Some drivers may not need to pay certain bills, while others could see a rise
Certain types of vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax. And while this means you do not need to pay the tax, you must still register (tax) your vehicle, even if no payment is required.
It has been confirmed that some vehicle owners do not have to pay if their vehicle falls into one of the categories listed below. But others must pay, according to GOV.UK. There are also changes coming into effect next month that drivers will want to know about. And it’s all about changes to our car bills.
Full list of vehicles that do not need to pay vehicle tax
- Vehicles used by a disabled person: You can claim disability exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. Find out if you’re eligible and how to claim. You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it’s no longer being used by a disabled person. You can only apply the exemption to one vehicle at a time so if you own multiple vehicles, you need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.
- Disabled passenger vehicles: Vehicles used by organisations that provide transport for disabled people are exempt, except for ambulances.
- Historic vehicles: Vehicles made before January 1, 1985 are exempt. Find out if your vehicle is eligible and how to claim.
- Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs: Vehicles are exempt if they have a maximum speed of 8mph on the road and they are fitted with a device that limits them to 4mph on footways.
- Electric vehicles: To be exempt, the electricity must come from any of the following – an external source, such as a private or public chargepoint, an electric storage battery not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving and hydrogen fuel cells. You must pay vehicle tax if your vehicle is a hybrid electric. Since April 1 2025, owners of electric cars, vans, motorcycles, and tricycles have been required to pay vehicle tax. The only vehicles that will remain exempt, at the time of writing, are heavy goods vehicles weighing over 3,500 kg.
- Mowing machines: You do not have to pay vehicle tax on a mower that is specifically designed and used for cutting grass. This exemption does not apply to tractors used for towing gang mowers.
- Steam vehicles: You do not have to pay vehicle tax on any steam-powered vehicle.
- Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
This includes:
- tractors
- agricultural engines
- light agricultural vehicles used off-road
- ‘limited use’ vehicles used for short journeys (no more than 1.5km) on a public road between land that’s used by the same person
If you make a SORN, which stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, this means you’re telling the DVLA you’re taking your vehicle off the road. According to GOV.UK: “You’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax.”
It adds: “You cannot use the vehicle on the road until you tax it again.” If you are worried, have any questions, or need help with your vehicle tax, you should contact the DVLA.
Car tax changes – April 2026
As mentioned, some people may notice changes as of next month. It follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s announcement of significant changes to the UK car tax system in the Autumn Budget.
These changes will affect the amount you pay from April 2026 onwards. But what can you expect?As explained by RAC Drive, one thing that’s changing is that from April 1 2026, next month, the standard tax rate for all petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars registered after April 1, 2017 rises to £200.
The motoring experts note that if you pay for 6 months, the cost is £110, or £105 with a direct debit. However, paying in 12 monthly instalments brings the total to £210.
If your vehicle had a list price over £40,000 when first sold (or £50,000 for electric cars), you may also have to pay the luxury car tax, which currently adds £440 to your annual VED, bringing the total to £640.
For vehicles first used before 2017, your payment may be higher or lower. The exact road tax depends on your car’s registration year, fuel type, and tailpipe emissions.
To find the tax band of your car you will need the year of the vehicle’s registration (you can find this on the V5C logbook), your fuel type and CO2 emissions.
In addition to this, from April 2028, drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid cars will pay more tax. This comes as a new pay-per-mile eVED (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty) system is set to be introduced.
You can read all about the UK car tax bands, VED rates for 2026/2027 and other upcoming changes online at Confused.com.
