The Government is consulting on stronger laws covering vehicle emissions systems in a move that could make it easier to take enforcement action against vehicles that no longer meet the emissions standards they were built to achieve.
The Department for Transport wants to strengthen the rules covering emissions control systems on vehicles already being used on roads in Great Britain.
The proposals are designed to close a gap in the current rules, particularly around newer Euro 5 and Euro 6 light-duty vehicles and Euro VI heavy-duty vehicles.
Under the proposal, road vehicles covered by the rules would need to have their emissions control systems maintained so they continue to meet the legal emissions requirements that applied when the vehicle was manufactured and first registered.
The Government specifically highlights modifications including DPF removal, catalytic converter removal, AdBlue delete systems and manipulation of exhaust gas recirculation systems as practices known to increase vehicle emissions.
Importantly, the Government is currently consulting on changes to the law. The consultation itself does not mean all of the proposed new measures are already in force.
The Department for Transport proposes updating Regulation 61A of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and using existing powers under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Depending on the circumstances and offence involved, breaches of the relevant provisions can result in fines ranging from £1,000 to an unlimited amount following a successful prosecution in a magistrates’ court.
The Government is not proposing to ban vehicle modifications generally. Tuning, repairs and non-original replacement parts can remain legitimate provided they do not cause a vehicle to fall outside the emissions standard it is legally required to meet.
The Department for Transport says enforcement under the strengthened regime would be expected to be carried out by the DVSA, with attention likely to focus further upstream on businesses and practices involving illegal emissions-control modifications rather than relying solely on annual roadworthiness testing.
The Government currently envisages new legislation being passed in summer 2027, followed by a proposed six-month adjustment period.
For taxi and private hire drivers operating high-mileage diesel vehicles, the issue is particularly relevant because DPF, EGR and AdBlue systems can be among the more expensive emissions components to repair or replace.
The consultation remains open until 11:59pm on 6 September 2026.
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