Running costs
UK Road Tax Calculator & Price Check by Reg (2026/27 Guide)
Vehicle Excise Duty rates differ drastically based on your car's age, fuel type, CO2 emissions, and original invoice price. Here is how UK road tax is calculated, how to check your exact rate by registration, and how recent EV changes affect your annual bill.
The 3 UK road tax calculation eras
Unlike insurance or maintenance, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is determined strictly by the date your vehicle was first registered with the DVLA. There are three primary calculation systems in force across the UK:
1. Pre-March 2001 vehicles (Engine capacity system)
Classic and older used cars registered before 1 March 2001 do not use CO2 emissions. Road tax is split into two simple engine displacement tiers:
- Engine size ≤ 1,549cc: £230 single annual payment (£126.50 for 6 months).
- Engine size > 1,549cc: £375 single annual payment (£206.25 for 6 months).
2001 to 2017 CO2 emissions bands (A to M)
Vehicles registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 pay based on their official lab-tested CO2 emissions output in grams per kilometre (g/km).
UK VED rates for cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017
| Band | CO2 Range (g/km) | 12-Month Single | 6-Month Option | Monthly Direct Debit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band A | Up to 100 | £0 | N/A | N/A |
| Band B | 101 to 110 | £20 | N/A | N/A |
| Band C | 111 to 120 | £35 | N/A | N/A |
| Band D | 121 to 130 | £165 | £90.75 | £14.44 / mo |
| Band E | 131 to 140 | £195 | £107.25 | £17.06 / mo |
| Band F | 141 to 150 | £220 | £121.00 | £19.25 / mo |
| Band G | 151 to 165 | £270 | £148.50 | £23.63 / mo |
| Band H | 166 to 175 | £325 | £178.75 | £28.44 / mo |
| Band I | 176 to 185 | £360 | £198.00 | £31.50 / mo |
| Band J | 186 to 200 | £400 | £220.00 | £35.00 / mo |
| Band K | 201 to 225 | £445 | £244.75 | £38.94 / mo |
| Band L | 226 to 255 | £735 | £404.25 | £64.31 / mo |
| Band M | Over 255 | £790 | £434.50 | £69.13 / mo |
Post-2017 flat rates & luxury supplement
For cars registered from 1 April 2017 onward, the UK switched to a flat annual rate after the first year:
- Standard annual rate: £200/year for standard petrol and diesel passenger cars.
- Alternative fuel discount: £10 annual reduction (£190/year) for mild, full, and plug-in hybrids.
- The £440 luxury car surcharge: Any car with a manufacturer list price (including factory options) exceeding £40,000 pays an extra £440/year for five consecutive years (years 2 to 6 of the vehicle's life), bringing the annual total to £640/year.
2025/2026 Electric vehicle tax changes
Under historic rules, zero-emission electric vehicles paid £0 road tax. As of April 2025:
- All electric vehicles pay the standard £200 annual flat rate.
- New electric cars registered from April 2025 with a list price above £50,000 also incur the £440 luxury supplement.
- Older EVs registered between 2001 and 2017 now fall into standard Band B (£20/year).
Payment options: Annual, 6-Month & Direct Debit
When taxing your vehicle online with the DVLA V11 reminder or V5C logbook reference, you can select:
- Single annual payment: Paid once via debit/credit card or single Direct Debit (lowest total cost).
- 6-month single payment: Offers lower upfront outlay but carries an approximate 10% premium compared to the half-year proportion.
- 12 monthly Direct Debit installments: Spreads payments across the year with a standard 5% administrative surcharge.
Instant online road tax checker
Want to know the exact tax status, renewal date, and official VED rate for any car in seconds? Try our dedicated free Car Tax Calculator by entering the UK registration plate.
FAQ
How is UK road tax (VED) calculated by registration?
UK Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) depends primarily on three distinct registration eras: cars registered before 1 March 2001 pay based on engine size (cc); cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 pay graduated rates based on official CO2 emissions (Bands A to M); and cars registered from 1 April 2017 onward pay a standard flat rate (£200/year) plus an additional £440/year luxury supplement for 5 years if the original list price exceeded £40,000.
Do electric cars pay road tax in 2026?
Yes. From April 2025 onward, zero-emission battery electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. Electric cars now pay the standard £200 annual flat rate, and high-value EVs with an original list price exceeding £50,000 pay the £440/year luxury car surcharge for years 2 through 6.
Can I pay car tax every 6 months or by monthly Direct Debit?
Yes. Most vehicle owners can choose to pay annually (single payment), 6-monthly, or across 12 monthly Direct Debit installments. However, pre-2017 cars in low-emissions Bands A, B, and C (120g/km or lower) must pay annually, and monthly Direct Debit plans incur a standard 5% surcharge.
Why does a Range Rover or large SUV cost so much in road tax?
A modern Range Rover or luxury SUV registered after April 2017 typically exceeds the £40,000 list price threshold, incurring the £440 annual luxury supplement on top of the £200 flat rate (£640/year total for years 2 to 6). Older models registered between 2006 and 2017 with large petrol or diesel engines often emit over 225g/km of CO2, placing them in Band M (£790/year).
How do I check my car tax status and renewal date instantly?
You can look up any UK registration number using the free Caroat car tax calculator or the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service to view the exact tax status, renewal due date, CO2 rating, and annual cost breakdown.