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:
- 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.