aim to ensure all drivers meet the vision requirements needed for safe driving.
 

4. Stricter seatbelt rules
Currently, not wearing a seatbelt can result in a fine of up to £500. The updated rules would add three penalty points to your licence for the same offence, and passengers who don’t wear a seatbelt could receive penalty points too.
 

5. London Congestion Charge changes
From 2nd January 2026, the daily Congestion Charge in London is going to increase from £15 to £18. Electric car owners will also lose their 100% exemption from the Congestion Charge, but can still apply for a 25% discount. 
 

6. Fuel duty increasing
Although the Autumn Budget stated that fuel duty remains frozen until September 2026, it is then set to be increased in a staggered approach, for the first time in 16 years. This means drivers could face noticeably higher expenses at the pumps from late 2026 onwards.
 

7. Driving test booking changes 
In spring 2026, the DVSA will introduce changes to its driving test booking system. The new changes will allow only learners to book their own tests, which aims to stop bots and third-party sellers from grabbing available test slots and reselling them at inflated prices.