DVLA Car Tax At A Glance
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is responsible for issuing car tax in the UK, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Car tax is a legal requirement for any vehicle being used on the road in the UK and failure to pay it can result in fines, penalties and even your car being clamped or towed away. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the DVLA car tax system, including rates, exemptions, and how to pay your car tax.
Vehicle Excise Duty Rates
The amount of car tax you need to pay depends on a variety of factors, including your car’s age, CO2 emissions and fuel type. The DVLA updates its rates annually, so it’s important to check the latest rates before you tax your vehicle.For vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2017, the standard rate of car tax is £150 per year, with an additional charge of £15 per year for vehicles emitting more than 1 gram of CO2 per kilometre travelled. Vehicles that emit zero emissions will not have to pay car tax. For vehicles registered before 1 April 2017, the car tax rates are based on 13 emission bands, with charges ranging from £0 to £570 per year. The amount you pay will depend on your car’s CO2 emissions, fuel type and age. You can check your car tax rate online using the DVLA’s vehicle tax rate tool.
Exemptions and Discounts
Some vehicles are exempt from car tax, including electric vehicles and cars with zero CO2 emissions. If your car produces less than 100g/km of CO2, you’ll also receive a discount on your car tax. If you’re driving a car registered before 1 March 2001, you’ll pay a flat rate of £165 per year regardless of its emissions.Other reasons for exemption include cars registered before January 1st, 1975, vehicles used for agricultural purposes on private land, and any vehicle used solely for mobility purposes with no passenger seats. You will also not have to pay car tax if you own a car that is kept off-road, although you will need to declare it as SORN (Statutory off Road Notification).
How to Pay Your Car Tax
Paying your car tax is quick and easy. You can do it online, by phone or at your local post office. Before you start the process, you’ll need to ensure you have the following:
• Your vehicle registration certificate (V5C)
• A reference number from a recent reminder (V11) or your tax disc (V5C/2)
• An MOT certificate, if applicable
• Insurance details
To pay online, visit the DVLA’s vehicle tax service website, enter your V5C reference number and follow the instructions. You can also pay by phone, by calling the DVLA’s automated service on 0300 123 4321.
If you’re paying at the post office, take your V5C reference number and tax disc reminder letter with you.If you’re buying a new or used car, you’ll need to ensure the previous owner has paid the car tax before you can legally drive it. You can also check the status of a vehicle’s car tax online, using the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service.
Consequences of Not Paying Car Tax
Not paying your car tax can result in some serious consequences. The DVLA has the power to issue fines, clamp your car or even tow it away. If your vehicle is clamped, you’ll need to pay a release fee, which can be up to £200, plus any unpaid car tax. If your car is towed away, it will be stored at a vehicle pound, and you could be charged towing and release fees, which can amount to hundreds of pounds.You can avoid these penalties by ensuring you pay your car tax on time.
The DVLA will send you a reminder when it’s time to renew your car tax, so keep an eye out for it and don’t ignore it.In some cases, you may be able to appeal against a car tax penalty, for example, if your car was stolen, you were out of the country when your car tax expired, or you were unable to pay due to financial hardship. If you’ve been issued with a fine or penalty, you should contact the DVLA as soon as possible to explain your situation.ConclusionCar tax is a legal requirement for anyone who drives a car on the road in the UK.
The DVLA car tax system is straightforward, and by keeping up to date with the latest rates and ensuring you pay your car tax on time, you can avoid any costly penalties. If you’re unsure about your car tax status, or you need to renew your tax, visit the DVLA website or contact their customer service team for further advice. By taking the time to understand your obligations, you can help make the road a safer and more sustainable place for everyone.
In the United Kingdom, The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, or DVLA, is the organization of the UK Government that bears the responsibility of maintaining the data base of vehicles and drivers in the country. The Irish counterpart is the Driver and Vehicle Agency.
In the United States, the function of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is borne by state Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition to maintaining the data base, the other responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is to collect the DVLA car tax. This DVLA tax is sometimes also known as the Vehicle Excise Duty, the road tax, or the road fund license.
After the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency introduced the Electronic Vehicle Licensing program, the DVLA car tax can be paid over the phone or online. However, many individuals in the United Kingdom continue to elect to pay their DVLA tax through the Post Office. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is based in Swansea, in southern Wales, and has offices throughout the United Kingdom.
In addition to collecting money associated with the DVLA car tax, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency may also collect money from individuals who want to purchase private number license plates for their cars.
