Free Car Tax Check: Is Your Vehicle Taxed?
Check if any UK vehicle is taxed, see road tax rates by fuel type and emissions, and find out exactly what you will pay. Instant results, no signup required.
What our car tax check includes
UK road tax rates (2026)
| Band / Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-2017, up to 100 g/km CO2 | £0 |
| Pre-2017, 101-110 g/km CO2 | £20 |
| Pre-2017, 111-120 g/km CO2 | £30 |
| Pre-2017, 121-130 g/km CO2 | £135 |
| Pre-2017, 131-150 g/km CO2 | £180 |
| Pre-2017, 151-170 g/km CO2 | £250 |
| Pre-2017, 171-190 g/km CO2 | £325 |
| Pre-2017, 191-225 g/km CO2 | £390 |
| Pre-2017, 226+ g/km CO2 | £695 |
| Post-April 2017 (standard rate) | £190 |
| Electric vehicles | £0 |
Rates shown are for standard vehicles. Premium rate (additional £410/year for the first 5 years) applies to vehicles costing over £40,000.
How it works
Enter the reg plate
Type any UK vehicle registration into the search bar. No signup needed.
We check DVLA records
We pull live data from DVLA to check the vehicle's current tax status and details.
View your tax status
See whether the vehicle is taxed, the expiry date, annual cost, and fuel type details.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my car is taxed?▼
Enter your registration plate into our search bar above. We pull vehicle data from DVLA which includes the current tax status. You can also check on the GOV.UK website, but our check gives you additional information including MOT history, running costs, and reliability data.
What happens if I drive without road tax?▼
Driving without road tax (VED) is a criminal offence. You can be fined up to £1,000. DVLA uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect untaxed vehicles. Your car can also be clamped, impounded, or crushed.
How much is road tax in 2026?▼
For cars registered after April 2017, the standard rate is £190 per year. Pre-2017 cars pay based on CO2 emissions, ranging from £0 for the cleanest vehicles to £695 for high emitters. Electric vehicles are currently exempt from road tax.
Can I pay road tax monthly?▼
Yes. DVLA offers monthly and six-monthly payment options, but these cost slightly more than paying annually. Monthly payments include a 5% surcharge. You can set up direct debit through the DVLA website.
What affects how much road tax I pay?▼
Three main factors: when the car was registered (pre or post April 2017), the CO2 emissions (for pre-2017 cars), and the fuel type. Electric vehicles pay nothing. Pre-2017 cars pay based on emissions bands. Post-2017 cars pay a flat £190 regardless of emissions.
Do electric cars pay road tax?▼
Currently, electric vehicles are exempt from road tax (VED). However, the government has announced that from 2025, electric cars will begin paying road tax. New electric cars will pay the lowest first-year rate, then the standard rate of £190 from the second year.
Check your car tax status now
Enter any UK reg plate for instant results. Free, no signup required.