Drivers must obey new 3pm to 7am rules in UK or face 'prison sentence'

A new driving rule banning one motoring activity for 16 hours per day has been introduced in one part of England with road users facing "prison sentences" for breaking the law. An injunction banning street racing has been granted in the Black Country with local councils issuing an urgent warning to motorists.

The new injunction covers boroughs across the Black Country including major cities such as Wolverhampton and Walsall. The new rule specifically forbids drivers or passengers to participate in a gathering of two or more persons to engage in motor racing or other dangerous or obstructive driving. Officials have warned this could include spectacular stunts such as burnouts, donuts or drifting.

However, ordinary road users could also be caught out, with the rules stating that undertaking or passing a vehicle on its nearside could also be breaking the rules.

The injunction comes with a power of arrest warrant, meaning motorists could be sent to prison if they are found to be in breach of the rules.

Walsall Council states: "It forbids anyone who is a driver, rider or passenger in or on a motor vehicle to participate between the hours of 3pm and 7am in a gathering of two or more persons within the Black Country area at which some of those present engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.

"It also covers organisers and spectators, prohibiting people from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings, or from participating in a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.

"The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and has a Power of Arrest attached to it which gives the police the power to arrest anyone who breaches it. Breach of an injunction is a contempt to court and if proved the court has the power to impose a sentence of imprisonment, a fine, or an order seizing a person’s assets."

A hearing in February permitted injunctions to continue with another review set in place for early 2026. Officials stress that the injunction is advertised by signs placed in key areas across the highway so road users are aware of the rule.

Local police forces are inviting members of the public to submit any dash-cam or mobile phone footage of street racing eventsthrough its online portal.

Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Digital and Community at the City of Wolverhampton Council issued a message to road users after an individual from Smethwick received a 21-day custodial sentence for breaching the injunction.

Obaida said: “The existence of the street racing injunction is widely known across the Black Country, but we are still seeing occasional incidents such as the one which occurred in Smethwick in March.

“As we have seen once again, the court will not hesitate to take tough action against anyone who breaches the injunction.

“We know that street racing activity typically increases with the lighter nights and warmer weather of spring and summer, and anyone who is thinking of taking part in this wholly anti-social activity should recognise the severe consequences that they will face.”