Labour targets new driving laws to crack down on uninsured motorists with penalties set to double

The Road Safety Strategy is expected to be the first update in more than a decade, with ministers stating the new design aims to remove dangerous and irresponsible drivers from UK roads.

Under current rules, motorists caught driving uninsured are usually offered a £300 fixed penalty fine and six penalty points if they accept the notice.

If the case goes to court, penalties can be more severe, including an unlimited fine, six to eight penalty points, and even disqualification from driving.

However, Government sources believe the existing system is not working as a deterrent because the fixed penalty fine is often cheaper than buying insurance.

According to the Association of British Insurers, the average car insurance premium in the third quarter of 2025 was £551.

As part of a public consultation, the Government will look at increasing fixed penalty fines, potentially doubling them, so that the punishment significantly exceeds the cost of insurance. Officials are also considering higher penalty points for uninsured drivers.

Estimates from the Motor Insurers' Bureau suggested that around 300,000 uninsured drivers travel on UK roads every single day.

When uninsured drivers are involved in collisions, victims can face serious difficulties securing compensation for injuries or damage.

Ministers also warn that uninsured motorists are more likely to be driving unsafe or unroadworthy vehicles, putting other road users at risk.

The wider Road Safety Strategy will also consult on tougher penalties for drivers who are unlicensed or driving without a valid MOT.

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the Government wanted to send a clear message to motorists who break the rules.

She said: "Our Road Safety Strategy sends a clear message: if you drive uninsured, you will face the consequences.

"Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime - it pushes up the cost of premiums for the law-abiding majority, and when uninsured drivers are involved in crashes, innocent road users are left facing an uphill battle to get the compensation they deserve.

"That's why we are taking decisive action to remove uninsured drivers from our roads - to keep our roads safe, and ensure those who flout the rules are held accountable."

The Government noted the new strategy was about protecting responsible motorists who follow the law and pay for insurance, while cracking down on those who deliberately avoid doing so.

Officials stated that law-abiding drivers are unfairly punished when uninsured motorists increase the overall cost of claims, pushing up premiums for everyone else.

The consultation will also look at how penalties can better reflect the seriousness of uninsured driving and discourage repeat offenders, as part of a broader effort to improve road safety nationwide.

The full Road Safety Strategy, including details of the proposed fines and penalties, is expected to be published later this week.