Cost of Road Tax in the UK
Road tax in the UK is officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The amount drivers pay depends on factors such as the car’s emissions, fuel type, and when the vehicle was first registered.
In 2026, road tax can range from £0 to over £600 per year, depending on the vehicle.
Quick Answer
Typical road tax costs in the UK include:
| Vehicle Type | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Low emission vehicles | £0 – £20 |
| Standard petrol or diesel cars | £190 |
| High emission vehicles | £300 – £600+ |
Newer vehicles may also pay additional charges during the first year after registration.
Standard Road Tax Rate
For many vehicles registered after April 2017, the standard annual road tax rate is:
£190 per year
This applies to most petrol and diesel cars once the first-year rate has passed
First-Year Road Tax Rates
New vehicles often pay a higher first-year tax, based on CO₂ emissions.
Typical first-year rates include:
| CO₂ Emissions | First-Year Tax |
|---|---|
| 0 g/km | £0 |
| 76–90 g/km | around £135 |
| 111–130 g/km | around £270 |
| 151–170 g/km | around £1,360 |
These rates apply only in the first year of registration.
Expensive Car Supplement
Cars with a list price over £40,000 must pay an additional tax.
This supplement is currently:
£410 per year
The extra charge applies for five years starting from the second year of registration.
Road Tax for Electric Cars
Electric vehicles have historically been exempt from road tax.
However, rules are changing, and some electric vehicles may begin paying standard rates in future years.
Drivers should check the latest government guidance when registering new electric vehicles.
How to Pay Road Tax
Road tax can be paid through the official DVLA website.
Drivers can choose to pay:
- annually
- every six months
- monthly by direct debit
Monthly payments are slightly more expensive due to additional charges.
Typical Road Tax Cost Summary
| Vehicle Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles | £0 (some exemptions changing) |
| Standard petrol/diesel car | £190 |
| Expensive car supplement | £410 |
Final Thoughts
The cost of road tax in the UK varies depending on the vehicle’s emissions, value, and registration date. For most drivers, the standard rate is currently around £190 per year, although higher-emission vehicles and expensive cars may pay significantly more.