Government consults on penalties for motoring offences
Thursday 19th February 2026
The Department for Transport has opened a consultation seeking views on proposed changes to penalties set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.
The consultation considers a wide range of issues, from drink and drug driving to seat belt non‑use, uninsured driving, and the misuse of illegal number plates. The government is exploring lower alcohol limits, especially for novice drivers, tougher penalties, temporary licence suspensions for suspects, and new measures such as vehicle seizure or alcohol‑ignition interlocks. It also considers making seat belt non‑compliance an endorsable offence with penalty points, strengthening penalties for driving without insurance or a valid MOT, and improving forensic testing processes for drug driving.
Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 31 March 2026 and information on the consultation can be accessed here.