How proposed changes to vision checks, alcohol limits and seatbelt rules could impact UK taxi drivers in the future
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Taxi drivers across the UK may soon need to adapt to a new set of driving laws under government plans aimed at improving road safety. The proposals, currently under consideration and expected to be confirmed by early 2026, include a compulsory eyesight check for drivers aged 70 and over, a reduced drink-drive limit, and harsher penalties for seatbelt and insurance offences.
If approved, these changes could reshape parts of the taxi and private hire sector, particularly for older drivers and those operating in rural areas.
Mandatory eye tests for over-70s
One of the most significant proposals involves a mandatory eye test every three years for drivers aged 70 and above when renewing their licence. At present, drivers self-certify their vision as part of the process. Under the new rule, a failed test would mean the loss of a licence, with opticians potentially required to notify the DVLA of serious vision issues.
If implemented, the change may reduce the number of older taxi drivers eligible to work, especially in areas where the workforce already skews older. Industry groups may begin to seek clarity on how appeals or second opinions would be handled, given the risk of immediate bans from the road.
There are concerns that the plan could disproportionately affect drivers in rural or less well-connected locations, where public transport options are limited and older drivers often fill key gaps in service availability. However, road safety advocates point to evidence linking poor vision with preventable collisions, arguing the move is long overdue.
Lower drink-drive limit to match Scotland
Another proposal gaining momentum is the lowering of the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath to 22, aligning it with the stricter Scottish limit introduced in 2014. Although the current threshold is already incompatible with professional driving standards, the change would bring the legal limit for all drivers in line with the zero-tolerance expectations already placed on licensed taxi and private hire operators.
While this move is unlikely to change operational rules for professional drivers, it could affect how police enforce driving offences. With roadside testing methods also set to evolve, including expanded use of saliva-based drug detection kits, enforcement could become faster and more frequent.
Points for seatbelt offences
Drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt may soon face penalty points on their licence, in addition to the existing £100 fine. This would align seatbelt offences with the way mobile phone use is currently enforced, potentially raising the stakes for both drivers and passengers who are non-compliant.
Licensed taxi drivers could face increased scrutiny around passenger seatbelt use as a result. Although drivers are not responsible for adult passengers failing to wear a seatbelt, a tougher enforcement environment may place more pressure on operators to monitor and inform passengers more actively.
Tougher stance on uninsured drivers
The Government is also considering tougher penalties for uninsured driving. Proposals include unlimited fines and longer disqualification periods. While aimed at deterring high-risk behaviour across the board, the measures could also lead to a greater emphasis on vehicle compliance checks within the taxi and private hire sector.
Implications for the taxi industry
While most of the rule changes apply to all drivers, taxi drivers will need to be acutely aware of the changes. Firms with older drivers may need to consider new policies or offer support around licence renewals and eye testing. Licensing authorities might also review guidance and procedures in response to national changes.
The Department for Transport has yet to publish a formal implementation timeline, but the changes are expected to be phased in from late 2025 into early 2026.
