April 13, 2026 in United Kingdom — Road tax (VED) is not just for cars. Motorcycles and light goods vehicles (vans) also require vehicle excise duty. This guide covers motorcycle and van road tax rates and how they compare to car tax in 2026.
Motorcycle Road Tax Rates
Motorcycle VED is based on engine power, measured in kilowatts (kW), rather than CO2 emissions. Motorcycles registered from December 2018 onwards use the new table-based system:
| Engine Power | Annual VED |
|---|---|
| 0-11kW (125cc equivalent or less) | £21/year |
| 11-14kW | £35/year |
| 14-17kW | £50/year |
| Over 17kW | £71/year |
Motorcycles registered before December 2018 use a different (older) banding system with different rates, but the standard rates above apply to most motorcycles purchased in the last few years. The maximum motorcycle road tax rate is just £71/year — significantly cheaper than even the most economical car.
Motorcycle Tax vs Car Tax Comparison
Motorcycle road tax is substantially cheaper than car road tax: Related: Car Tax for Motorcycles and Vans UK 2026 | UK Motorbike Tax 2026 | Car Tax Motorcycle UK 2026 | Car Tax vs Motorcycle Tax UK 2026.
- Standard motorcycle (over 17kW): £71/year
- Low-emission car (100g/km): £195/year — 2.7x more expensive
- Medium-emission car (150g/km): £445/year — 6.3x more expensive
- High-emission car (200g/km): £755/year — 10.6x more expensive
Even the most powerful motorcycle costs less to tax than the cheapest car. This is one of the major financial advantages of motorcycling.
Light Goods Vehicle (Van) Road Tax
Vans pay VED based on their CO2 emissions, similar to cars. However, the tax rates and some rules differ:
| Van CO2 Emissions | First-Year VED | Standard Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0 g/km (electric van) | £0 | £0 (electric vehicles exempt) |
| 1-100 g/km | £0 | £320/year |
| 101-150 g/km | £260 | £320/year |
| 151-170 g/km | £600 | £320/year |
| 171-225 g/km | £900 | £320/year |
| 226+ g/km | £1,200 | £320/year |
Standard Annual Van Tax Rate
After the first year, all vans pay the same standard rate of £320/year regardless of CO2 emissions. This is significantly cheaper than cars for high-emission vehicles — a Band H car pays £755/year, while a Band H van pays only £320/year. However, for low-emission vehicles, van rates are higher than car rates (a low-emission car pays £195/year, while all vans pay £320/year).
VAT on Van Road Tax
VAT registered businesses can claim back the VAT on road tax for vans used for business purposes. This effectively reduces the real cost of van road tax for businesses by 20%. A business van costing £320/year in road tax costs just £267.50 after VAT recovery.
Motorcycle MOT Requirements
Motorcycles over 3 years old require an MOT test, just like cars. The maximum MOT test fee for motorcycles is £29.65. The test checks roadworthiness, brakes, lights, tyres, and other safety components. MOT exemption applies only to motorcycles constructed before 1960 — the same historic vehicle rule as for cars.
Van MOT Requirements
Vans over 1 year old (for vehicles first registered from March 2014 onwards; 3 years for older vans) require an MOT test. The maximum MOT test fee for vans is £54.85. Vans are subject to more stringent emissions testing than cars, with diesel vans required to meet stricter particulate limits.
Motorcycle SORN and Off-Road Rules
Motorcycles can be declared SORN just like cars. However, because motorcycles are often stored in private garages or on private land, the SORN rules for motorcycles are slightly different. A motorcycle kept in a garage on private land and not used on the road does not technically need a SORN — but declaring one is still recommended to avoid any confusion with the DVLA.
Motorcycle Road Tax Exemptions
Certain motorcycles are exempt from road tax:
- Electric motorcycles: £0 annual road tax
- Motorcycles over 40 years old: Historic vehicle exemption — £0 road tax
- Motorcycles used by disabled riders: May qualify for reduced rate or exemption
Conclusion
Motorcycles are the cheapest vehicles to tax — from just £21/year for small bikes to £71/year for the most powerful machines. Vans pay £320/year standard rate after their first year. Both are generally cheaper to tax than equivalent-emission cars. Electric vans pay £0 road tax. Use GOV.UK vehicle tax rate tables for the full motorcycle and van rate schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is car tax (VED) in the UK 2026?
Car tax rates in the UK depend on your vehicle's CO2 emissions and list price. Standard rates start from £190 per year for petrol and diesel cars, with zero-rated VED for EVs. First-year rates vary from £0 to £2,605 depending on emissions. Additional premiums apply for vehicles over £40,000.
Q: How do I check if my car is taxed online?
You can check your vehicle's tax status for free on the Gov.uk website at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. You'll need your vehicle's registration number (number plate). You can also check via the Motor Insurance Database to verify road tax and insurance status simultaneously.
Q: Can I get a refund on car tax if I sell my vehicle?
Yes — if you sell or scrap your vehicle, you can claim a refund on any full months of remaining road tax. Contact DVLA with the V11 reminder letter or apply online at gov.uk. Refunds are usually processed within 4-6 weeks.
Q: Is road tax refund available when transferring ownership?
No — road tax does not transfer with the vehicle. When you sell your car, the tax is automatically cancelled and any remaining months are refunded to you by DVLA. The new owner must tax the vehicle immediately. As a buyer, always verify the vehicle's tax status before purchasing.
Q: What is the luxury car tax threshold in the UK 2026?
The additional rate for vehicles over £40,000 (list price) adds £410 per year to standard VED rates for years 2-6 of registration. This surcharge brings the annual cost for high-emission vehicles over £40,000 to around £600-690 per year. Pure EVs under £40,000 pay zero VED.