Vehicle tax rates from 1 April 2026
The standard rate for cars registered from 1 April 2017 is £200 a year. Cars with a list price over £40,000 (over £50,000 for zero-emission cars) pay an extra £440 for five years from the second licence, so £640 a year.
First-year rates by CO2 (petrol / RDE2 diesel)
| CO2 g/km | Petrol | Other diesel |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | £10 | £10 |
| 1–50 | £115 | £135 |
| 51–75 | £135 | £280 |
| 76–90 | £280 | £365 |
| 91–100 | £365 | £405 |
| 101–110 | £405 | £455 |
| 111–130 | £455 | £560 |
| 131–150 | £560 | £1,410 |
| 151–170 | £1,410 | £2,270 |
| 171–190 | £2,270 | £3,420 |
| 191–225 | £3,420 | £4,850 |
| 226–255 | £4,850 | £5,690 |
| Over 255 | £5,690 | £5,690 |
Frequently asked questions
Do electric cars pay road tax in 2026?
Yes. Since April 2025 EVs pay £10 in the first year then the £200 standard rate, plus £440 if the list price was over £50,000.
Is this for older cars?
No – cars registered before 1 April 2017 are taxed on CO2 bands. Use the GOV.UK vehicle tax checker for those.
Sources
- GOV.UK / DVLA – V149 rates of vehicle tax from 1 April 2026
- GOV.UK – Vehicle tax for electric and low emission vehicles
- GOV.UK – Check vehicle tax rates
Disclaimer: This calculator gives an estimate using official 2026/27 rates published on GOV.UK and devolved government sites (checked October 2026). It is not financial, tax or legal advice and may not cover every situation. Always check with the official source, HMRC, your lender or a qualified adviser before making decisions.