Road Tax Cost UK (2026 Guide)
Road Tax Cost UK Road tax, officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a yearly charge for most vehicles in the UK. The amount you pay in 2026 depends on your vehicle’s CO₂ emissions, fuel type, registration date and whether it’s petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric.
This guide explains exactly how much road tax you will pay in 2026.
1. What Is Road Tax (VED)?
VED is a government tax used to fund road maintenance and transport infrastructure.
The amount depends on:
- the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions
- the year it was registered
- fuel type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric)
- engine size for older cars
2. Road Tax Cost for Cars Registered After April 2017 (2026 Rates)
Most cars on UK roads fall into this category.
First-Year Rate (paid when the car is first registered)
Based on CO₂ emissions:
- 0 g/km: £0
- 1–50 g/km: £10 – £30
- 51–75 g/km: £30 – £120
- 76–90 g/km: £120 – £150
- 91–110 g/km: £150 – £180
- 111–130 g/km: £180 – £210
- 131–150 g/km: £210 – £270
- 151–170 g/km: £270 – £600
- 171–190 g/km: £600 – £1,000
- 191–225 g/km: £1,000 – £1,735
- 226+ g/km: £1,735 – £2,365+
Higher emissions = higher first-year tax.
Standard Rate (after year one):
- Petrol / Diesel: £190
- Hybrid (HEV/PHEV/MHEV): £170
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): £0
(EVs remain tax-free in 2026)
Additional ‘Premium Car’ Tax
If the car’s list price was over £40,000 when new:
- £410 extra per year for years 2–6
This applies even if you bought the car used at a lower price.
3. Road Tax for Cars Registered Between 2001 and 2017
These vehicles are taxed under the older CO₂-based system.
2026 Rates (approximate):
- Band A (0 g/km): £0
- Band B: £20
- Band C: £35
- Band D: £150
- Band E: £190
- Band F: £220
- Band G: £270
- Band H: £335
- Band I: £365
- Band J: £390
- Band K: £415
- Band L: £635
- Band M: £710
High-emission vehicles pay the most.
4. Road Tax for Cars Registered Before 2001
These use engine size, not CO₂:
- Up to 1549cc: £200
- 1550cc and above: £325
5. Road Tax for Electric Cars (2026)
Electric vehicles continue to pay:
- £0 road tax
- No first-year rate
- No standard rate
This is expected to change after 2027, but EVs remain exempt in 2026.
6. Road Tax for Vans and Commercial Vehicles (2026)
Typical rates:
- Light goods vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes): £320 – £360
- Euro 4 and Euro 5 vans: £150 – £180
- Zero-emission vans: £0
7. Road Tax for Motorbikes (2026)
Taxed by engine size:
- Up to 150cc: £25 – £30
- 151–400cc: £45–£50
- 401–600cc: £70–£80
- Over 600cc: £100 – £120
8. How to Check Your Vehicle’s Road Tax Cost
Use the official GOV.UK tool:
“Check Vehicle Tax Rates”
You will need:
- Vehicle registration (number plate)
- Basic details (fuel type, CO₂ emissions)
9. Fines for Not Paying Road Tax (2026)
If your vehicle is untaxed:
- Automatic £80 fine (reduced to £40 if paid quickly)
- Your car can be clamped
- You may face court fines up to £1,000
- Backdated tax must be paid
10. Related UK Cost Guides
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