Vehicle Road Tax Checker

Road Tax Checker

UK road tax, officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a mandatory government charge for most vehicles used or kept on public roads in the UK. It helps fund the upkeep of the road network and varies depending on your vehicle’s type, age, fuel type, and CO₂ emissions.

You’ll need to pay road tax before driving your vehicle on public roads — even if you’ve just bought it. If your vehicle isn’t being used, you must register it as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) instead of paying tax.

Who Has to Pay Road Tax?

Most drivers in the UK are required to pay road tax. However, there are some exceptions and discounts depending on vehicle type or owner eligibility.

How Is Road Tax Calculated?

Road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) in the UK is calculated based on a vehicle’s date of first registration, CO₂ emissions, and fuel type. Different rules apply depending on when the vehicle was first registered:

On or after 1 April 2017

The first year’s tax is based on CO₂ emissions. From the second year onward, most cars pay a standard flat rate depending on fuel type — currently around £190 for petrol/diesel and £180 for hybrids. Cars with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £390 per year for five years (from year two).

Between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017

Tax is based purely on CO₂ emissions, with vehicles producing more emissions paying more each year. There is no flat standard rate or premium supplement for these vehicles.

Before 1 March 2001

Tax is calculated using engine size rather than CO₂ emissions — one rate for engines up to 1549cc, and a higher rate for those above.

In general, the higher your vehicle’s CO₂ emissions, the more you’ll pay. Electric vehicles are currently exempt from road tax (until April 2025), but this exemption will end after that date.