The year 2025 is a turning point for UK motorists. Significant updates to driving laws will affect car owners, fleet operators, and professional drivers. From road tax for electric vehicles (EVs) to tougher zero-emission sales mandates, stricter charging rules, HGV safety enforcement in London, and new measures under the Automated Vehicles Act, every motorist needs to stay updated.
Electric Vehicles Pay VED (Road Tax)
Until now, EV drivers enjoyed exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). From 1 April 2025, this changes:
- New EVs registered from April 2025 will pay £10 in the first year, then the standard £195 thereafter.
- EVs registered between April 2017–March 2025 will pay the standard rate of £195 at renewal in 2025/26.
- EVs costing over £40,000 also face the Expensive Car Supplement (around £425 annually for five years).
This marks a shift toward normalising EV running costs with traditional vehicles.
ZEV Mandate Targets
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate tightens in 2025:
- 28% of new car sales and 16% of new van sales must be zero-emission.
- Northern Ireland joins the mandate in January 2025.
- Manufacturers missing targets may face penalties but are expected to ramp up EV discounts and availability.
For motorists, this means a wider choice of affordable EVs in showrooms.
EV Charging Rules
The Public Charge Point Regulations make charging more convenient:
- New public chargers ≥8kW and existing rapid chargers ≥50kW must support contactless payment.
- Rapid charging networks are required to deliver 99% reliability annually.
Drivers will benefit from simpler payment and fewer downtime issues.
London HGV Safety Enforcement
London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was upgraded to the Progressive Safe System (PSS) in late 2024. From 4 May 2025, full enforcement began:
- HGVs over 12 tonnes must comply with new vision and safety requirements.
- Non-compliant operators risk a £550 penalty charge for each offence.
This is crucial for logistics companies and heavy vehicle operators entering Greater London.
Automated Vehicles Act – Self-Driving Claims
The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 takes its first step in 2025:
- From June 2025, new rules restrict how manufacturers can use terms like “self-driving” in marketing.
- Vehicles must be officially approved as automated before these claims can be made.
This prevents misleading advertising and ensures driver clarity as automation gradually rolls out.
Local and Regional Updates
- Wales 20 mph review: Some routes may revert to 30 mph following public consultations in 2025.
- London schemes: TfL is reviewing Congestion Charge rules, while ULEZ enforcement continues to target non-compliant vehicles.
Quick Reference
| Rule Change | What It Means | Who It Affects | Date Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV VED Begins | £10 first year, then £195 standard; Expensive Car Supplement applies | EV owners | 1 Apr 2025 |
| ZEV Mandate | 28% cars, 16% vans must be zero-emission | Manufacturers & buyers | 1 Jan 2025 |
| Charging Rules | Contactless payments, 99% network reliability required | EV drivers | 2025 enforcement |
| London DVS PSS | HGVs >12t need Progressive Safe System; £550 fines apply | HGV operators | 4 May 2025 |
| AV Act Marketing | Misuse of “self-driving” claims restricted | Manufacturers & motorists | June 2025 |
| Wales 20 mph Review | Some roads may revert to 30 mph | Welsh motorists | Ongoing 2025 |
The 2025 UK driving law changes mark a clear shift toward EV integration, road safety, and future automation. With EV taxation, higher ZEV targets, stricter charging standards, HGV safety enforcement, and autonomous vehicle rules, every driver should prepare for these adjustments. Staying updated ensures compliance and helps motorists benefit from the UK’s evolving transport landscape.
FAQs
Will my EV definitely pay VED in 2025?
Yes. From April 2025, both new and most existing EVs are subject to VED charges.
Do ZEV mandates stop me buying petrol cars?
No. They regulate manufacturers, not buyers. However, expect more EV options and offers.
Are self-driving cars legal in 2025?
Not fully. The AV Act only restricts misleading marketing. Fully automated cars will come later in the decade.