Motorists are being warned of new driving law changes launching over the coming weeks that could have a significant impact on road users across the country.
As drivers embrace the warm temperatures and summer approaches, motorists could be left in the cold with new Motability rule changes, MOT price hikes and road rules.
With new rules being introduced over the coming weeks, GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes in July that could impact you.
Motability
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the Budget last year that significant changes would be made to the popular Motability Scheme, with the new rules being introduced on Wednesday, July 1.
VAT and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to most new leases, with Motability warning that these changes will make it more expensive to deliver the Scheme.
Vehicles leased through the Motability Scheme will be subject to a 20 per cent VAT rate on top-up payments, which are made in addition to the transfer of eligible welfare payments for more expensive vehicles.
IPT will be applied at the standard rate of 12 per cent for insurance related to vehicles leased through Motability.
Several crucial new driving law changes are being introduced in July
|
GETTY/MOTABILITY
However, the Chancellor clarified that tax changes will not apply to vehicles designed for, or substantially and permanently adapted for, wheelchair or stretcher users.
Mileage allowances will be capped at 30,000 miles for a new three-year lease, and 50,000 miles for a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle five-year lease.
Motability has already removed some luxury vehicles from the scheme, in addition to discontinuing the inclusion of overseas breakdown cover.
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability, said the service had taken “careful steps” to ensure the Scheme remains affordable and sustainable for the people who need it.
Fresh MOT test maximum service charges will launch in July
|
GETTYMOT tests
The DVSA has confirmed that new maximum service charges will be introduced in July, following a consultation which ran last year.
It questioned whether MOT centres for heavy goods vehicles, buses, coaches and trailers should be able to charge more to use their facilities.
Launching on July 6, the maximum service charge will jump to £70 for HGVs, £50 for trailers and £90 for buses and coaches.
This is an increase from the current costs of £55 for HGVs, £40 for trailers and £70 for buses and coaches.
The consultation found that 99 per cent of authorised testing facilities (ATFs) were supportive of increasing the maximum service charge.
While prices will be higher, they have not risen in line with inflation, which would have sent costs soaring to £85 for HGVs, £62 for trailers and £108 for buses and coaches.
The DVSA said the changes were being rolled out to aid ATFs with rising costs by allowing them to plan for future testing equipment needs.
Most commercial vehicles now have digital tachographs | GETTY
Tachographs
On or after 1 July 2026, goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used for international journeys for hire and reward must have a full smart 2 tachograph fitted.
If the international journey is for the driver or the company’s own account and driving does not constitute the main activity of the driver, there is no requirement to fit a tachograph.
Any goods vehicles with a weight between 2.5 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes that are only used in the UK do not need to have a tachograph fitted.