UK Vehicle Safety Rules: How They Affect Road Traffic Accident Claims
Recent changes to UK vehicle safety and driving rules affect how road traffic accident claims work. If you’ve been in a car accident in the UK, these rules can influence who is responsible, how evidence is gathered, and what safety standards vehicles and drivers are expected to meet. From electric vehicles to vehicle excise duty changes and professional driver rules, there’s a lot to understand.
In this guide, Prime Legal Solicitors explains the main updates, how they affect vulnerable road users, and what steps to take if you plan to make a claim.
Vehicle Safety Technology and the Safe System Approach
New cars and commercial vehicles are increasingly fitted with advanced safety technology, and the UK’s “safe system” approach to road safety aims to reduce collisions, particularly involving HGVs and vans, by improving visibility, automation and driver awareness. Which features are legally required depends on the type of vehicle and when it was approved, so check current GOV.UK guidance for a specific vehicle. Common features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)
- Driver Drowsiness Alerts
- Direct Vision improvements for larger vehicles
This safe system approach focuses on preventing serious injuries and deaths, especially among vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Electric Vehicles and Driving Licence Rules
As part of the UK’s sustainability goals, the government promotes electric and other zero-emission vehicles. Since 10 June 2025, drivers with a standard category B (car) licence can drive zero-emission vehicles, such as electric or hydrogen vans, up to 4,250 kg maximum authorised mass without the five hours of extra training previously required. For petrol and diesel vehicles, the category B limit remains 3,500 kg.
This rule encourages greener transport and supports the move toward cleaner energy. However, it also affects insurance and accident claims. For instance, if an electric vehicle’s battery or automation system fails, that may impact liability and compensation.
Prime Legal Solicitors has extensive experience with claims involving advanced vehicle technology and automation. We help clients secure fair compensation when new technology complicates their case.
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Road Tax Changes
Since 1 April 2025, electric vehicles have no longer been exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED). Most now pay the standard annual rate, and some higher-value electric cars also pay the expensive car supplement. Check the current rates on GOV.UK.
While this rule doesn’t directly change the accident-claims process, it affects car ownership costs and may influence how insurers calculate risk and compensation.
Driver Certificate and Professional Competence Updates
Professional lorry, bus and coach drivers must hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and keep it valid through periodic training, normally 35 hours every five years. Training can cover topics such as:
- Safe system awareness
- Direct vision standard compliance
- Understanding how to protect vulnerable road users
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) continue improving training services and safety standards across the transport sector.
Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and Safe System for HGVs
In Greater London, HGVs over 12 tonnes need a Transport for London safety permit under the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Since 28 October 2024, vehicles need at least a three-star rating or must be fitted with the Progressive Safe System. These rules improve how much drivers of HGVs can see, helping prevent accidents with vulnerable road users, and operators without a valid permit can receive a penalty charge.
By improving visibility and technology, these updates aim to reduce collisions and fatalities. Fleet owners who fail to comply may also face stronger liability in future accident claims.
Frequently Asked: New Driving Rules and Regulations
- DVSA rule (from 8 April 2025): Learners must give at least 10 full working days’ notice to change or cancel a car driving test without losing the fee.
- Licence changes (June 2025): Drivers can operate electric or hydrogen vehicles up to 4,250 kg MAM with a standard licence.
- Older drivers: Drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licence every three years and declare that they meet the medical and eyesight standards. In January 2026 the government consulted on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers; check GOV.UK for the current position.
What Are the Recent Driving Rule Changes?
Recent changes include a longer notice period to change or cancel a car driving test and a higher weight limit for zero-emission vehicles on a car licence. Further proposals, including eyesight testing for older drivers, have been consulted on.
What Has the DVSA Changed?
The DVSA is reforming test procedures, improving booking fairness, and focusing on rural-road driving safety.
Vulnerable Road Users and the Safe System Approach
The safe system protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Under this principle, responsibility is shared by all drivers, manufacturers, and policymakers. When safety standards are ignored, liability often falls on the party that failed to prevent harm.
Prime Legal Solicitors applies this modern legal approach in every accident case. We work to ensure victims receive full and fair compensation.
Automation, Information, and Data Services
New vehicle technology collects important information such as speed, braking, and steering data. Lawyers can use these details to prove fault and improve the accuracy of accident reconstructions.
At Prime Legal Solicitors, we combine vehicle data and expert analysis to build strong claims. This modern approach ensures your experience is supported by evidence and clarity.
Contact an Expert Solicitor Today
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident or need guidance about UK vehicle safety rules, our legal team is here to help. Prime Legal Solicitors offers advice on car accident claims, driver liability, and compensation.
Call 0330 341 4757 or use our online enquiry form to book a free consultation today.
Updated 26 October 2026 to reflect the law in force at that date.
Author
Hassan Ansari
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