Road tax calculator
How much a car costs to tax, from the official GOV.UK rate tables. Tell us when it was first registered and we only ask for what matters for that car.
How UK car tax works
Cars first registered on or after 1 April 2017 pay a first tax payment based on CO2 when new, then a standard rate of £200 a year whatever the fuel. Electric cars have paid it since 1 April 2025.
If the list price when new was over £40,000 (£50,000 for an electric car registered on or after 1 April 2025), you pay £440 a year extra for five years, from the second time the car is taxed: £640 a year in total. Electric cars registered before 1 April 2025 do not pay it.
Cars first registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 are taxed by their CO2 band, A to M, from £20 to £790 a year. Cars registered before 1 March 2001 are taxed by engine size: £230 up to 1549cc and £375 above.
Cars built more than 40 years ago can go into the historic vehicle tax class and pay nothing, but the keeper has to apply for it.
Questions people ask
Does road tax transfer when I buy a car from someone else?
No. Vehicle tax does not pass to the new keeper, so you need to tax the car before you drive it away. You can do it online at GOV.UK with the reference number from the new keeper slip (V5C/2). The seller gets a refund for any full months left.
Where do I find a car's CO2 figure?
It is on the V5C log book, in the CO2 (g/km) field, and often in the advert or the manufacturer's brochure. For cars registered between March 2001 and March 2017 the CO2 figure sets the tax band.
Do electric cars pay road tax?
Yes, since 1 April 2025. A new electric car pays £10 for the first year, then the £200 standard rate. Those registered on or after 1 April 2025 also pay the £440 supplement if their list price was over £50,000.
What is the list price for the £40,000 rule?
GOV.UK defines it as the published price of the car before it was first registered, before any discounts. It is not what you pay for the car today. Check with a dealer if you are not sure.
Does paying monthly cost more?
Yes. Twelve monthly Direct Debit payments cost 5% more than one 12 month payment: £210 instead of £200 at the standard rate.
Sources: GOV.UK vehicle tax rate tables, Tax your vehicle on GOV.UK. Rates checked 2026-10-09.