New DVLA Rules for UK Drivers Take Effect Today

UK Drivers Face New Costs and Rules as DVLA Changes Take Effect

Drivers in the UK are being warned about rising travel costs as new motoring regulations and expenses come into force this week.

From today (1 March), several changes will impact motorists, potentially leading to increased costs and fines if not adhered to.

Revised Fuel Rates for Company Cars

The HMRC has introduced updated Advisory Fuel Rates, which take effect from Saturday. These rates, reviewed quarterly, determine reimbursement amounts for employees using company cars for business travel.

• Diesel cars with engines up to 1,600cc will see an increase from 11p to 12p per mile.
• Petrol vehicles with engine sizes between 1,401cc and 2,000cc will have their rates rise from 14p to 15p per mile.
• Electric vehicle drivers, however, will continue to benefit from a lower rate of 7p per mile, based on data from the Department for Energy and Net Zero.

Although these new rates take effect immediately, businesses may continue using the previous rates for an additional month.

New Number Plates Released

Also starting today, newly registered cars in the UK will feature ‘25’ number plates, signifying registration on or after 1 March 2025.

Motorists looking to purchase a custom number plate must follow strict regulations to avoid fines of up to £1,000 and possible confiscation. Importantly, drivers cannot display a number plate suggesting a newer registration year than the actual vehicle.

For example, a car registered on 2 March 2015 may have a number plate with ‘15’ as the third and fourth characters, but not ‘16’, ‘17’, or later.

New plates are introduced twice yearly—in March and September. The September series will include ‘75’ as the third and fourth characters this year. In addition to registration rules, drivers must ensure their plates comply with DVLA regulations regarding shape, font, color, and visibility.

Upcoming EV Tax Changes

From 1 April, electric vehicle (EV) owners will face higher vehicle excise duty (car tax) charges.

• Newly registered EVs will be subject to a £10 first-year tax.
• This remains significantly lower than standard annual rates, which are £190 for cars, £335 for vans, and £25 for motorcycles.
• Additionally, starting April 2025, EVs valued over £40,000 will be subject to the Expensive Car Supplement, adding £195 to the annual tax.

Adhering to road regulations is crucial for maintaining safe and cost-effective driving. A recent report revealed that the DVLA has revoked 140,000 UK driving licenses, highlighting the importance of staying informed about rule changes.