UK Road Tax (VED) Calculator
Estimate your UK car road tax based on first registration date, fuel, emissions, and list price.
This tool provides an estimate for cars and uses commonly referenced 2025/26 VED bands. Always confirm exact values on GOV.UK/DVLA before payment.
How UK road tax works (quick overview)
In the UK, “road tax” usually means Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The amount you pay depends on when the vehicle was first registered, emissions, and (for many newer cars) the original list price. The rules changed over time, so there is no single flat formula for all vehicles.
1) Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017
Most modern cars follow a two-stage model:
- First-year rate (often called “showroom tax”) based mainly on CO₂ emissions.
- Standard annual rate from year 2 onward.
- Expensive car supplement if original list price was over £40,000 (usually paid for 5 years from year 2 to year 6).
This calculator estimates all three so you can quickly compare different cars before buying.
2) Cars registered from 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017
These vehicles are taxed by older CO₂ banding. Instead of a separate first-year rate plus standard rate, owners usually pay a single annual band amount based on emissions.
3) Cars registered before 1 March 2001
Very old vehicles are typically taxed by engine size bands (for example, up to 1549cc vs over 1549cc), unless exempt due to historic vehicle status.
How to use this road tax calculator
- Enter the vehicle’s first registration date (from V5C or dealer listing).
- Select fuel type.
- Add CO₂ emissions (g/km) for post-2001 cars.
- Enter original list price to check expensive car supplement logic.
- If vehicle is pre-2001, provide engine size (cc).
- Click Calculate Road Tax.
What this calculator returns
- Estimated tax scheme used (modern, legacy CO₂, or pre-2001 engine-size).
- Estimated first-year amount where relevant.
- Estimated annual renewal amount.
- Estimated next 12 months amount due.
- For modern vehicles, an estimated 6-year ownership tax total.
Example scenarios
Example A: New petrol hatchback
If your car was first registered in 2026 with moderate CO₂ emissions and a list price below £40,000, you usually pay a first-year amount tied to emissions, then move to standard annual VED from year 2.
Example B: Premium SUV over £40,000 list price
In addition to standard annual VED, you may pay the expensive car supplement during years 2 to 6. This can add a meaningful amount over ownership, so it’s worth including in total cost planning.
Example C: Older 2012 diesel
The car falls under the legacy CO₂ bands, so annual tax is set by that older banding structure rather than modern first-year/standard split.
Tips to reduce your annual road tax burden
- Compare vehicles by CO₂ before buying—small differences can shift tax bands.
- Check list price thresholds on premium models and optional extras.
- Factor VED into monthly ownership cost, not just insurance and fuel.
- If you buy used, confirm the exact tax class and date details from official records.
Frequently asked questions
Is UK road tax based only on emissions?
No. It can depend on registration date, fuel type, list price, and vehicle class.
Do electric cars pay road tax?
Rules have evolved. Depending on registration date and current tax policy, EVs may owe standard VED amounts. Use this calculator as an estimate and confirm current GOV.UK guidance.
Can I rely on this estimate for legal payment?
No. Use this as a planning tool only. Always verify with official DVLA/GOV.UK systems before payment or purchase decisions.