2035 Petrol and Diesel Ban: Impact on Used Car Values and MOTs

The petrol diesel ban 2035 UK — the government's commitment to end the sale of new purely petrol and diesel cars — is now fewer than nine years away. While that may sound distant, the effects are already being felt in used car markets, dealership strategies, and the thinking of anyone planning a major vehicle purchase today. This article cuts through the confusion to explain what the ban actually means, what it does not mean, and how it will affect used car values, MOT requirements, and everyday motoring costs.

What the 2035 Ban Actually Means

From 2035, it will no longer be legal to sell a new purely petrol or diesel car in the UK. The ban does not apply to used cars. A petrol car bought new in 2034 can continue to be driven, bought, and sold on the secondhand market indefinitely, provided it passes its annual MOT and the owner pays the applicable Vehicle Excise Duty. There is no plan to ban the driving or ownership of existing petrol and diesel vehicles.

It is also worth noting that new hybrid vehicles — cars with a combustion engine supplemented by an electric motor — may continue to be sold beyond 2035 under certain conditions, though the precise rules are still being finalised. Pure petrol and pure diesel are the targets of the 2035 cut-off.

Impact on Used Petrol and Diesel Car Values

The petrol diesel ban 2035 UK is already beginning to cast a long shadow over used car valuations, though the effects are nuanced. Older, high-emission petrol and diesel vehicles — particularly Euro 5 diesels — are declining in value faster than equivalent-age vehicles would have in previous years. This is partly driven by the expansion of Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and ULEZ schemes in UK cities, which impose daily charges on non-compliant vehicles.

By contrast, newer Euro 6 petrol cars are holding their value relatively well, as they remain ULEZ-compliant and will continue to be perfectly legal to drive for many years after 2035. The depreciation curve for a 2022-registered petrol car bought today looks broadly similar to what it would have been five years ago — the 2035 deadline is too far away to create an immediate pricing cliff for newer secondhand stock.

Diesel cars present a more complicated picture. Even Euro 6 diesels face increasing scrutiny in urban areas, and some buyers are avoiding them entirely in anticipation of tighter regulations. Diesel values in the used market are generally softer than equivalent petrols of the same age and mileage.

Will the MOT Change for Petrol and Diesel Cars After 2035?

There are no current plans to abolish or fundamentally alter the MOT test for existing petrol and diesel vehicles after 2035. The test is a road safety measure, not an environmental one (though it includes an emissions check). As long as petrol and diesel cars remain on UK roads, they will need annual MOT tests after the three-year mark. There is speculation that emissions thresholds within the MOT could be tightened over time to push older, dirtier vehicles off the road, but no concrete policy has been announced. Check our MOT history tool to view any vehicle's full test record.

Running Costs for ICE Cars as the Ban Approaches

Beyond MOT and depreciation, ongoing running costs for petrol and diesel cars may shift as the 2035 deadline draws nearer. Key factors to watch include:

• Fuel availability — petrol and diesel forecourts are expected to remain plentiful well into the 2040s, as the existing fleet takes decades to turn over. Fuel supply concerns are not a near-term issue.
• Parts and servicing — as combustion engine production winds down, specialist knowledge and parts availability could become more limited for older vehicles in the long run, though this is a 2040s-and-beyond concern for most current cars.
• Insurance — no significant change is expected purely as a result of the 2035 ban. Insurance is risk-based and will continue to reflect the vehicle's age, driver profile, and usage.
• Road pricing — the government is exploring road pricing as EV adoption erodes fuel duty revenue. This could affect all vehicles, not just petrol and diesel.

Should You Buy a Petrol or Diesel Car in 2026?

For most buyers, a well-chosen, relatively modern petrol or Euro 6 diesel car remains a sensible choice in 2026, particularly outside major urban areas where charging infrastructure is less developed. The key is to check the vehicle thoroughly before buying. A free car check will reveal the vehicle's MOT history, mileage consistency, outstanding finance, and write-off status — all essential due diligence before any used car purchase.

Avoid Euro 5 diesels if you live in or frequently travel into a city with a CAZ or ULEZ. These vehicles face real running cost penalties today, not just in 2035.

The Long View: 2035 and Beyond

The petrol diesel ban 2035 UK is a structural shift, not an overnight event. The transition to an EV-dominant fleet will take decades, and petrol and diesel cars will be a meaningful part of UK roads well into the 2050s. The most important thing you can do as a car owner today is stay informed, keep your vehicle well maintained and passing its annual MOT check, and make buying decisions based on your actual usage — not on headlines that misrepresent what the 2035 ban actually entails.