The new DVLA rules coming into force for drivers in March

Drivers across the UK are being warned about rising travel costs as a range of new motoring rules and charges come into force.

Starting 1 March, several changes affecting motorists will take effect, and failing to comply could lead to added expenses or fines.

New HMRC Fuel Rates

The HMRC has updated its Advisory Fuel Rates, which are used to calculate mileage reimbursement for employees using company cars. These new rates, effective from today, will apply for business journeys:

• Diesel vehicles (up to 1,600cc): rate increases from 11p to 12p per mile (ppm)

• Petrol vehicles (1,401cc–2,000cc): rate increases from 14p to 15p per mile

• Electric vehicles: the rate remains unchanged at 7p per mile, based on data from the Department for Energy and Net Zero.

These updated rates are effective from 1 March, although employers may still use the previous rates until the end of March.

New Number Plates Launch

Also on 1 March, the UK will roll out the new ‘25’ number plates for vehicles registered from that date onward. Drivers interested in personalised plates should be aware of the legal restrictions. Breaching these rules can result in fines of up to £1,000 and the plate being confiscated.

It is illegal to display a number plate suggesting a vehicle is newer than it actually is. For example, a car registered in March 2015 can only use a ‘15’ plate—not a ‘16’, ‘17’ or newer.

Number plates are updated twice a year—in March (‘25’ this year) and September (‘75’ this year). Other rules also govern the font, size, color, and visibility of plates, and these must meet DVLA standards.

Tax Changes for Electric Vehicles

From 1 April, electric vehicle (EV) owners will be required to start paying vehicle excise duty (car tax).

• New EVs registered after this date will pay £10 in the first year.

• This remains lower than the standard rates: £190 for cars, £335 for vans, and £25 for motorcycles.

• EVs valued at over £40,000 will also be subject to the Expensive Car Supplement of £195, which other car owners have been paying since 2017.

These changes come amid ongoing efforts to regulate road use and costs. In a separate report, it was revealed that over 140,000 UK driving licences have been revoked by the DVLA, with certain regions being the most affected.

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