How long can you drive without road tax?

Taxing your car, renewing your car insurance and booking an annual MOT, are just a few examples of the legal responsibilities you have to cover as a vehicle owner.

Previously, car owners had to display dated paper tax discs as evidence that their car tax was up-to-date but this system was phased out in 2014 and replaced with an online payment system. The DVLA has an up-to-date database for monitoring taxed and off-road vehicles (known as SORN – statutory off-road notice).

While there are some circumstances when it is possible to drive without road tax, you should ensure your vehicle is taxed to avoid penalties, including fines and clamping.

When can you drive without road tax?

You can only drive an untaxed car if you are driving to a pre-arranged MOT appointment. You must take your vehicle directly to your MOT appointment and not stop along the way, as this could be seen as improper use of your car.

Who is exempt from paying road tax?

Alongside vehicles registered as off-road, there are many other types of vehicles that are currently exempt from paying road tax. these include:

• Electric vehicles (until April 2025 when new legislation will be implemented).
• Vehicles used by disabled people, including disabled passenger vehicles used by transport organisations.
• Mobility scooters.
• Powered wheelchairs.
• Any vehicles manufactured before 1st January 1984 (These are classed as historic vehicles).
• Vehicles used for mowing, agriculture, horticulture and forestry management.

What is the penalty for driving without road tax?

If you drive a car without road tax, you will be issued an £80 fine in the first instance. The fine is usually sent physically to your home via a letter and reduced to £40 if you pay your car tax and pay the fine within 28 days.

Also, your car may be clamped until you have a valid road tax certificate. Ignoring or refusing to pay the fine could lead to the fine increasing to £1,000. However, you won’t be issued points on your driving licence if you drive without road tax, but the police can easily spot untaxed vehicles via automatic number plate recognition software.

Driving an untaxed vehicle on the road could lead to your vehicle being impounded.

Will I need to tax my car, even if it has not been driven?

Is your car parked in a drive or garage and won’t be used on public roads? You won’t need to tax it. However, you must make a SORN application to confirm that it won’t be used for an extended period. However, if your vehicle is parked on a public road, it needs to be taxed and insured, regardless of whether it is being driven, or not.

When is my road tax due?

You can find out when your road tax is due by going to GOV.UK and entering your registration number to discover when you need to pay your road tax.

Our helpful guide covers how early you can MOT a car and how to declare a vehicle off-road if necessary. The DVLA will send out car tax reminders by post or if you prefer, you can opt to be sent a digital reminder to your phone or e-mail.  If you buy a new vehicle, you are responsible for arranging and paying the road tax yourself.

Do you have any questions about managing your legal vehicle obligations, including road tax, insurance and MOTs? Merityre’s friendly and helpful team are here to help. Are you wondering how to SORN a vehicle? Discover more about the SORN process for your car with our guide.

Book your upcoming MOT or service at your local Merityre garage across South-East England today.