Car Tax Bands Explained
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) can be confusing. Our simple guide breaks down how CO2 emissions determine your road tax and what you will pay each year.
Free check — no sign-up required
How car tax works
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) — commonly called car tax or road tax — is a tax on most vehicles used or parked on public roads in the UK. The amount you pay depends on your vehicle's CO2 emissions, fuel type, and when it was first registered.
For cars registered on or after 1 April 2017, the first year's tax is based on CO2 emissions — ranging from £10 for zero-emission vehicles to £5,690 for the highest polluters. From the second year onwards, a flat standard rate of £200 applies for petrol and diesel cars, with a £10 discount for alternative fuel vehicles. From April 2025, zero-emission vehicles are also liable for the standard rate.
Cars with a list price over £40,000 when new also pay an additional £440 supplement for the first five years of the standard rate tax. From April 2025, this also applies to electric vehicles with a list price over £50,000.
VED tax bands (cars registered after April 2017)
| Band | CO2 (g/km) | First Year | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0 g/km | £10 | £200 |
| B | 1–50 g/km | £115 | £200 |
| C | 51–75 g/km | £135 | £200 |
| D | 76–90 g/km | £280 | £200 |
| E | 91–100 g/km | £365 | £200 |
| F | 101–110 g/km | £405 | £200 |
| G | 111–130 g/km | £455 | £200 |
| H | 131–150 g/km | £560 | £200 |
| I | 151–170 g/km | £1,410 | £200 |
| J | 171–190 g/km | £2,270 | £200 |
| K | 191–225 g/km | £3,420 | £200 |
| L | 226–255 g/km | £4,850 | £200 |
| M | Over 255 g/km | £5,690 | £200 |
Rates shown are for petrol/diesel cars (TC48) that meet RDE2 standards, as published by the DVLA for 2025/2026. Alternative fuel vehicles receive a £10 discount on the standard rate. Diesel cars that do not meet RDE2 standards pay higher first-year rates.
Rates are correct to the best of our knowledge as of April 2025. VED rates are reviewed annually by HM Treasury. Always check the official GOV.UK vehicle tax rates page for the most current figures.
Driving without tax is illegal
You can be fined up to £1,000, your vehicle can be clamped or seized, and you may face penalty points. Even if the car is parked on a public road, it must be taxed or declared SORN. Check before you buy — and check your own vehicle to stay road-legal.
Frequently asked questions
How is car tax calculated?
Car tax (VED) is based on CO2 emissions for the first year. After that, most petrol and diesel cars pay a flat standard rate of £200. From April 2025, electric vehicles are also liable for VED. Cars with a list price over £40,000 when new also pay an additional £440 supplement for the first five years of the standard rate.
Can I tax a car without MOT?
No. You cannot tax a vehicle without a valid MOT. The DVLA will not issue road tax for a vehicle that does not have a current MOT certificate (if one is required). Always check MOT status before attempting to tax.
What happens if I do not tax my car?
Driving an untaxed vehicle is illegal. You can be fined up to £1,000, your vehicle can be clamped or seized, and you may face penalty points. Even if the car is parked on a public road, it must be taxed or declared SORN.
What is SORN?
SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) tells the DVLA that your vehicle is permanently off the road and will not be used. You do not need to tax a SORN vehicle, but it must be kept on private land — not on a public road.
Check car tax for free
See the tax status, band, CO2 emissions, and SORN status for any UK vehicle — completely free.
Check Car Tax Free