As March 2025 begins, UK drivers must prepare for a series of changes in motoring rules and costs. These updates cover fuel rates, tax changes, and the introduction of new number plates. Being aware of these changes can help avoid unnecessary expenses and fines.

Advisory Fuel Rate Changes

The HMRC has announced updated Advisory Fuel Rates, effective from 1 March 2025. These rates, reviewed quarterly, determine reimbursement for employees using company cars for business travel:

• ✪ Diesel vehicles (up to 1,600cc): Rate rises from 11p to 12p per mile.
• ✪ Petrol vehicles (1,401-2,000cc): Rate increases from 14p to 15p per mile.
• ✪ Electric vehicles: Remains at 7p per mile.

These adjustments reflect fuel price fluctuations and are designed to keep business travel reimbursement fair. Employers and employees using company cars should ensure they follow the latest tax changes to avoid financial discrepancies.

New ‘25’ Number Plates Arrive

From 1 March 2025, newly registered vehicles will display ‘25’ as the identifying number plate code. This signifies the vehicle’s registration from this date onwards.

For those interested in personalised number plates, it is important to comply with DVLA regulations. Incorrectly displaying a plate that makes a vehicle appear newer than it is can result in:

• A £1,000 fine
• Confiscation of the plate

Key Number Plate Rules to Remember:

• ✶ A car registered in March 2015 should have a plate with ‘15’ as the third and fourth characters. It cannot have ‘16’, ‘17’, or later numbers.
• ✶ New plates are released twice a year:
  • ✪ March 2025 plates will feature ‘25’.
  • ✪ September 2025 plates will feature ‘75’.

Rules on font, spacing, visibility, and colours must also be followed to ensure compliance.

Looking for a legal number plate?

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Electric Vehicle Tax Changes from April 2025

From 1 April 2025, electric vehicle (EV) owners will face new tax rules:

• ✶ New EVs registered after this date will pay a £10 first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
• ✶ Annual VED will be:
  • ✪ £190 for cars
  • ✪ £335 for vans
  • ✪ £25 for motorcycles
• ✶ Expensive Car Supplement: EVs worth over £40,000 will be subject to an additional £195 annual charge, bringing them in line with other high-value vehicles.

These changes mark the end of tax exemptions for electric cars, aligning them with traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Stay updated on DVLA warnings regarding EV number plates to avoid fines.

Why These Changes Matter

Staying informed about these DVLA rule changes is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs and ensuring compliance with UK motoring laws. Whether you:

• ✪ Own a company car
• ✪ Drive an EV
• ✪ Are considering a personalised number plate

Keeping up with DVLA regulations will help you drive legally and affordably.

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For the latest updates, visit the DVLA website and ensure your vehicle meets the new requirements.