Motorists told of stricter motoring rules set to take effect in 2026

Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have outlined seven changes that could affect drivers across the UK next year. 

Significant new regulations aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents are set to be rolled out, with proposed changes to drink-driving limits among the most notable. 

The government is hoping to reduce the drink-driving limit in England and Wales to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, aligning it with the stricter limit that’s currently in place in Scotland. 

Drug driving is also set to see a clampdown, allowing police to use roadside saliva tests as sufficient evidence for prosecution, instead of waiting for blood tests. 

A major change potentially affecting elderly drivers is the introduction of mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70 years old. This would replace the current system, which relies on older drivers reporting their medical conditions themselves. 

Seatbelt laws are also expected to be toughened, with drivers facing penalty points as well as fines for not wearing one, and passengers potentially receiving points on their own licence too.

With fuel duty tax and London Congestion Charges increasing, drivers are also likely to see motoring become more expensive in the year ahead. 

In addition, updates to the driving test booking system are expected, designed to reduce waiting times and cut down on fraudulent test bookings.

John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco said:

“We’re set to see a big shake-up to motoring rules next year, and it’s important that drivers understand how these changes are going to affect them. 

“Many of the proposals aim to improve road safety, with the stricter drink-drive limit and tougher drug-driving enforcement highlighting a clear push to crack down on dangerous driving. 

“Mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers and stricter seatbelt rules are also significant changes designed to make the roads safer for everyone. 

“At the same time, drivers should be prepared for rising costs, with expected increases to fuel duty and changes to congestion charges likely to add to the overall expense of driving in 2026.”

Here are seven motoring changes set to be introduced in 2026:

The Government is planning to reduce the drink-driving limit from the current 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, which matches the stricter limit that’s already in place in Scotland. 

Proposed new regulations will enable police to use saliva-based roadside tests as sufficient evidence for the prosecution of drug driving offences. This would significantly speed up the prosecution process, as currently, a positive roadside result requires a follow-up blood test. 

Drivers aged 70 and above may soon be required to undergo mandatory eyesight tests every three years when they renew their licence, as the current system relies on motorists to self-report any problems with their vision. The new regulations aim to ensure all drivers meet the vision requirements needed for safe driving.

Currently, not wearing a seatbelt can result in a fine of up to £500. The updated rules would add three penalty points to your licence for the same offence, and passengers who don’t wear a seatbelt could receive penalty points too.

From 2nd January 2026, the daily Congestion Charge in London is going to increase from £15 to £18. Electric car owners will also lose their 100% exemption from the Congestion Charge, but can still apply for a 25% discount. 

Although the Autumn Budget stated that fuel duty remains frozen until September 2026, it is then set to be increased in a staggered approach, for the first time in 16 years. This means drivers could face noticeably higher expenses at the pumps from late 2026 onwards.

In spring 2026, the DVSA will introduce changes to its driving test booking system. The new changes will allow only learners to book their own tests, which aims to stop bots and third-party sellers from grabbing available test slots and reselling them at inflated prices. 

Lemons, onions and salt: the household hacks to de‑ice your car this winter

Motoring experts at comparison site LeaseLoco.com say everyday items such as lemons, onions, salt and even sandwich bags can help motorists save time on cold mornings.

Kitchen cupboard solutions

Among the tips shared are some unusual but effective tricks:

• Onions or potatoes – Rub half an onion or potato over car windows the night before. Both contain compounds that help stop ice sticking to glass.
• Saltwater spray – Mix salt and water in a spray bottle. The solution lowers the freezing point of water and helps melt ice quickly.
• Lemons – The citric acid in lemons can break down ice. Squeeze half a lemon onto the glass and rinse with tepid water.
• Vinegar solution – A mix of vinegar and water sprayed on windows in the evening can prevent ice forming overnight.
• Sandwich bags – A viral TikTok hack suggests filling a sandwich bag with lukewarm water and dragging it across the windscreen to melt ice in seconds.
• Beach towels – Covering the windscreen overnight with a towel secured in the doors can stop frost forming.
• Rubbing alcohol spray – A mix of isopropyl alcohol, water and a drop of dish soap can help shift thicker layers of ice, though experts warn it should only be used on glass to avoid damaging paintwork.

‘One of the worst tasks’

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, said:

“Temperatures are dropping again which means we’ll be waking up to cold weather and frosty cars more often. We can all agree that de‑icing the car in the morning is one of the worst tasks. It’s a tedious job that feels like it takes forever but it’s so important to wait until your windows are fully defrosted before you set off.”

He added that traditional ice scrapers and sprays can leave drivers waiting up to 15 minutes before their car clears, while household hacks could save time and money.

Safety first

Experts stress that whichever method is used, drivers must ensure their windscreens are fully clear before setting off. Driving with restricted visibility can lead to fines and points on a licence.

#carWindscreenIce #deE28091icingHacks #frostyMornings #householdItems #leaseloco #motoring #winterDrivingTips

Are cars getting too big for parking spaces? Drivers warned of fines for oversized vehicles in bays

Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com are advising drivers with newer and larger vehicles to avoid parking in bays that are too small for their cars.

Over the years, cars have gradually increased in size, and with the release of the 25-plate this March, experts warn that some newer models may struggle to fit into standard parking bays – potentially leading to fines.

According to the British Parking Association, on-street parking bays must be at least 180cm wide, but vehicles can legally be up to 250cm wide.

In fact, the average car is already wider than 180cm, and car sizes continue to grow by approximately 1cm every two years.

For example, a BMW X5 and an Audi Q7 each measure 221cm wide, including mirrors, while a Vauxhall Insignia is 208cm and a Toyota Camry is 183cm.

This means that as cars get bigger, parking options are becoming more limited. Experts urge drivers with newer models to be mindful that they may not fit in all parking bays, and parking over the lines can result in fines.

Many local councils issue fines of £40 for improper parking, with some rising to £80 if not paid within 14 days.

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing company LeaseLoco.com said:

“Cars have been getting increasingly larger over the years, and while some drivers prefer them, they may now be too big for Britain’s roads and parking spaces.

“The minimum width for an on-street parking bay is 180cm, yet many modern cars already exceed this, making parking more difficult.

“Some drivers may think they can slightly overlap the lines for a quick stop, but in some areas, this can result in fines of up to £80.

“Government regulations allow cars to be up to 250cm wide, yet most parking bays remain significantly smaller, creating a clear mismatch.

“This disparity is unfair to drivers who risk fines simply because their vehicles don’t fit within standard bays.

“If this trend continues, parking will become even more challenging, leaving more motorists struggling to avoid penalties.”

[Lead image: Edmunds]

#BritishParkingAssociation #LeaseLoco