Motorists have been warned that trying to avoid a certain payment could result in eye-watering fines and their beloved car being crushed.
As the start of the new financial year approaches, many drivers are bracing for a rise in road tax, which will see up to £2,745 added to the price of some new models the exemption for electric vehicle owners end.
Whilst some drivers may feel motivated to dodge the charge, the DVLA stated that there are serious consequences for those who fail to tax their vehicle correctly.
They explained: “While more than 98 percent of vehicles on UK roads are taxed correctly, a small minority continue to break the law, which costs HM Treasury millions of pounds every year—vital funds that would otherwise go towards public services.
“It’s never been easier for motorists to tax their vehicles, and there are a number of ways to do so, from using our 24/7 online service to spreading the cost with Direct Debit options.”
With high fuel prices and car insurance quotes leaving many drivers out of pocket, it may be tempting for drivers to delay paying for their road tax.
However, it is particularly easy for the DVLA and police forces to spot an untaxed vehicle, with any road user able to enter a vehicle’s number plate and see when their last tax expired.
Punishments for using an untaxed car on the public road vary, but could include a fine of up to £1,000 (around five times more than what most drivers would pay for road tax), a clamped wheel, a court summons, and in extreme cases, the vehicle being destroyed.
Vehicles that are seized and left unclaimed for between seven to 14 days may be auctioned, “broken up or crushed”, the DVLA stated.
The DVLA added that taxing a vehicle is a particularly easy process, with drivers able to do it in a matter of minutes on their website – paying in full or monthly through a Direct Debit.
They added: “Find out if a vehicle has up-to-date vehicle tax or has been registered as off the road (SORN). If you’ve applied for vehicle tax or a SORN, it can take up to 2 working days for the records to update once your application has been approved.
“You’ll need the vehicle’s registration number (number plate).”
Whilst some drivers are set to pay more for their road tax from April 2025, there is one way in which motorists may be able to avoid the new charges without breaking the law.
The DVLA allows drivers to renew their road tax up to two months before the expiry date. As a result, many cars that need to be taxed in April and May can currently be taxed at the current rate.
By renewing now, electric vehicle owners can take advantage of the final few days of the tax exemption – not having to pay for their road tax until April 2026.
