Gavin Howe
There are numerous reasons why driving laws may need to change, including improving road safety, reducing accidents, and encouraging greener roads and lower emissions. For example, in 2025, Scotland will introduce a default speed limit of 20 mph in urban and residential areas to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and reduce accident rates. Similarly, in the US state of Pennsylvania, a new law will make it illegal for drivers to hold a phone or other devices while operating a vehicle, addressing a safety concern that contributed to over 11,000 crashes in the state in 2023. In Missouri, a legislative change effective August 28, 2024, will allow veterans to display their designation on their driver's licenses or non-driver licenses by submitting an additional proof of eligibility document. These examples demonstrate how changes to driving laws can enhance safety and address specific issues on the roads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone or other device while driving | Illegal in 31 US states, including Pennsylvania |
| Using a handheld phone while driving | Illegal in the UK |
| Using a mobile phone in a construction or utility work zone | Illegal in Wisconsin |
| Driving without a seatbelt | Illegal in Mississippi and Kansas |
| Driving with unbuckled passengers | Illegal in Mississippi |
| Driving with blood alcohol level above the limit | Illegal in the UK |
| Taking a SORN vehicle on the road | Illegal in the UK |
| Driving on the left side of the road | Mandatory in the UK |
| Driving an electric vehicle in London | Subject to a £15 congestion charge from 25 December 2025 |
| Driving an electric vehicle worth over £40,000 | Subject to an expensive car supplement of £410 for five years from 1 April 2025 |
| Driving an electric vehicle in the UK | Subject to a Vehicle Excise Duty of £10 in the first year and £195 annually from 1 April 2025 |
| Driving an HGV in Greater London without a safety permit | Prohibited from 4 May 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Stricter laws on distracted driving
Distracted driving is a major issue that has been exacerbated by the proliferation of cell phones, GPS devices, and other in-vehicle electronic devices. It refers to any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, adjusting the stereo, or using a navigation system. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it takes the driver's eyes off the road for several seconds, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
To address this issue, stricter laws and regulations have been implemented at both the state and federal levels in the United States. For example, many states have enacted laws prohibiting texting, talking on cell phones, and other distracting activities while driving. Some states, like New York, Washington, Idaho, and Pennsylvania, have gone even further by implementing a complete ban on the use of handheld cell phones while driving. These laws are enforced by local police and are subject to change, with states having the authority to determine the specific regulations.
In addition to legal measures, public education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in combating distracted driving. Initiatives such as "Put the Phone Away or Pay" aim to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to focus solely on the task of driving. Additionally, programs targeting teens and young drivers, such as Students Against Destructive Decisions, emphasize the importance of safe and responsible driving habits.
While these efforts have yielded some positive results, there is still a need for a more comprehensive and effective approach to address distracted driving. Public opinion polls indicate support for stricter state laws, and advocates continue to push for societal change to make distracted driving socially unacceptable. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also taken a stance against distracted driving, implementing a ban on text messaging and cell phone use for its staff while driving during work hours.
Looking beyond the United States, other countries are also taking steps to improve road safety and reduce distracted driving. For instance, the UK is introducing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard in newly manufactured cars, including lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking systems. These technological advancements aim to enhance overall road safety and reduce the impact of distracted driving.
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Changes to road tax and vehicle excise duty
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly referred to as road tax or car tax, is a tax imposed on vehicle owners in the UK. The tax is calculated based on the type of vehicle, its age, and fuel type, with a focus on the vehicle's emissions. The more emissions a vehicle produces, the higher the VED rate. This tax is used to fund road maintenance, research, and public transport.
In the past, the VED system classified vehicles into bands based solely on their emissions. However, starting from 1 April 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from VED. New EVs will pay £10 in the first year and £195 annually from the second year onwards. Additionally, EVs that are valued over £40,000 will be subject to the expensive car supplement of £410 for five years. This change aims to create a fairer taxation system by aligning tax contributions with the usage and impact of higher-value vehicles on public infrastructure.
The administrative process for paying VED remains unchanged. Fleet managers can continue using the existing online systems for managing vehicle tax payments. However, it is crucial to stay informed about the new VED rates, especially for electric vehicles, which are now subject to additional charges. The government has confirmed that other incentives for electric vehicles will continue to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt EVs.
VED rates are subject to annual adjustments by the government to account for inflation. The standard rate for vehicles from the second year of registration is currently £195. Older vehicles registered before 1 April 2017 may have different tax bands based on their CO2 emissions. It's worth noting that certain vehicles, such as classic cars and those used for disabled individuals, are exempt from VED payments.
The changes to VED rates in 2025 also impact company cars. Starting in April 2025, Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates for all vehicles will increase by 1%. Electric cars will see a jump from 2% to 3%, with higher-emission vehicles facing even steeper increases. These adjustments are essential for businesses and individuals to consider when budgeting for their vehicles.
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New speed limits
Speed limits are a crucial aspect of road safety, and changes in speed limits can have significant effects on driver behaviour and safety outcomes. Lowering speed limits has been shown to reduce speeds, crashes, and injuries. For example, New York City reduced its speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph in 2014, halving the fatality risk for struck pedestrians. Similarly, Seattle lowered its speed limit to 20 mph on residential streets and 25 mph on urban arterials in 2016, supported by additional signage and engineering strategies.
