UK Vehicle Tax (VED) Guide 2026
Everything UK drivers need to know about road tax: VED bands, costs by vehicle type, SORN declarations, exemptions, how to check status, how to renew, and what happens when it expires.
Quick Answer
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called road tax, must be paid annually to drive a vehicle on UK public roads. The standard rate in 2026 is £190/year for most cars. Tax is not transferable between owners. You can check any vehicle's tax status free using DVLA records. Driving untaxed can result in a £1,000 fine.
VED Tax Bands 2026
There are three different VED systems in the UK depending on when the vehicle was first registered. Make sure you are looking at the right table for your car.
Vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2017
| Vehicle type | Standard annual rate |
|---|---|
| Petrol/diesel car (standard) | £190 |
| Electric vehicle (registered before Apr 2025) | £0 |
| Electric vehicle (registered from Apr 2025) | £190 (after first year) |
| Motorhome | £200–£600 (weight-based) |
| Motorcycle (up to 150cc) | £24 |
| Motorcycle (151–400cc) | £51 |
| Motorcycle (401–600cc) | £81 |
| Motorcycle (over 600cc) | £117 |
Vehicles registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 (CO2 bands)
| Band | CO2 (g/km) | Annual rate |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to 100 | £0 |
| B | 101–110 | £20 |
| C | 111–120 | £35 |
| D | 121–130 | £160 |
| E | 131–140 | £190 |
| F | 141–150 | £210 |
| G | 151–165 | £265 |
| H | 166–175 | £295 |
| I | 176–185 | £320 |
| J | 186–200 | £365 |
| K | 201–225 | £395 |
| L | 226–255 | £675 |
| M | Over 255 | £695 |
SORN: What It Is and When to Use It
SORN — Statutory Off Road Notification — is a declaration to DVLA that your vehicle is not being used on public roads and therefore does not require road tax. You can declare SORN online at GOV.UK in minutes. It takes effect immediately.
Once SORN is declared, your vehicle must be kept off public roads at all times. This includes driveways that cross public pavements — if any part of the vehicle is on a public road, even briefly, you are liable to prosecution. SORN vehicles must still be insured (unless you have declared a statutory insurance exemption).
When to declare SORN
Car is off the road for repairs, storage, or winter layup. Vehicle is broken and not being used.
SORN does not expire
SORN remains in place until you re-tax the vehicle. You do not need to renew SORN annually.
SORN vehicles need no MOT
A SORN vehicle does not need an MOT — but the moment you want to drive it, both MOT and tax must be current.
Refund on SORN
DVLA will issue a refund for any full calendar months of unexpired tax when you declare SORN.
How to Check Road Tax Status
You can check the tax status of any UK vehicle for free using the registration number. The official route is gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax — or you can use MotR's free tax checker which shows the same DVLA data with additional context.
How to renew road tax
Online via GOV.UK
The fastest method. Visit gov.uk/renew-vehicle-tax and use your V5C (logbook) or V11 reminder letter. Payment is immediate.
By phone
Call 0300 123 4321 (24/7 automated service). You'll need your V5C or V11 reference number and a payment card.
At a Post Office
Any Post Office that offers vehicle tax services. You'll need your V5C and MOT certificate. Some offices charge a handling fee.
Road Tax Exemptions
Certain vehicles and owners are entitled to pay reduced or zero road tax. Always claim the correct exemption — DVLA does not automatically apply them.
Vehicles registered before 1 January 1977
Historic vehicles receive free VED. Apply using form V10 at a Post Office.
Disabled drivers (PIP/DLA claimants)
Drivers receiving PIP or higher-rate mobility DLA qualify for free or 50% discounted VED.
Mobility Scheme vehicles
Cars leased through the Motability Scheme are exempt from VED while on the scheme.
Zero-emission vehicles (pre-April 2025)
EVs registered before 1 April 2025 continue to pay £0 VED under the old rules.
Related Tax Checks & Guides
Vehicle Tax Check
Tax status, renewal date & VED context
Vehicle Tax Checker
Instant taxed/untaxed/SORN result
Check If Car Is Taxed
Check any vehicle before buying/driving
Is My Car Taxed?
Owner's renewal guide & reminders
MOT & Tax Checker
Both compliance checks together
MOT Guide
Complete MOT information hub
MOT Checker
Check MOT status alongside tax
Car Insurance Guide
Insurance requirements & MIB explained
Cheap Road Tax Cars
Cars in the lowest VED bands
Buying a Used Car
Tax at point of sale — what to know
Vehicle Tax Frequently Asked Questions
Check Your Vehicle Tax Status — Free
Verify your road tax status, renewal date, and payment history using official DVLA data.