Drivers across the UK are being urged to carry out a quick online check that could save them from an unexpected £150 hit to their annual vehicle tax. The DVLA has updated Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates.
For many motorists, particularly those with older fuel-efficient cars, the change could lead to a steep rise in their car tax bill. Motoring experts warn that vehicles registered between 2001 and 2017, which are still taxed under the older CO2-based system, are most at risk.
These drivers could find themselves moved onto a flat-rate system, resulting in a yearly increase of up to £150 or more.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, warned of a “major financial shock” facing car owners.
He explained that those with small family cars or city run-arounds that previously benefited from low CO2 emissions bands might now see their VED bills soar.
With the average driver already paying over £520 a year in fuel duty, he said, the increase would amount to a 34% jump in total motoring taxes for some households.
To avoid being caught off guard, drivers can use free online number plate checking tools like the one offered by WeBuyAnyCar.
By entering a vehicle’s registration number, motorists can quickly see crucial details such as the car’s engine size, power output, CO2 emissions, tax status, registration date, and MOT history.
This tool also reveals whether a car is an import and how many previous owners it has had, making it useful for both current vehicle owners and prospective used car buyers.
So make sure you check your vehicle’s details now before your renewal notice arrives. A few seconds online could help you prepare for, and possibly even avoid, a sharp increase in your annual car tax.
