Motorists face six big changes throughout March as new rules come into force, including introduction of new electric car funding

Motorists face six big changes throughout March as new rules come into force, including introduction of new electric car funding.

Electric car owners will also have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty rates for the first time ever from April – but a simple loophole could help drivers avoid fees if they act fast.

Additionally, a trial will end for AI road safety cameras, while some road users will also have to deal with new driving licence updates, the Express reports.

You’ll find a list of the biggest update hitting the roads over the next 31 days below.

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Number plate changes – March 1

New number plate designs are introduced by the DVLA twice per year – and March will see the launch of new ’25’ registrations.

The designs will be installed on all new cars registered from today (March 1), until the start of September.

The introduction of new plates can lead to a surge in demand for new cars, with big discounts sometimes applied to models with the old designs.

The DVLA has banned around 210 new number plate combinations due to rude or offensive statements.

Motorists who fill up at UK petrol stations could receive more money back from their employer due to updates to the HMRC advisory fuel rates.

The charges tell companies how much to reimburse employees for fuel costs.

A 1p increase will be applied to petrol vehicles with engines producing between 1401cc to 2000cc, as totals rise from 14p per mile to 15p per mile.

There will also be an extra 1p per mile for diesel engines up to 1600cc, however there will be no changes to any other engine size this time around.

Driving licence extension – March 4

Ukrainians will be allowed to continue to drive in the UK, as new driving licence rules come into effect.

Those with Ukrainian driving licence holders can continue to use mopeds, motorbikes and cars beyond the current 36-month limit.

The extension will allow them to be on the roads for up to 54 months using their existing certificates.

New road cameras – March

The trial of new AI road cameras has been extended until March 2025.

The cameras can automatically detect when motorists are using their phone or not wearing a seatbelt

The new equipment was being trialled by 10 police forces, with officials stating the latest analysis would help to “inform a possible future roll-out nationwide”.

According to National Highways, there were also plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries for the first time.

Motorists will be able to secure extra funding from March in order to make the transition to electric vehicles.

There will be an extra £120million available to ensure businesses can receive grants when buying certain vans.

For small vans up to 2.5 tonnes in weight, motorists can get £2,500, while £5,000 was available for those securing larger vans of up to 4.25 tonnes.

Car tax loophole – March 31

From April 1, 2025, electric car owners will pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for the first time.

But MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has told road users they could temporarily avoid fees by taking advantage of a simple loophole before the end of the month.

As EV owners can re-tax their vehicle at any time, doing this before March 31 means motorists will not be liable to pay any VED rates until 2026.