Key VED Facts 2025/26
- Standard rate (year 2+): £190/year for most cars
- First year rates: £0–£2,745 depending on CO2
- EVs: £10 first year, then £190/year from April 2025
- Expensive car supplement (>£40k list): +£410/year for years 2–6
Calculate Your Road Tax
2025/26 First Year VED Rates by CO2
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | First Year Rate 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| 0 (zero emission) | £0 (£10 from April 2025 for new EVs) |
| 1–50 | £10 |
| 51–75 | £30 |
| 76–90 | £135 |
| 91–100 | £175 |
| 101–110 | £195 |
| 111–130 | £230 |
| 131–150 | £270 |
| 151–170 | £680 |
| 171–190 | £1,095 |
| 191–225 | £1,650 |
| 226–255 | £2,340 |
| Over 255 | £2,745 |
Standard rate from year two: £190/year. Expensive car supplement (list price >£40,000): +£410/year for years 2–6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)?
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called road tax, is an annual tax levied by HMRC on most vehicles used or parked on public roads in the UK. The rate depends on CO2 emissions, fuel type, and vehicle registration date.
How much is the standard road tax rate for 2025/26?
The standard rate for most cars registered after April 2017 is £190 per year from year two of registration. The first year rate varies by CO2 emissions and can range from £0 to £2,745.
Do electric vehicles pay road tax from April 2025?
Yes. From 1 April 2025, pure electric vehicles are no longer exempt from VED. New EVs registered on or after that date pay a £10 first year rate, then the standard £190 from year two.
What is the Expensive Car Supplement?
Cars with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £410 per year for years two through six. This applies to all fuel types including EVs from April 2025, making such cars £600/year during that period.
What does SORN mean?
SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) means your vehicle is kept off public roads. A SORN vehicle pays no VED but cannot legally be driven or parked on a public road.
Can I get a refund on unused road tax?
Yes. DVLA automatically refunds full remaining months of VED when you sell, SORN, scrap, or write off a vehicle. The refund covers complete months remaining from the first day of the following month.
What are VED rates for pre-2001 cars?
Cars first registered before 1 March 2001 are taxed by engine size: up to 1549cc pays £210/year, over 1549cc pays £345/year for 2025/26.
Are there VED-exempt vehicles?
Yes. Historic vehicles (registered before 1 January 1979), disabled tax class vehicles, and certain agricultural vehicles are exempt from VED.
How do I tax my vehicle?
Tax your vehicle at gov.uk/vehicle-tax using your registration number and your V5C, V5C/2 green slip, or V11 reminder reference. You can pay annually or by monthly direct debit.
What happens if I drive without road tax?
DVLA uses ANPR cameras to detect untaxed vehicles. Penalties include an £80 fixed penalty (£40 if paid within 28 days) or prosecution with fines up to £1,000. Vehicles can be clamped or impounded.
Do motorcycles pay the same VED?
No. Motorcycle VED depends on engine size: up to 150cc £25/year, 151-400cc £49/year, 401-600cc £78/year, over 600cc £111/year.
Does road tax cover breakdowns or tolls?
No. VED is purely a vehicle ownership tax. It does not cover breakdown cover, motorway charges, or any motoring service.