New Proposed Driving Law?

The government has recently announced proposals that could significantly change driving laws in the UK. With a new Road Safety Strategy and a consultation on tougher penalties for motoring offences, many drivers are wondering what this could mean for them in practice.

A major consultation has begun on reforming penalties for motoring offences, everything from drink driving to seat belt use and uninsured driving. These proposals could have wide-ranging effects on drivers.

The Johnsons Partnership are here to talk you through all the new proposed driving laws for 2026 in this article.

What the New Road Safety Strategy Proposes

The updated Road Safety Strategy is built around the idea that road safety should be a shared responsibility, involving drivers, police, government, manufacturers and local communities.

Key proposals include:

• Reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 65% by 2035.

• Exploring a lower drink-drive limit in England and Wales, similar to Scotland’s tighter limit.

• Consulting on a mandatory minimum learning period for new drivers to gain more varied experience before driving independently.

• Mandatory eye tests for older drivers to help ensure safe vision behind the wheel.

• Tackling illegal number plates, uninsured driving and vehicles without a valid MOT.

  
  

Proposed Changes to Penalties for Motoring Offences

Alongside the strategy is a government consultation on reforming the penalties for motoring offences part of a review of laws that haven’t had a comprehensive update since the 1980s.

This consultation asks the public for views on:

Drink and Drug Driving

The document explores tougher enforcement measures, including temporary licence suspensions while awaiting court outcomes and stronger penalties to deter repeat offending.

Seat Belt Offences

Currently, not wearing a seat belt results in a fixed penalty, but the government is considering adding penalty points to strengthen deterrence.

Failure to Stop and Report

There are calls to review maximum penalties and consider new offences for serious incidents where drivers don’t stop after a collision.

Unlicensed and Uninsured Driving

The consultation suggests increasing penalties and aligning them with the seriousness of the offence.

Vehicle-Related Offences

Issues such as driving without a current MOT or with false plates are also being considered for stiffer penalties.

What This Means for You

At the moment, these are proposals and consultations, not law yet. But they signal a clear direction: the government wants to modernise driving laws, raise safety standards and ensure penalties better reflect the harm caused on the roads. If you drive regularly, a learner driver, or support someone who does, it’s worth being aware of these discussions, as they may shape UK road law in the coming years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these new laws already in force?

Not yet. They're still under consultation and part of the Road Safety Strategy, but they show the direction of travel for future law changes.

Will the drink-drive limit definitely change?

The government is consulting on lowering the limit, particularly to match Scotland’s lower level though nothing has been finalised yet.

Could I face tougher penalties for paying less attention to seat belts or MOTs?

It’s possible. The government is seeking views on adding penalty points and increasing penalties for a range of motoring offences.