8 Most Significant Driving Law Changes for 2023

A new year brings changes to every part of our lives, including in our cars. We’ve outlined the 8 most significant changes to UK driving laws coming in 2023 and how they could impact you:

ULEZ Expansion from 29th August 2023

London’s 33 boroughs will soon all be impacted by the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which currently covers parts of central London. If you’re a driver with a car that does not meet a zone’s emission standards, you will have to pay a charge of £12.50 every time you pass through a ULEZ area. 

TfL Car Scrappage scheme from 30th January 2023

To help those impacted by the expansion of ULEZ, the Mayor of London has announced a £110m scheme. The scheme will aid Londoners on benefits, those with small businesses and charities registered in London whose petrol or diesel cars do not meet the ULEZ requirements.

Fuel Duty Rate to change

Increasing fuel prices saw fuel duty rates reduced by 5p for 12 months in March 2022. As this period will end on 23rd March 2023, rates will return to the previous figure. There is speculation that these rates may rise even further, but we will have to wait for the Chancellor’s spring budget for confirmation. 

‘23’ and ‘73’ number plates to launch

Each year, new UK numberplates are released in March and September. In March, cars can be registered under the ‘23’ registration, with the ‘73’ registration becoming available in September.

Scotland’s pavement parking ban

Scotland’s 2019 Transport Act introduced a ban on parking on pavements or dropped kerbs to make Scottish roads more accessible. However, due to the pandemic, the ban is yet to be enforced, resulting in many complaints. Recent talks have suggested that the ban will be introduced by December 2023, though this is not confirmed.  

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) levy charge returns 

HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes are required to pay a levy to help maintain UK roads. However, during the pandemic, the levy was suspended for UK-registered vehicles to help tackle driver shortages and ease cost issues. In August 2022, the suspension was extended until August 2023, when freight companies will be required to pay levy costs again. 

Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates to stabilise until 2024/25

Petrol car users with 100g/km emissions pay 25% BiK (company car tax) – more than twice the 13% BiK rate in 2013. Last year the Chancellor announced that the Bik percentage will remain at 25% until April 2025 to encourage employees to choose electric cars over alternatives, building towards the government’s petrol and diesel car ban in 2030.

0% Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for electric car owners until 2025

While petrol and diesel drivers must pay £165 minimum in VED, electric car owners won’t have to pay anything until April 2025, with new electric cars paying just £10/year for the first year. All electric vehicles registered after 1st April 2017 will be included, with those worth over £40,000 facing the £355 charge they will have previously been exempt from. 

If you’re considering purchasing a second hand car, particularly in light of learning about the new driving laws for 2023 and the costs that you could be facing, why not check out our large range of used cars for sale.