2026 is one of those years where the road rules are getting a rewrite – and if you drive for a living, every change matters. From tougher safety measures to new taxes and London charges, these updates could affect your routes, your running costs, and even your workforce.
Here’s what’s changing, so you can plan ahead and keep your van costs manageable.
1. Seatbelt penalties are getting tougher
Most van drivers wear a belt as second nature, but the penalties for not doing it are about to tighten.
Fines for not wearing a seatbelt will stay, and soon, three penalty points on your licence could be added. Drivers remain responsible for making sure younger passengers are belted correctly.
If you manage a team, it’s a good moment to refresh training and check your vehicles’ seatbelt condition.
2. Drink-drive limit to be cut
England and Wales are expected to fall in line with Scotland’s stricter limit. This means the new limit could go from 35 micrograms to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath.
That means the safest rule becomes the simplest one: if you’re driving, don’t drink – not even “just the one”.
3. Quicker drug‑driving tests
New roadside saliva tests for suspected drug-driving are expected, meaning faster decisions, fewer loopholes, and far less tolerance for anyone who gets behind the wheel under the influence.
A big win for road safety and for employers trying to keep teams protected.
4. Mandatory eyesight tests for drivers 70+
The current system relies on self‑declarations, but that looks set to change. Under new rules, drivers aged 70 and over will need an eye test every three years. If you’re approaching that age, or have friends, family members or colleagues that are, it’s a rule to keep an eye on!
5. Congestion Charge increases – and EV perks shrink
For vans and commercial vehicles entering central London, watch out for ULEZ increases:
- Daily charge increased to £18 (from 2 Jan 2026)
- Full EV exemption is gone
- Electric vans get 50% off – but only when registered to Auto Pay
- All EVs get 25% off – again, vehicles registered to Auto Pay only
Good news if you’re already electric. Less good if your routes don’t give you a choice.
6. Fuel duty could rise from September 2026
The long-standing freeze is expected to end. The current basic rate on diesel and petrol has been 52.95 pence per litre (ppl), which includes the 5ppl cut. From September 2026 onwards, that 5p cut will be reversed and fuel duty will increase annually in lines with inflation.
For high‑mileage van drivers and fleets, this could make a noticeable dent in running costs.
7. EV “luxury tax” threshold increases
The “Expensive Car Supplement” jumps from £40,000 to £50,000 for zero‑emission vehicles in April 2026.
That means more electric vans fall outside the charge and that switching to electric becomes slightly easier to justify on the balance sheet. Around half (51%) of new electric cars will fall out of the extra charge entirely, compared to the current 37%.
8. Changes to the Motability Scheme
An important one for disability‑adapted vehicles and community operators. High-end marques (Audi, BMW, Mercedes), coupes and convertibles are no longer eligible on the Motability Scheme.
- From July 2026, vehicles with Advance Payments will incur 20% VAT
- Most new leases will include 12% insurance premium tax
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles remain exempt
9. Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates rising
If you provide company vans or a company car as part of someone’s job package, take note. BiK rates increase by 1% from April 2026.
- EVs rise from 3% → 4%
- Higher-emissions vehicles rise up to 37%
It’s worth factoring into your fleet planning and your staff conversations.
10. Learner drivers get fairer test bookings
And finally, a relief for anyone trying to recruit new drivers. But driving instructors may have different views.
From spring this year, third‑party test slot reselling will be banned. Instructors can’t bulk book and there will be limits on how often a test can be moved.
The goal is shorter waits and a clearer path to getting new drivers licensed. Let’s see if it works.
Stay ahead of the 2026 changes
When your van is your livelihood, or your fleet keeps your business moving, staying on top of legal changes matters.
At Howden, we’re here to help you protect your vehicles, your team, and your peace of mind. If you want insurance that works harder for your business, speak to a specialist who genuinely cares at one of our local branches.
Search Howden Insurance or call our team here.
Sources: Nationwide Vehicle, Autotrader, Yorkshire Post, Simply Business.
You could also read:
- Who’s responsible for clearing up after a storm?
- Which cars have the highest recall rates?
- The van models most likely to fail their MOT
- Don’t let winter weather stop your home renovation plans!
- The true cost of accidents abroad
This is a marketing blog by Howden.