Drivers are being warned of new motoring rules being introduced over the coming weeks, which could have a huge impact on millions of drivers.
As motorists welcome in the new year, they may have to contend with new road pricing charges and even driving licence changes.
With new rules being introduced over the coming weeks, GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes in January 2026 that could impact you.
Congestion Charge
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that the price paid by drivers for travelling in the centre of the capital will be hiked from £15 to £18 on January 2, 2026.
Estimates suggest that this price increase will avoid around 2,200 extra vehicles travelling through the Congestion Charge area on an average weekday.
Mr Khan said this was done to “support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel”, while also rolling a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
Electric cars are no longer exempt from paying the Congestion Charge fare, although they will still benefit from a 25 per cent discount. Electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles will get a 50 per cent reduction.
People in receipt of the Residents’ Discount before March 1, 2027, will retain a 90 per cent discount, regardless of their vehicle’s fuel type. Newly applying residents will only receive the 90 per cent discount if they have an EV.
A number of huge driving law changes will be introduced in the first month of 2026
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PA
Oxford Street
Sadiq Khan will also hear feedback on his plans to pedestrianise the popular Oxford Street shopping district following the conclusion of Transport for London’s consultation.
The Mayor has been headstrong in introducing new measures to “create a cleaner, safer, and more accessible public space where people can shop, dine, and gather in comfort and safety”.
Plans would see Oxford Street pedestrianised between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, which will dramatically change how buses operate in the busy area.
The proposed plans for the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street | TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Driving licences
Motorists could also see the rollout of the highly publicised digital driving licence through the GOV.UK Wallet and App.
The digital service was announced almost a year ago, but has not yet been rolled out fully, although the Government remains insistent on its introduction soon.
A Government spokesperson said: “We plan to begin rolling out an initial digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for.”
The GOV.UK digital driving licence app will also show tax reminders | GOV.UK
Fuel Finder
While the Government has not yet confirmed exactly when the scheme will be introduced, many will be hoping for its launch sooner rather than later.
Government estimates suggest that drivers will be able to save between one and six pence per litre every time they fill up.
GB News has been told by a Government spokesperson that the scheme remains “on track”.
The ZEV mandate will increase to 33 per cent of vehicle sales by the end of 2026
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GETTYElectric cars
The world-leading Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate will see yet another annual increase as the Government accelerates the push towards electric motoring.
By the end of 2026, manufacturers will be required to have 33 per cent of car sales and 24 per cent of van sales be electric.
This is part of the UK’s plan to sell more EVs, ahead of the planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. Only zero emission vehicles will be sold from 2035 onwards.