The UK government is currently seeking public views on proposed changes to motoring offences and penalties to improve road safety.
The offences they are looking at are:
- Drink and drug driving
- Seat belt usage
- Failure to stop and report collisions
- Unlicensed or uninsured driving
- Driving without an MOT or vehicle tax
- Illegal number plates
The consultation is now open and is set to close on 31 March 2026.
Road deaths have plateaued since 2010 and in 2024, there were 1,602 fatalities and 27,865 serious injuries.
The Government says its aim is to modernise laws, as the last major review was in 1988.
Part of this update will be ensuring penalties act as effective deterrents.
Key Issues and Proposals
In order to improve road safety, there are five core areas that are undergoing review.
- Drink & Drug Driving
- Possible lowering of legal alcohol limits, especially for novice drivers.
- Introducing temporary licence suspension for suspects until court appearance.
- Considering vehicle seizure for offenders.
- Introducing alcohol ignition locks, known as alcolocks, as part of rehabilitation.
- Exploring alternative forensic testing such as oral fluid, saliva and sweat.
- Proposal for random breath testing similar to Northern Ireland.
- Seat Belt Usage
- Proposal to make failure to wear a seat belt an endorsable offence, imposing three penalty points.
- Applies to drivers and responsibility for children under 14.
- Failure to Stop and Report
- Considering increased penalties and creation of a new offence for failing to stop when death/serious injury occurs.
- Possible extended statutory time limit for prosecution from 6 to 18 months.
- New Penalties for Other Offences
- Introducing penalty points and/or vehicle seizure for:
- Driving with no current keeper
- False or altered number plates
- Driving without an MOT or vehicle tax
- Tougher penalties for false declarations to obtain insurance
- Digital Communication
- Proposal to allow electronic communication for suspects and witnesses.
Consultation
The consultation is running from 7 January 2026 to 31 March 2026.
It is possible to submit responses online or by email, so be sure to give your input now while the opportunity is available.
A full summary of responses will be published within 3 months after closing.
Our specialist team can support you with compliance awareness so that you do not get caught out by changes. Contact Jared Dunbar today for help.