Failing to do this ‘five minute’ task could result in a fine of up to £1,000
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has urged drivers “do it today” as around 150,000 cars were clamped last year. Failing to do this “five minute” task could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Speaking on social media platform X, the DVLA encouraged drivers to set up an online account that can remind them to tax their cars. Car tax, also referred to as vehicle tax or road tax, is a charge for using a motor vehicle on Britain’s public roads. The money is then distributed towards infrastructure improvements, including road maintenance and repairs. You can opt to pay this yearly or as a monthly payment.
Failing to pay your vehicle tax will lead to a penalty, which can escalate to as much as £1,000 if the matter reaches court. Your car could also be clamped or seized if it isn’t taxed and is parked on a public road.
On X, the DVLA said: “Set up your Driver and vehicles account on GOV.UK and you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email. Do it today – it only takes five minutes: gov.uk/dvla/account .”
Having this account not only allows you to opt for vehicle tax reminders delivered directly to your mobile phone, but also alerts for when your next MOT is due, among other helpful services.
The DVLA reminder comes as data from last year showed that while 98.7 per cent of motorists paid their vehicle tax on time, more than 150,000 untaxed vehicles were still clamped in the UK in 2025. Tim Moss CBE, DVLA chief executive, commented: “Most drivers keep their vehicle tax up to date, but if you don’t tax your vehicle on time the consequences can be significant.
“We remind motorists when their vehicle tax is due and only clamp untaxed vehicles as a last resort. Having your vehicle clamped is avoidable, as taxing your vehicle is quick and easy to do.
“You can also pay by direct debit, which helps make sure you stay on top of renewals and lets you spread the cost if you want to.”
How to tax your vehicle
To tax your vehicle, you will need a reference number from either:
- A recent reminder or a “last chance” notification letter issued by DVLA regarding vehicle tax
- Your vehicle log book (V5C) which should be registered in your name
- The green “new keeper” portion of the log book if the vehicle has been newly acquired. If you cannot find these documents, you’ll need to request a replacement log book
- Tax payments can be made using debit or credit card, or by setting up a direct debit
Exempt vehicles
Certain vehicles don’t have to pay tax. Nevertheless, you’re still required to register your vehicle for tax even though no payment is needed.
The DVLA’s website states: “You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay anything, for example if you’re exempt because you’re disabled.”
If you don’t tax your vehicle, you’ll receive an out-of-court settlement (OCS) letter. The fee is set at £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax sum.
Not paying the OCS could see the case taken to a magistrates’ court as a criminal matter, with fines reaching either £1,000 or five times the taxable sum, whichever is greater. Your vehicle might also be clamped, possibly resulting in additional fees. But some vehicles don’t have to make this payment.
If your car is used by a disabled person, you can claim the disability exemption when taxing your vehicle. Evidence of eligibility for the disability exemption will be needed.
The DVLA explains: “You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it’s no longer being used by a disabled person. You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you’ll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.”
Vehicles used by organisations offering transport services for disabled people are also tax-exempt, although this doesn’t include ambulances.
Classic vehicles, specifically those built before January 1, 1985, are not liable for vehicle tax. Owners can verify their vehicle’s eligibility on the Government website.
Other vehicles that don’t have to pay tax include:
- Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs with a maximum speed of 8mph on roads and 4mph on pavements
- Lawn mowers
- Steam-powered vehicles
- Tractors
- Agricultural engines
- Light agricultural vehicles used off-road
- “Limited use” vehicles making short journeys (no more than 1.5km) on public roads between land owned by the same person
- Electric heavy goods vehicles
For further details, visit the Government website here.
