Experts are warning that drivers could be more likely to break the law in the coming years after the Government unveiled new pay-per-mile car taxes for motorists.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the new Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) rules would be introduced in 2028, requiring motorists to pay for every mile they drive.
It will see electric car owners pay three pence per mile, while hybrid owners will pay 1.5p per mile, as the Government looks to recoup losses from fuel duty.
Drivers are expected to be charged the tax by taking their vehicles to an MOT station every year to have the mileage checked.
However, this has raised fresh concerns about a potential spike in "car clocking" instances that could explode from 2028.
Peter Goldin, CEO of FleetCheck, said some drivers could easily end up paying hundreds of pounds in eVED charges over the course of a year.
As a result, they could adjust the mileage in their cars to avoid paying larger bills, despite the consequences it can bring.
Mr Goldin said: "If you're covering 20,000 miles a year in an EV, your eVED bill will be £600.
Rachel Reeves' introduction of pay-per-mile car taxes could lead to a huge increase in vehicle clocking cases
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"For a few people, the ease with which that amount can be reduced will be difficult to resist.
"Some estimates show about one in seven cars are affected and, while the equipment needed varies from model to model, it can often be bought cheaply or a no-questions-asked 'mileage adjustment' company found through a search online."
While it is much harder to change modern digital odometers compared to older physical counters, clocking remains a common issue.
The expert noted that digital odometers can be rigged easily through the onboard diagnostics port, adding that it "takes moments".
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Rachel Reeves delivered the Budget in the Commons on November 26, 2025 | PAThe Government's own consultation documents on eVED acknowledged that mileage tampering could become more common once the new rules are introduced.
Estimates suggest that around 2.3 per cent of UK vehicles may show signs of clocking, a figure that could rise in the coming years.
Car clocking is a criminal offence when a clocked vehicle is sold without being declared, with several high-profile cases in recent years resulting in hefty punishments.
Three men all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud in Kent last year after removing two million miles from the odometers across 23 high-mileage vehicles.
Motorists are urged to inspect a car thoroughly before committing to a purchase | CARLYTwo of the men were sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years, while the other was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Mr Goldin said the introduction of pay-per-mile car taxes has the "very real potential" to increase the number of clocked cars on the second-hand market.
He said: "The current impetus for clocking comes from two sources - increasing the value of the vehicle or reducing lease mileage - but eVED has the potential to outstrip both of these.
"There are many reasons why eVED is a poor idea for replacing lost fuel duty revenue but the potential for clocking is among the most prominent. It's easy to carry out and for those tempted, probably feels like a victimless crime."