Understanding whether your vehicle’s tax (Vehicle Excise Duty, or VED) is up to date—and how much you owe—can feel daunting. This guide explains:
- What car tax is
- How it’s calculated
- How to check your car’s tax status
- Payment methods, rates and bands
- Exemptions and special cases
What Is Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)?
Vehicle Excise Duty—commonly called “road tax” or “car tax”—is an annual fee paid on most vehicles kept or used on UK public roads. Revenue funds road maintenance, public transport and environmental initiatives.
How Car Tax Is Calculated
Registration Date Determines the System
- Cars first registered before 1 March 2001
Tax based on engine size (cc) and whether you pay annually or by instalments. - Cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017
Tax based on the car’s CO₂ emissions, in bands A (lowest) to M (highest). - Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017
- First-year (showroom) rate: A one-off payment based on CO₂ emissions.
- Subsequent years: A flat “standard” rate of £195 per year, rising to £620 if the car’s list price exceeded £40,000 when new (additional £425 premium for up to five years).
CO₂ Emissions Bands (2001–2017 models)
| Band | CO₂ (g/km) | Annual VED (petrol/diesel) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to 100 | £20 |
| B | 101–110 | £20 |
| C | 111–120 | £35 |
| D | 121–130 | £165 |
| E | 131–140 | £195 |
| F | 141–150 | £215 |
| G | 151–165 | £265 |
| H | 166–175 | £315 |
| I | 176–185 | £345 |
| J | 186–200 | £395 |
| K* | 201–225 | £430 |
| L | 226–255 | £735 |
| M | Over 255 | £760 |
Band K includes cars over 225 g/km first registered before 23 March 2006.
First-Year Rates (2017 and Later)
| CO₂ (g/km) | First-Year VED | Standard Rate thereafter |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | £10 | £195 |
| 1–50 | £110 | £195 |
| 51–75 | £130 | £195 |
| 76–90 | £270 | £195 |
| 91–100 | £350 | £195 |
| 101–110 | £390 | £195 |
| 111–130 | £440 | £195 |
| 131–150 | £540 | £195 |
| 151–170 | £1,360 | £195 |
| 171–190 | £2,190 | £195 |
| 191–225 | £3,300 | £195 |
| 226–255 | £4,680 | £195 |
| Over 255 | £5,490 | £195 |
Cars over £40,000 list price pay an extra £425 for five years from year two.
How to Check if Your Car Is Taxed
- Online via GOV.UK Vehicle Enquiry Service
Visit Check if a vehicle is taxed at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. - Required Information
- Registration number (number plate)
- For taxing a vehicle or re-taxing after SORN: the 11-digit reference from V5C logbook, V11 reminder or green new-keeper slip.
Exemptions and Discounts
Even exempt vehicles must be declared tax-free via GOV.UK. Common exemptions include:
- Zero-emission electric cars (until 1 April 2025; thereafter pay standard rate)
- Historic vehicles over 40 years old
- Disabled persons’ vehicles (if registered disabled)
- Agricultural vehicles (e.g., tractors)
- Vehicles off the road under Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
- Some low-emission alternative-fuel cars enjoyed a £10 discount (removed April 2025).
How to Pay Your Vehicle Tax
- Online via debit/credit card or Direct Debit
- By phone (0300 123 4321)
- At a Post Office (bring V5C/new-keeper slip and payment or bank details for Direct Debit)
Payment frequencies: Annual, 6-month, or monthly (Direct Debit surcharge applies).
Penalties for Untaxed Vehicles
Driving an untaxed vehicle on public roads is illegal.
Fines range from £80 to £1,000+, and vehicles can be clamped, towed or seized. Permitted only if driving to a pre-booked MOT (evidence required).
Maintaining up-to-date vehicle tax is a legal requirement and ensures you contribute to the upkeep of UK roads and environmental targets. Checking your tax status takes moments online—simply enter your registration to confirm you’re taxed and avoid fines.
