If you own a vehicle in the UK, you may be wondering, “How much is my road tax?” The amount you pay for road tax depends on several factors, including the date of registration, CO2 emissions, and list price of your vehicle. Understanding the current road tax system is crucial, as rates have changed over the years.
To calculate your road tax, you can use a road tax calculator, which will give you an accurate estimate of the amount you can expect to pay. It’s important to be aware of the vehicle tax rates and the associated costs, as they vary depending on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and other factors.
How Much is My Road Tax in the UK?
Road Tax Rates for Cars Registered on or after 1 April 2017
When it comes to cars registered on or after 1 April 2017, the road tax rates are based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions. The rates differ for diesel cars that meet the Real Driving Emissions 2 (RDE2) standard and those that don’t, as well as for petrol cars and alternative fuel cars.
The rates range from £0 for zero-emission cars to £2,745 for vehicles emitting over 255g/km of CO2. Depending on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions, you’ll need to make the first tax payment when you register the vehicle, and then pay vehicle tax every 6 or 12 months at a different rate.
How Are the Road Tax Rates Determined?
The road tax rates for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017 are calculated based on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The lower the CO2 emissions, the lower the road tax rate. This incentivizes the use of vehicles with lower emissions, promoting environmental sustainability.
For diesel cars that meet the RDE2 standard, the road tax rates are generally higher compared to those that don’t meet the standard. Petrol cars and alternative fuel cars also have their own specific road tax rates.
What Are the Road Tax Rates for Different Vehicles?
Here is a breakdown of the road tax rates for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017:
| Vehicle Type | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | First-Year Rate | Standard Rate (6 or 12 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel cars meeting the RDE2 standard | Based on CO2 emissions | £0 – £175 | £155 – £175 |
| Diesel cars not meeting the RDE2 standard | Based on CO2 emissions | £215 – £540 | £155 – £540 |
| Petrol cars and alternative fuel cars | Based on CO2 emissions | £0 – £165 | £150 – £165 |
| Zero-emission cars | 0 | £0 | £0 |
It’s important to note that these rates are subject to change, so it’s essential to check the current road tax rates and consult a road tax calculator to determine the exact amount you’ll need to pay for your vehicle.
Understanding the road tax rates for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017 is crucial for budgeting your vehicle expenses. By knowing the CO2 emissions of your car and referring to the tax rates, you can accurately calculate and plan for your road tax payments. Remember to stay updated on any changes in the road tax system to ensure compliance and avoid any penalties.
Road Tax Rates for Cars Registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017
For cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, the road tax rates were determined by a combination of factors, including the CO2 emissions of the vehicle and its original cost. However, in April 2020, the system underwent changes with the introduction of WLTP carbon dioxide emissions figures and the removal of the supplement on electric vehicles worth over £40,000.
The road tax rates were categorized into different tax bands based on CO2 emissions. It’s essential to know which tax band your car falls into to determine the road tax you’ll need to pay. The rates ranged from lower rates for cars with lower CO2 emissions to higher rates for vehicles with higher emissions.
Previously, diesel cars that didn’t meet the RDE2 requirements had higher first-year rates. However, as of January 2021, this requirement is no longer in effect. It’s important to consider both the CO2 emissions and any potential exemptions or requirements specific to diesel cars when calculating the road tax for cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017.
Example Road Tax Rates
| Tax Band | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | First-Year Rate | Standard Rate (After First Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to 100 | £0 | £0 |
| B | 101-110 | £10 | £150 |
| C | 111-120 | £30 | £155 |
| D | 121-130 | £125 | £165 |
| E | 131-140 | £145 | £210 |
| F | 141-150 | £160 | £165 |
| G | 151-165 | £200 | £245 |
| H | 166-175 | £235 | £290 |
It’s important to note that these rates are just an example and may have changed since the time of publication. To determine the exact road tax rates for your car registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, it’s recommended to use a road tax calculator or refer to official government sources.
Road Tax Rates for Cars Registered Before 1 March 2001
Cars registered before 1 March 2001 are subject to a different road tax system based on the car’s engine capacity. There are two categories: cars with an engine capacity of not over 1549cc, and cars with an engine capacity over 1549cc. The road tax rates for these cars are £210 and £345 respectively for a 12-month period. It’s important to know the engine capacity of your car to determine the correct road tax rate.