Several cities in the United States have successfully lowered speed limits through statutory actions and administrative/engineering speed limit reviews. These include Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, Minneapolis, Minnesota, New York City, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. The Vision Zero program, aimed at eliminating reckless driving and improving safety for all road users, has gained traction in many cities, with speed limit reductions as a key strategy.
The process of changing speed limits can vary in terms of time and resources required. Implementing speed limit changes by administrative action or engineering studies can be quicker, as it involves installing new signage and publicizing the changes. On the other hand, lowering speed limits by statute on a class of roads may take longer due to the need for legislative approval, parameter determination, and publicity development.
Public opinion plays a role in the acceptance of speed limit changes. Surveys indicate that a majority of drivers support the use of speed safety cameras and intelligent speed assistance (ISA) systems. ISA systems provide warnings when drivers exceed the posted speed limit, and some drivers are open to systems that actively slow down their vehicles. These technologies can help address speeding behaviours and improve road safety.
Looking ahead, Scotland plans to introduce a default speed limit of 20 mph in urban and residential areas in 2025, prioritizing the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. This aligns with the trend towards lower speed limits in populated areas to reduce accident rates and protect vulnerable road users.
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Advanced driver assistance systems
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to improve safety and reduce the workload on the driver by helping with routine tasks such as navigation and parking. ADAS technologies can also help with more complex tasks such as staying in lane, avoiding crashes, and reducing blind spots.
ADAS technologies include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and traffic jam assist. These systems use a variety of sensors, cameras, and other data inputs to detect obstacles and driver errors and respond accordingly. For example, in the event of a slower vehicle in front, an ADAS system will automatically change the host car's speed. Lane-keeping assist and lane centering guide the vehicle to keep it inside the lane borders.
ADAS technologies can be categorized into different levels based on the amount of automation. Level 0 ADAS can only provide information for the driver to interpret, such as parking sensors, surround-view, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and blind-spot information systems. Level 1 can take control of one functionality, such as adaptive cruise control, while Level 2 can control multiple functions, such as lane-keeping and highway assist. Level 3 and above involve increasing levels of autonomy, with Level 5 being fully autonomous.
In 2025, newly manufactured cars in the UK are expected to include ADAS as standard, including lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking systems. This is part of a push to enhance road safety. Other changes to driving laws in the UK in 2025 include the introduction of a default speed limit of 20 mph in urban and residential areas in Scotland, and the requirement for all HGVs operating in Greater London to have a safety permit under the Direct Vision Standard (DVS).
In the US, a new law in Pennsylvania makes it illegal to hold a phone or other devices while operating a vehicle. This law is designed to address safety concerns, as distracted driving contributed to over 11,000 crashes in the state in 2023. Thirty-one states now fully ban holding phones while driving, while others have partial bans in certain situations. Additionally, the White House has issued an order enforcing English proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers to improve safety and working conditions.
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Electric vehicle infrastructure
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transportation, offering a cleaner, more equitable, and affordable mode of travel. To encourage the adoption of EVs, governments are investing in the development of EV infrastructure, including charging stations and interconnected networks. This shift towards electric cars is a significant step towards reducing emissions and addressing the transportation sector's contribution to climate change.
In the United States, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), has made a significant investment in EV infrastructure. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is a key initiative that provides funding to states to deploy EV charging infrastructure and establish interconnected networks. The program aims to make EV chargers accessible to all Americans for local and long-distance trips. Michigan, for example, will receive approximately $110 million in NEVI funding through Fiscal Year 2026 to support its goal of accommodating two million EVs on its roads by 2030.
The NEVI Formula Program sets standards and requirements for EV charging infrastructure projects, ensuring that chargers are safe, reliable, and accessible to the public. EV chargers must be non-proprietary, accept open-access payment methods, and be located along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are working together to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability for EV charging stations.
In the United Kingdom, the transition to electric vehicles is also underway. From January 1, 2025, car manufacturers must ensure that at least 22% of new car sales and 10% of new van sales are fully electric. While this push towards greener roads is encouraging, it also brings new costs for EV drivers. From April 1, 2025, electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), with new EVs paying £10 in the first year and £195 annually thereafter. Additionally, EV drivers in the UK can expect more dependable charging stations as providers must ensure their chargers meet new government standards for reliability, accessibility, and ease of payment by 2025.
Overall, the development of EV infrastructure is crucial to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. These initiatives aim to address range anxiety, improve the EV driving experience, and encourage further adoption of electric vehicles, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2025, newly manufactured cars in the UK are expected to include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. This includes lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking systems. From 4 May 2025, all HGVs in Greater London must have a safety permit under the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Scotland will also roll out a nationwide default speed limit of 20 mph in urban and residential areas in 2025.
In June 2025, a new law went into effect in Pennsylvania that made it illegal for drivers to hold a phone or other devices while operating a vehicle. 31 states in total fully ban holding phones while driving, while others may ban the use of phones while driving in certain situations.
From 1 January 2025, car manufacturers must ensure that at least 22% of new car sales and 10% of new van sales are fully electric. From 1 April 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). New EVs will pay £10 in the first year and £195 annually after that. From 25 December 2025, all vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-powered ones, must pay the £15 London Congestion Charge.
