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Drivers are being urged to familiarise themselves with new motoring changes the Government is planning to bring into force. The Government is preparing to introduce a series of road safety and driving reforms, with ministers believing that the current safety messaging is not working.
Motoring specialists at LeaseLoco.com have outlined the key changes and proposals drivers should be aware of in the coming months, including stricter rules around drink-drive limits and mandatory eye tests. The Labour Government have promised to radically shake up driving laws in England and Wales, following 1,633 road fatalities in 2024 and 128,375 casualties of all severities, which cost the NHS more than £2bn per year.
One of the key proposals is to lower the legal drink-drive limit, cutting it from the current 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms. This would bring England and Wales in line with the stricter limit already in place in Scotland.
To make drug-driving enforcement more effective, the Government is proposing that police can use roadside saliva tests as evidence, rather than relying on blood samples. In addition, mandatory eyesight tests are set to be introduced for drivers over 70 on renewal of their driving licence every three years.
Another proposal is that drivers could receive penalty points if any passengers in their vehicle are not wearing seatbelts. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: "These new proposals show that the Government is serious about making our roads safer. Lowering the drink-drive limit, introducing eyesight checks for older drivers, and making drug-driving easier to enforce are all important steps for preventing accidents and protecting all road users.
"Being aware of these potential reforms now means drivers can plan ahead and make more responsible choices to ensure they're fully compliant when the new rules come into effect. These changes might sound a bit daunting at first, but really they're about keeping everyone safer and more accountable."
Reduced drink-driving limits
The legal drink-drive limit is set to be lowered from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms, aligning England and Wales with the stricter standard already in place in Scotland. This change aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents and encourage more responsible driving.
Mandatory eyesight checks
Drivers over 70 will be required to undergo eyesight tests every three years when renewing their licence. The move is designed to ensure older motorists maintain the vision standards necessary for safe driving.
Penalties for passengers not wearing seat belts
Drivers could receive penalty points if passengers in their vehicle are not wearing seatbelts. This reinforces the responsibility drivers have for the safety of everyone in their car, not just themselves.
Drug-driving enforcement
Police may be able to rely on roadside saliva tests to detect drug-driving, rather than sending blood samples for lab analysis. This change is intended to make enforcement quicker, helping to deter dangerous behaviour on the roads more effectively.