Road Tax Rates for Cars Registered Before 1 March 2001
| Engine Capacity | Road Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Cars with an engine capacity not over 1549cc | £210 for 12 months |
| Cars with an engine capacity over 1549cc | £345 for 12 months |
Road Tax Rates for Vehicles With a List Price Over £40,000
If you own a car with a list price exceeding £40,000, you’ll be required to pay an additional annual supplement along with the standard road tax rates. This extra fee amounts to £410 and is applicable for a duration of five years, commencing from the second year of registration.
It’s important to note that zero-emission vehicles are exempt from this additional supplement. So, if you own an electric vehicle or any other vehicle classified as zero-emission, you won’t have to pay the additional £410 annually.
Keep in mind that the list price refers to the total price of your car, including any options or trim levels, before any discounts or offers are applied. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the original list price when calculating your road tax expenses.
To illustrate the impact of the additional annual supplement, here’s a breakdown of the road tax rates for vehicles with a list price over £40,000:
| Year | Standard Road Tax | Additional Annual Supplement | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Based on CO2 emissions | Not applicable | Standard Road Tax |
| Year 2 and onwards | Based on CO2 emissions | £410 | Total Tax + £410 |
As demonstrated in the table above, the additional annual supplement of £410 is only applicable starting from the second year of registration. It’s essential to factor in this supplement when determining your overall road tax expenses for vehicles with a list price over £40,000.
Remember, zero-emission vehicles are exempted from this supplement, providing an incentive for environmentally friendly cars and reducing the financial burden of road tax for electric vehicle owners.
Paying Road Tax and Available Options
When it comes to paying your road tax in the UK, there are several options available to make the process convenient and hassle-free. Whether you prefer online payment or visiting a post office, you have the flexibility to choose the method that suits you best.
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your road tax is by doing it online. To do this, you can use a reference number from a reminder letter or your vehicle’s logbook (V5C). This option allows you to pay using your debit card, credit card, or even through direct debit, making the process quick and straightforward.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can also visit a post office that deals with vehicle tax. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the payment process and ensure that you have all the necessary information to complete the transaction successfully.
In some cases, you may not need to pay road tax at all. If you’re planning not to use your car for an extended period, you can make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) declaration. This declaration allows you to avoid paying road tax while your vehicle is off the road.
It’s essential to note that if you declare SORN while there’s still time left on the current road tax period, you may be eligible for a refund for the outstanding amount. This ensures that you only pay for the road tax when your vehicle is actively being used.
By exploring the different options available, you can find a road tax payment method that aligns with your preferences and makes the process more convenient. Whether it’s through online payment, visiting a post office, or declaring SORN, you have the flexibility to manage your road tax obligations efficiently.
Payment Options for Road Tax
- Online payment using a reference number from a reminder letter or logbook (V5C).
- Debit card, credit card, or direct debit payment methods.
- Payment at a post office that deals with vehicle tax.
- Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) declaration for vehicles not in use.
- Possible refund for the outstanding amount if SORN is declared with time remaining on the current road tax.
Monitoring and Consequences of Not Paying Road Tax
To ensure road tax compliance, the UK employs Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras check the database for both taxed and untaxed vehicles, helping to identify those who have failed to pay their road tax.
If you happen to be the registered keeper of an untaxed vehicle, you can expect to receive a Late Licensing Penalty (LLP) letter. This letter comes with a fine of £80 as a consequence for not paying road tax on time. However, if you promptly pay the fine within 33 days, the amount can be reduced to £40.
Keeping or using an untaxed vehicle without a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) declaration is a violation of the law. In such cases, an Out of Court Settlement (OCS) letter will be issued, imposing a fine of £30 plus one-and-a-half times the outstanding vehicle tax.
Conclusion
The process of vehicle taxation and calculating road tax rates in the UK can be complex. To determine how much road tax you need to pay for your vehicle, you’ll need to consider factors such as the registration date, CO2 emissions, and list price. Staying updated on the current road tax rates and having a clear understanding of the tax bands and associated costs is crucial.
Using a road tax calculator can simplify the process by helping you calculate the exact amount you’ll need to pay. By following the guidelines and staying aware of the rules and regulations, you can ensure that you pay the correct amount of road tax for your vehicle in the UK. Remember, accurate car tax calculation is important to avoid penalties or fines for non-compliance.
Keep in mind that road tax rates may change over time, so it’s essential to stay informed and regularly review the applicable rates for your vehicle. By staying proactive and knowledgeable about vehicle taxation, you can confidently fulfill your road tax obligations and enjoy hassle-free driving on UK roads.
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