The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has warned that some motorists could be at risk of facing penalties for not taxing their vehicle. In the UK, it’s against the law to operate a vehicle on public roads without valid taxation, with only a handful of exceptions to the rule. Despite some vehicles being exempt from the tax fee, they must still be officially taxed. An £80 fine is initially given for driving an untaxed vehicle, which can escalate significantly if unpaid. Should the case go to court, offenders face a potential fine of up to £1,000 or five times the original tax due, whichever is higher.
The DVLA said on X: “You must tax your vehicle, even if you don’t have to pay anything.”
All the vehicles exempt from paying tax
Vehicles that are used by a disabled person
Vehicles used by disabled people can be exempt from needing to pay tax as long as the person claims an eligible disability benefits. This includes:
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
It’s crucial to remember that for the vehicle to be exempt, it must be registered in the name of the disabled person or their nominated driver. Moreover, the vehicle can only be used for the personal needs of the disabled individual and not for the personal use of the nominated driver.
The tax exemption can only be applied to one vehicle at a time, even if multiple vehicles are registered in the name of the disabled person or their nominated driver. Vehicles used by organisations to transport disabled people are also exempt from tax, although this does not include ambulances.
Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs
Certain types of mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs are exempt from tax provided they meet the following criteria:
- They have been fitted with a limited device that stops them going over 4mph on footways
- While on the road, they have a maximum speed of 8mph
Historical vehicles
Vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1985, are exempt from tax.
Electric vehicles
To qualify for tax exemption, an electric vehicle (EV) must possess one of the following:
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- an electric storage battery that isn’t connected to any source of power when the vehicle moves
- An external source of power such as a private or public charging point
Agricultural vehicles
Agricultural vehicles used in farming, horticulture, and forestry can also be exempt from paying vehicle tax. This includes tractors and agricultural engines.
Furthermore, grass-cutting machines specifically designed for mowing and steam-powered vehicles are also free from paying tax.
How to tax a vehicle
To tax a vehicle, you’ll need a reference number which can be found in the vehicle’s logbook (V5C), the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the logbook, or a recent vehicle tax reminder letter from the DVLA.
If these documents aren’t available, you’ll need to request a new log book directly from the DVLA. You can tax a vehicle online, over the phone, or at a Post Office.
Complete information on how to tax your vehicle can be found here.