Drivers have been issued a 24-hour reminder or risk a hefty fine. Failing to pay your vehicle tax could lead to a £1,000 penalty
This payment, also referred to as vehicle tax or road tax, is a fee for using a motor vehicle on Britain’s public roads. The cash is then allocated towards infrastructure improvements including road upkeep and repairs. On social media platform X, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) posted a reminder stating: “You can tax your vehicle online 24 hours a day, seven days a week on http://gov.uk/dvla/tax.
“Do it now. #TaxItDontRiskIt #DVLADigital.” You cantax your vehicle online here or by calling 0300 123 4321.
To complete this, you will need a reference number obtained from either:
- A recent reminder or a “last chance” notification letter issued by DVLA regarding vehicle tax
- Your vehicle log book (V5C) which should be registered in your name
- The green “new keeper” portion of the log book if the vehicle has been newly acquired
If you can’t find these documents you will need to apply for a new log book. Payments for the tax can be made via debit or credit card, or by setting up a Direct Debit.
It’s important to note that you’re still required to register your vehicle for tax even though no payment is due. The DVLA’s website states: “You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay anything, for example if you’re exempt because you’re disabled.”
If you fail to tax your vehicle, you’ll receive an out of court settlement (OCS) letter. The fee is set at £30 plus one and a half times the amount of due vehicle tax.
Non-payment of the OCS could see the matter escalated to the magistrates’ court as a criminal offence, where penalties can hit either £1,000 or five times the taxable amount, whichever sum is higher.
Your vehicle is also at risk of being clamped, with extra charges potentially being incurred. There is no payment necessary if you are the owner of any one of the following.
Vehicles used by a disabled person
If your car is utilised by someone with a disability, you’ll want to claim the disability exemption during vehicle tax time. Evidence of eligibility for the disability exemption will be required, of course.
The DVLA has clarified: “You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it’s no longer being used by a disabled person. You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you’ll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.”
Disabled passenger vehicles
Vehicles operated by organisations that provide transport services for disabled individuals are also tax-exempt, although this does not extend to ambulances.
Historic vehicles
For historic vehicles, any motor made before January 1, 1985, is not subject to vehicle tax. Owners can verify their vehicle’s eligibility via the the Government website here.
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are likewise exempt from vehicle tax under certain conditions:
- They must not exceed 8mph on roads
- They should be equipped with a mechanism restricting speed to 4mph on footpaths
Mowing machines
Regarding mowing machines, the DVLA specifies: “You do not have to pay vehicle tax on a mower that’s designed and used for cutting grass only. This does not include tractors used to tow gang mowers.”
Steam vehicles
Steam-powered vehicles are entirely exempt from vehicle tax.
Agricultural, horticultural, and forestry vehicles
Electric heavy goods vehicles
Additionally, electric heavy goods vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax. Electric heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg are not subject to the tax.
Prior to a rule change on April 1 this year, electric cars, vans, motorcycles and tricycles were also exempt from road tax. Hybrid electric vehicles are now also liable for tax.
For further details and to verify your exemption status, visit the Government website here.