DVLA issues urgent alert to drivers over new rates of vehicle tax

Motorists have been put on alert after the DVLA issued a warning to check their new vehicle tax rates following recent increases. In a statement via X – previously known as Twitter – the DVLA cautioned owners of specific vehicle types about potential car tax obligations. The agency specified: "Vehicle tax has changed for electric and low emission vehicles."

Individuals were then prompted to investigate the impact of these changes on their finances immediately. Clarifying the scope of the revisions, the announcement indicated that taxes for electric, zero and low emission cars, vans, and motorcycles were updated starting April 1, 2025. It highlighted that both new and existing vehicles would be subject to this alteration, with the payable amount contingent on the kind of vehicle and its registration date.

Motorists can check what they are due to pay in seconds using a handy online tool. Webuyanycar's number plate checker is a quick way to find out what you are due. By inputting your vehicle's registration, you can swiftly calculate your car or vehicle’s CO2 emission levels and the corresponding tax band, reports the Daily Record

The DVLA are warning drivers of Electric Vehicles (EV) and low emission cars who have previously been exempt from paying the charge. But from April 1, VED fees went up for almost all petrol, diesel and electric car owners. For EV owners it's crucial to be aware of the changes.

You will need to pay the lowest first year rate of vehicle tax set at £10 from 1 April 2025. From the second tax payment onwards, you will pay the standard rate of £195.

You will pay the standard rate of £195.

The tax rate for these vehicles is £20.

The £10 annual discount for hybrid and AFVs has been removed. The rate you will pay depends on when the vehicle was first registered. If the vehicle was:

• registered before 1 April 2017 - this rate will depend on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.
• registered on or after 1 April 2017 - you will pay the standard rate (£195)

These new rates also apply to electric vans which have moved to the standard annual rate for light good vehicles. Electric motorcycles have moved to the annual rate for the smallest engine size.

There is also an expensive car supplement. This means new electric and zero emission vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025 with the list price exceeding £40,000 attract the standard rate, plus the expensive car supplement for the first 5 years from the start of the second licence.

By utilising WeBuyAnyCar's complimentary online number checker, you can swiftly determine the amount you are owed. By inputting your number plate, it identifies the engine size (cc), power (kw) and CO2 emissions (g/km) of your specific model. You can check using the tool, here