New driving laws: 8 changes in 2023 you should look out for

Each year, the government announces new rules and regulations to make the UK roads safer and better. Here’s everything you need to know about changes taking place in 2023, including the expansion of ULEZ, changes to fuel duty and the new number plates.

ULEZ is set to expand again for the third time from 29 August 2023 onwards. ULEZ, which currently covers parts of Central London, will soon apply to all 32 boroughs in London.
Thousands of drivers will be affected by this change. Commuters who drive a car that doesn’t meet the zone’s emission standards will face a charge of £12.50 each time they pass through ULEZ. According to the Mayor of London, this change will improve London’s poor air quality. It also aims to encourage people to switch to a greener car or use public transportation. Learn more about ULEZ and ULEZ-exempt cars

The Mayor of London has announced a £110 million scheme to help those being affected by the expansion of the ULEZ in 2023.
The scheme will be available from 30 January 2023. And from 21 August 2023, London's TfL car and motorbike scrappage scheme will expand to include all Londoners, as opposed to the scrappage scheme being available to only those who claimed benefits before that. On 4 August 2023, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also announced that the grants available through the TfL scrappage scheme will increase to help small businesses, micro-businesses, sole traders, and charities based in London, as well as wheelchair accessible vehicle users. Learn more about what is a scrappage scheme and how to apply

Fuel duty rates were reduced by 5p for a year to help with the increasing price of fuel and cost of living. This change came into effect on 23 March 2022 after it was announced in the Spring Statement.
On 23 March 2023, fuel duty rates will return to normal as this temporary measure reaches its end. There have been speculations from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that fuel duty may increase, but we can expect to hear more about the government’s plan for fuel duty in Spring Budget 2023 from the Chancellor. Find out the top fuel efficient cars

BiK rates have been creeping up in the past few years. A petrol car emitting 100g/km emissions today pays 25% BiK - more than double the 13% BiK rate in 2013.
This year, the government announced that the BiK contributions will remain the same till April 2025 with the hopes that this freeze on BiK will encourage employees to choose electric cars over conventional cars. An increase in sales of electric cars will positively impact the government’s 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars. BiK rates on cars, also known as company car tax, apply to employees who use a company car for their personal use. Learn more about company car tax.

Each year the UK gets a new set of number plates in March and September.
In March 2023, you’ll be able to register a new car under the ‘23’ reg plate. In September, new cars will be registered under the ‘73’ plate. Fun fact: you can also buy personalised number plates

In 2019, Scotland introduced a ban on parking on pavements and dropped kerbs in the Transport Act. This ban was announced to make the Scottish roads more accessible.
This rule is yet to be implemented though, as it faced delays due to the pandemic. In 2021, the then Transport secretary Michael Matheson said that the ban will not be enforced before 2023 as there were various assessments that needed to be completed before they implemented the ban. The government has received a lot of complaints because of the delay. In recent news, there have been talks about implementing this ban by December 2023, but only time will tell when the ban will become official.

All heavy goods vehicles that weigh over 12 tonnes pay a levy cost for the wear and tear on the roads. During the pandemic, the government suspended this payment for UK-registered HGVs. This helped haulage companies reduce cost issues and tackle driver shortages. In August 2022, the levy relaxation was extended for another year.
In August 2023, the HGV levy suspension will end which means that freight companies would go back to paying the levy costs. Learn more about the HGV road user levy

From April 2025, electric vehicles registered from 1 April 2017 onwards will have to start paying VED.
Electric vehicles registered after April 2025 will remain in the lowest tax bracket for the first year – paying only £10 - and then move up to the standard rate, which is currently £165. Electric cars above £40,000 will also incur the additional £355 charge which they were previously exempt from. This does, however, mean that electric car owners will continue to enjoy 0% VED for the next two years while diesel and petrol car owners will pay the minimum flat rate of £165 at least. Learn more about VED changes from 2025.

Choosing the best car for you can be difficult with new laws and stricter regulations being introduced but worry not – we’re here to help. Read our experts’ opinions on the latest car and find the one that suits your best needs.
You can also explore thousands of new and used cars on Auto Trader UK.