Road Tax Calculator UK
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How Road Tax Works in the UK
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as road tax, is a tax that must be paid on most types of vehicles before they can be used or kept on public roads in the UK. The amount you pay depends on several factors including your vehicle’s CO₂ emissions, fuel type, and when it was first registered.
Current Tax Bands (2025)
| CO₂ Emissions (g/km) | First Year Rate | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (Electric) | £0 | £0 |
| 1-50 | £0 | £190 |
| 51-75 | £15 | £190 |
| 76-90 | £115 | £190 |
| 91-100 | £145 | £190 |
| 101-110 | £175 | £190 |
| 111-130 | £220 | £190 |
| 131-150 | £270 | £190 |
| 151-170 | £680 | £190 |
| 171-190 | £1,095 | £190 |
| 191-225 | £1,650 | £190 |
| 226-255 | £2,340 | £190 |
| Over 255 | £2,745 | £190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
You must tax your vehicle before you can drive or park it on public roads. You can tax your vehicle up to 2 months before the current tax runs out, and the new tax will start on the first day of the month after your current tax expires.
Driving without valid road tax is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Additionally, your vehicle may be clamped, impounded, or even destroyed if you don’t pay the required tax.
You can get a refund for any full months left on your vehicle tax if you sell your vehicle, take it off the road, or scrap it. You must tell DVLA immediately and the refund will be calculated from the date they receive your information.
Currently, pure electric vehicles pay £0 road tax. However, from April 2025, electric vehicles will be subject to the standard rate of Vehicle Excise Duty, though they may still benefit from lower rates compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.
Cars with a list price over £40,000 when new pay an additional £390 per year on top of the standard rate for the first five years after the first year of registration. This applies regardless of the vehicle’s current value.
Road tax can be paid annually, every 6 months, or monthly by Direct Debit. Annual payment is usually the most cost-effective option as there are no additional fees for this payment method.
Payment Methods and Renewal
You can pay your road tax online through the GOV.UK website, by phone, or at selected Post Office branches. You’ll need your vehicle registration number and either your V5C (log book) or a valid MOT test certificate.
Required Documents
- Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) or valid MOT certificate
- Valid MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
- Valid insurance certificate or cover note
- Payment method (debit/credit card, Direct Debit details)
SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
If you’re not using your vehicle on public roads, you can declare it off the road with a SORN. This means you don’t have to pay road tax, but the vehicle must be kept on private property. You still need valid insurance unless you also declare the vehicle as not in use.
References
- HM Revenue and Customs. (2025). Vehicle Excise Duty Rate Tables. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. (2025). Vehicle Tax Rates and Increases. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vehicle-excise-duty
- Department for Transport. (2025). Vehicle Taxation Policy: Environmental Impact Assessment. London: The Stationery Office.
- GOV.UK. (2025). Tax Your Vehicle. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax
- HM Revenue and Customs. (2025). Vehicle Excise Duty: Technical Guidance. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/excise-notice-728-vehicle-excise-duty