Driving law changes you missed in September - HMRC rules for petrol, diesel & EV drivers, daily costs and more

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 29/09/2025

- 12:39

Drivers could see their commuting costs increase with the new Dartford Crossing price hike

Drivers are warning Britons about new driving law changes that were introduced over the last month, which could see them pay more to travel.

Several crucial driving laws were introduced in September, including new HMRC rates, the announcement of a new congestion charge and even new proposals for self-driving vehicles.


To help drivers deal with the countless motoring changes introduced recently, GB News has rounded up the most important new rules you need to be aware of.

London Congestion Charge sign, a HMRC letter and a petrol pump

Motorists could be caught out by several new driving laws introduced over the course of September

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PA/GETTY

HMRC

Advisory fuel rates (AFRs) are released every three months and are designed to reimburse employees for business travel in company cars.

In the latest update, HMRC announced that it would be splitting the AFR for electric cars, given the uptake in new zero emission vehicles.

Employees with electric cars are now expected to face costs of eight pence per mile if they use a charger at home, or 14 pence per mile for public chargers.

Number plateThe new '75' number plate change was released on September 1, 2025 | GETTY

Number plates

The new "75" number plate was introduced on Monday, September 1, in keeping with the biannual trend that has been in place since 2001.

The "new reg plate" month is historically one of the most successful months for manufacturers as motorists look to get their hands on the latest cars on the forecourt.

Motorists have also been boosted by the Government's £650million Electric Car Grant, which has caused a spike in interest for EVs, with discounts of up to £3,750 available.

Dartford CrossingThe Dartford Crossing increased its fees by 40 per cent on September 1 | PA

Dartford Crossing

Britons travelling in London, Kent and Essex were hit with additional costs this month as the Dart Charge was hiked, despite protests from drivers.

Labour announced that it would be raising the one-off payment price to £3,50 for cars, £4.20 for smaller vans and £8.40 for larger vehicles with more than two axles.

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing.

"However, we will continue to support local people through the local resident discount scheme and I have been determined to keep the nominal fee paid by local people as low as possible, as many rely on the crossing to get around their local area."

\u200bThe six streets marked in green will be part of Oxford's congestion charge schemeThe six streets marked in green will be part of Oxford's congestion charge scheme | OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Congestion charge

Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed its new congestion charge will launch at the end of October, which will see car owners charged £5 per day.

The scheme will charge motorists without a permit to use six different charging locations across Oxford, aiming to reduce traffic and improve public transport.

Drivers will see the congestion charge in place for no longer than two years as the council awaits the conclusion of the Botley Road works being conducted by Network Rail.

A self-driving carThe self-driving sector could be worth £42billion in 2035 | PA

Self-driving

Two major consultations on the future of the UK's self-driving revolution concluded over the last month as the Government prepares to introduce autonomous technology to UK roads.

One of the consultations aimed to introduce two new marketing offences that would restrict certain terms from being used in advertising.

The other looked at how the industry can avoid certain challenges relating to the existing legislation and give businesses confidence.