When is the ban on petrol and diesel cars in the UK?

The Government have announced a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in the UK

The UK Government has announced a ban on new petrol and diesel cars—but when is it actually happening?

The date has changed multiple times, causing plenty of confusion.

Originally set for 2030 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2020, the ban was later pushed back to 2035 under Rishi Sunak. More recently, Keir Starmer has reinstated the original 2030 deadline.

With the political back-and-forth in the UK, it’s no wonder people are unsure about when petrol and diesel cars will be phased out.

There’s also many other questions… How is it going to work? Why are they doing it in the first place?

So, without further ado, let’s clear things up.

Why has the 2030 ban been put in place?

The UK’s petrol and diesel ban isn’t just about cars—it’s part of a bigger, bolder mission.

The Government is aiming for Net Zero by 2050, and that means slashing carbon emissions across multiple industries.

Phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles is a key piece of the puzzle, alongside a raft of other green policies designed to transform the UK economy for a cleaner, greener future.

To support the shift, plans include expanding EV charging infrastructure, investing in battery technology, and offering incentives to encourage businesses and drivers to make the switch.

How does the 2030 ban impact hybrids?

With the ban on new petrol and diesel cars set for 2030, the future of hybrids remains uncertain.

They are a happy medium between your typical combustion engine, and going fully electric. But as they still use either petrol or diesel – how are they classed in the upcoming ban?

The Government is still gathering opinions on which hybrid models — if any — should be allowed beyond the 2030 ban.

However, one thing is clear: by 2035, all new cars sold must be fully electric, so even new hybrids will be banned after 2035.

But for now, hybrid vehicles offer an amazing transition option for those hesitant to go fully electric.

What will happen to petrol and diesel cars in 2030?

From 2030 onwards, you won’t be able to buy or lease a brand-new petrol or diesel car—but if you already own one, you’ll still be free to drive it.

The impact on used car values is uncertain. 

As demand for petrol and diesel vehicles drops, prices could fall.

However, with fewer combustion engine cars on the road in the decades to come, some models might become more desirable, potentially driving prices back up.

Fuel prices could also shift. If more drivers switch to electric, demand for petrol and diesel may decrease, which could lead to fluctuating fuel costs.

The full effect will depend on how quickly the UK adapts to an electric future.

Are there any exceptions to the 2030 ban?

Yes, the Government has confirmed it's sticking to the 2030 deadline — but has introduced some flexibility to help the car industry adjust.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Fines still apply: Carmakers who don’t meet EV sales targets face a £15,000 fine per car that falls short.
• More flexibility with targets: Manufacturers can now balance their EV sales over multiple years. So. if they exceed their target one year, they can use those credits to offset a shortfall in another
• Small manufacturers get more time: Low-volume UK carmakers like Aston Martin and McLaren will be allowed to keep selling new petrol cars after 2030. 
• Some hybrids could stay longer: The Government hasn’t made a final decision yet, but certain hybrid models may be allowed until 2035

These changes aim to support the industry while keeping the UK on track for a zero-emission future.

When is the right time to make the change to electric?

With the ban on new petrol and diesel cars now confirmed for 2030, the time to make the switch to electric is sooner rather than later.

The electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly evolving, with leading manufacturers committed to long-term electrification.

Iconic brands like BMW, Audi and Mercedes offer an impressive range of electric cars, while Chinese manufacturers like BYD and GWM ORA are bringing more affordable options to the UK.

Today's electric cars are more practical than ever, with many offering real-world ranges of over 200 miles, putting an end to range anxiety for many drivers.

A key consideration for some is charging convenience.

If you have the ability to install an EV charger at home, it makes incorporating an electric vehicle into daily life much easier.

However, the UK’s charging infrastructure is growing steadily, with more public charging points becoming available.

Many businesses are also installing chargers on-site for staff or offering salary sacrifice schemes to encourage employees to make the switch.

With so many viable options and an expanding charging network, now is a great time to go electric.

What grants are available?

The Government remains committed to encouraging EV adoption, and there are still grants available to help with the transition.

• EV Chargepoint Grant – Covers up to 75% of the cost of installing a home charger at a domestic property in the UK, making it easier and more affordable to charge your EV at home
• Workplace Charging Grant – Designed for businesses looking to support employees in switching to electric. This grant helps cover the cost of purchasing and installing chargers at business premises, making workplace charging more accessible

These incentives make it easier for both individuals and businesses to embrace electric vehicles, helping to drive the UK toward a greener future.

The road to 2030: Getting ready for an electric future

Now that you're in the know, you can start preparing for a future without new petrol and diesel cars.

With the 2030 ban fast approaching, the transition to electric is well underway.

Over time, petrol and diesel cars will naturally decline as they age and become less viable to maintain.

As more drivers make the switch and charging infrastructure continues to expand, the UK is gearing up for a fully electric future.

The road ahead is electric—are you ready?

FAQs on the petrol/diesel ban

Will petrol and diesel cars be illegal in 2030?

No, petrol and diesel cars won’t be illegal in 2030—but you won’t be able to buy a brand-new one.

From 2030, new petrol and diesel car sales will end, and by 2035, all new cars and vans must be 100% zero-emission. The Government is still determining the rules for hybrids.

However, there are no plans to ban the use or sale of second-hand petrol and diesel cars, so they’ll still be on the roads for years to come.

Can I still drive my diesel or petrol car after 2030 in the UK?

Yes, you can still drive your petrol or diesel car after 2030.

The ban only applies to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars—there are no plans to take existing vehicles off the road.

So, if you already own one or buy a used model, you’ll still be able to drive it legally.

How long will petrol and diesel be available in the UK?

Petrol and diesel will still be available after 2030.

But as more drivers switch to electric, fuel stations may become less common.

While major suppliers are likely to keep selling fuel for years to come, the demand will gradually decline.

Some stations may close or repurpose for EV charging.

Are they banning diesel and petrol cars?

Yes, the Government has confirmed a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030.

The future of hybrids is still being decided, but by 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully electric, marking the UK’s shift to a zero-emission future.

What is the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars?

The 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars is a UK Government policy that will prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030.

This is part of the country’s plan to reduce emissions and transition to a fully electric future.

Hybrid vehicles may still be sold beyond 2030, but the Government is still determining which types will be allowed.

By 2035, all new cars and vans must be 100% zero-emission, bringing the UK in line with other European phase-out plans.

However, the ban does not mean petrol and diesel cars will be taken off the road. If you already own one—or buy a used model—you’ll still be able to drive it legally.

Fuel will remain available, but as more people switch to electric, petrol stations may become less common over time.