Thousands of older drivers over the age of 70 could be exempt from new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) car tax changes set to affect motorists from the Spring. The new car tax rules will impact nearly all petrol and diesel owners with significant updates to standard and first-year rates.
Standard VED charges will increase in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation from April 1, 2025, with electric car owners also being required to pay for the first time. However, the most substantial changes will affect motorists purchasing brand-new models, with fees set to double for many.
Those buying models emitting over 255g. km will see thousands added to their bills, with year one rates jumping from £2,745 to £5,490 per annum.
However, some road users can avoid these hefty fees altogether as officials are maintaining certain exemptions. According to GOV.
UK, motorists with an eligible disability will be exempt from paying vehicle tax rates. Exemptions will apply if road users receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), reports the Express.
Similarly, individuals who receive the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) will also not need to pay. Road users who get the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment, a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or an Armed Forces Independence Payment are also exempt.
Motorway.co.uk has highlighted information regarding road tax exemptions for vehicles used by disabled individuals or organisations that transport disabled people. They expressed: "If a vehicle is being used by a disabled person or by an organisation providing transport for disabled people, it can claim a disability exemption when filing road tax. If qualified, the vehicle will not be subject to road tax fees."
Further clarifying restrictions around the exemption, they added: "Drivers can only use the disability exemption on one vehicle at a time. Additionally, ambulances do not count as disabled passenger vehicles for road tax purposes."
Although these exemptions are available across all age groups, it has been found that older drivers may be disproportionately impacted. A 2023 graph displaying the DVLA’s current medical casework showed that motorists above the age of 70 have the highest number of medical conditions on UK roads.
The data indicated that approximately 30,000 cases were under examination by DVLA officials, with some drivers in this age bracket dealing with multiple conditions. Following those over 70, drivers in their 60s were the next most affected, with those between 50 and 59 years old also significantly represented.
English (United States) ·