Car tax is doubling for many drivers from April 1 - but there are a number of people who can actually avoid paying it entirely.There will be a new standard road tax rate, new taxes for EVs, tax rises for low-emission vehicles and doubling first-year rates for higher polluting new cars.
ees will rise on a sliding scale, with most of the higher tiers seeing fees double from their current 2024 rates. Models producing over 255 g/km of CO2 are set for the highest £2,745 increase, affecting some of the most popular vehicles on the road.
These are hefty fees paid by owners of brand-new vehicles before they switch to the standard rate. Fees will rise on a sliding scale, with most of the higher tiers seeing fees double from their current 2024 rates. Models producing over 255 g/km of CO2 are set for the highest £2,745 increase, affecting some of the most popular vehicles on the road.This means common mid-market brands such as Ford and Toyota will have some models affected.
However some people and owners of vehicles of a certain age can actually avoid the big changes. From April 1st 2025, road tax exemption for EVs will end. However, there are still some circumstances in which drivers are exempt from car tax:
Drivers with disabilities
You can apply for exemption from vehicle tax if you are in receipt of: The higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. The higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment. The enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Armed Forces Independence Payment. War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. You can also apply for a 50% vehicle tax reduction if you are in receipt of: The standard rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP).Please visit the ‘Financial help if you’re disabled’ section of the gov.uk website for more information.
Historic cars
Most cars over 40 years old are eligible for exemption from car tax. However, this is not automatic; you must apply once your car meets the eligibility criteria.
Currently, a vehicle “first registered” on/prior to 7 January 1984, will be classed by the DVLA as having been built in 1983, therefore it is tax exempt from 1 April 2024. If your vehicle was ‘first registered’ after this date, up to 31 December 1984, you will need to wait until 1 April 2025. For a more comprehensive explanation, read Webuyanycar's guide by clicking here.
For more information visit the Gov website here.
English (United States) ·