On 7 January 2026, the Department for Transport launched a consultation on changing penalties for key motoring offences. Some proposals would significantly speed up licence loss, increase penalty points, and expand enforcement powers. The consultation runs until 31 March 2026.
These proposals are not law yet, but they signal the Government’s direction.
Why this matters
The Government says road deaths have stalled since 2010 and wants stronger deterrents and a modernised system. In 2024 there were 1,602 road deaths and 27,865 serious injuries, figures used to justify tougher measures.
Key proposals drivers should be aware of
1) Drink and drug driving
The consultation reopens whether England and Wales should lower the drink-drive limit to match Scotland.
Key points:
- Drink driving still accounts for around 16% of road deaths
- Drug-driving convictions rose from 4,924 (2016) to nearly 20,000 (2024)
- Repeat offending is common
Major proposal:
- Temporary licence suspension for suspected drink or drug drivers until court, particularly where delays occur in drug testing
Other measures under consideration:
- Vehicle seizure powers
- Alcohol ignition locks (alcolocks)
- Faster forensic testing methods
- Random breath testing powers
2) Seat belt offences
Not wearing a seat belt currently carries a £100 fine but no points. The Government is consulting on:
- 3 points for drivers not wearing a seat belt
- 3 points for drivers failing to ensure children under 14 are restrained
This follows data showing 25% of car occupant deaths in 2024 involved no seat belt.
3) Failure to stop or report (hit and run)
The consultation proposes tougher penalties, particularly where death or serious injury occurs, including:
- Higher maximum penalties
- A new offence where a driver should have known serious harm was caused
- Extending prosecution time limits from 6 to 18 months for serious cases
4) Vehicle and administrative offences
Possible introduction of penalty points and/or seizure for:
- No registered keeper
- Incorrect or false number plates
- No MOT
- Potentially no vehicle tax
5) Unlicensed and uninsured driving
The Government is considering:
- Higher maximum penalties for unlicensed driving
- Higher minimum penalties for uninsured driving
- Penalties for false insurance declarations, including points or disqualification
Other procedural changes
Proposals also include:
- Using electronic communication instead of post
- Changing when the 6-month prosecution time limit starts for camera-detected offences
What this means for drivers
Many proposals focus on earlier restrictions and quicker consequences. If you are under investigation for drink or drug driving, failure to stop, or licence and insurance offences, early legal advice will be more important than ever, as small procedural details could have major consequences.