The Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation on road safety legislation, covering some of the most serious motoring offences on the statute book. The Department for Transport’s review, described as the first of its kind in more than a decade, closed on 11 May 2026.
What the Consultation Covered
The Road Safety Strategy contained 41 questions spanning a broad range of offences and penalties, including drink and drug driving, seatbelt compliance, uninsured driving, illegal number plates, and the use of vehicles that fail to meet roadworthiness standards. The consultation opened on 7 January 2026.
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the review was designed to ensure that the law reflects public attitudes towards dangerous driving, describing road safety as a “common goal.” She added: “This is your opportunity to ensure that the law adequately reflects what the vast majority of the British public feel, that unsafe and dangerous behaviour has no place on our roads and should be dealt with appropriately.”
Drink and Drug Driving
Among the most significant proposals is a reduction in the drink drive limit in England and Wales from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg, bringing it into line with the limit that already applies in Scotland. The Government is also considering whether newly qualified drivers should face an even lower limit during their first years on the road.
Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, commented: “Younger drivers need clear boundaries to protect themselves and their fellow passengers.”
Under existing law, drivers caught over the limit can face up to three months in prison, a fine of up to £2,500, and a possible driving ban. Further proposals would allow police to suspend a driver’s licence before any court appearance, and to seize vehicles from those arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving.
Seatbelt Offences
The consultation proposed making failure to wear a seatbelt an endorsable offence carrying three penalty points, replacing the current £100 fixed penalty. A further option under consideration would increase the fine to £500, potentially alongside the imposition of points.
Uninsured Driving
Drivers caught without insurance currently face a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points if they accept the notice. The Government is considering doubling the fixed penalty fine to ensure it meaningfully exceeds the cost of obtaining insurance, as well as increasing the number of penalty points imposed.
MOT and Vehicle Roadworthiness
Tougher penalties are also proposed for drivers caught without a valid MOT. Under current rules, this can result in a fine of up to £1,000, rising to £2,500 where the vehicle is considered dangerous.
Illegal Number Plates
The strategy also addressed the growing use of false or “ghost” number plates. Proposals include granting the DVLA new powers to seize vehicles suspected of using false plates to evade road tax and traffic penalties.
Auto Express consumer reporter Tom Jervis welcomed the consultation, noting that while it had arrived later than originally anticipated, “it is nevertheless a welcome one and paves the way for much safer roads here in the UK.” He also backed firmer action on uninsured drivers and illegal plates, saying both problems had been allowed to grow for too long.
The Scale of the Problem
The Government said the proposals were prompted in part by the continued high number of road deaths across Britain. Figures from 2024 recorded 1,602 fatalities on UK roads, approximately 30 every week, with a further 27,865 people suffering serious injuries.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
