By Emeka Blast 
UK Motorists to Adapt as New Driving Rules Roll Out in September
London, UK – UK motorists are bracing for a series of new driving laws and regulations set to take effect in September 2025, impacting everything from company car taxes to self-driving vehicle frameworks. As the government pushes for safer roads and greener policies, drivers across the nation must adapt to avoid fines and stay compliant. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key changes, as reported by sources including GB News and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Starting September 1, 2025, HMRC has introduced updated advisory fuel rates for company car drivers, affecting reimbursement for business travel. Petrol vehicles with engines between 1.4 and 2.0 liters will see a 1p increase, from 14p to 15p per mile, while diesel engines up to 1.6 liters also rise by 1p per mile, per GB News. Electric vehicle (EV) drivers face new distinctions, with rates varying based on whether charging occurs at home or public stations, reflecting the growing prevalence of EVs in corporate fleets. Drivers are urged to check HMRC’s updated guidelines to ensure accurate reimbursements and avoid tax discrepancies.
September marks a pivotal step toward autonomous vehicles in the UK, with the conclusion of a government consultation on September 30 to regulate self-driving cars, taxis, and buses. The Automated Vehicles Act, passed in May 2024, sets the stage for these vehicles to hit roads as early as spring 2026, creating an estimated 38,000 jobs, per GB News. A separate call for evidence on safety standards ends September 1, ensuring self-driving cars meet rigorous safety benchmarks equivalent to human drivers. While no immediate impact hits drivers this month, the framework signals a transformative shift, with businesses eyeing cost savings and drivers facing potential job market changes.
As is customary, September 1 introduces the new ‘75’ registration plate for vehicles registered in the second half of 2025, following the ‘25’ plate launched in March, per cinch.co.uk. This biannual update often spurs new car sales, with dealers offering discounts on ‘25’-plated models. Motorists are reminded to ensure compliance with plate display rules to avoid fines, as all vehicles must show a legal registration plate, per Autotrader.co.uk.
While September’s changes are significant, they build on broader 2025 regulations. From April, electric vehicles lost their Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) exemption, with new EVs paying £10 in the first year and £195 annually thereafter, and those over £40,000 facing a £410 expensive car supplement for five years, per confused.com. Additionally, from December 25, EVs and hydrogen vehicles will no longer be exempt from London’s £15 Congestion Charge, effective January 2, 2026, due to the holiday waiver, per mycarcredit.co.uk. Urban areas are also adopting 20mph speed limits, with Scotland implementing them nationwide and cities like Bristol enforcing stricter penalties, per webuyurcar.co.uk.
The changes have sparked lively discussion on X, with @UKMotorist tweeting, “New fuel rates and self-driving rules in September? Govt needs to make this clearer for drivers! 🚗 #UKDrivingLaws.” Some, like @EcoDriverUK, welcomed the push for autonomous tech, posting, “Self-driving cars by 2026? Exciting times for UK roads!” Others expressed concern over rising costs, with @LondonCommuter noting, “First VED, now Congestion Charge for EVs? Tough times for green drivers.” Industry experts, via Carwow, urge drivers to stay informed, warning that 54% of motorists never check for legal updates, risking fines, per manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
To stay compliant, motorists should verify their company car fuel rates with employers, ensure new vehicles display the ‘75’ plate correctly, and prepare for the gradual integration of self-driving technology. Checking local speed limit signage, especially in urban areas, is crucial to avoid £70 fines for moving traffic offenses, per firststop.co.uk. With September setting the tone for a transformative year, staying proactive will keep drivers on the right side of the law.
