Petrol Car Tax UK 2026: What Petrol Drivers Pay in Road Tax

Petrol car tax UK — petrol vehicles are the most common on UK roads. Here is a complete guide to VED rates for petrol cars in 2026.

Petrol Car First-Year VED Bands

0g/km (electric mode): Not applicable — petrol is never 0g/km
1-50g/km: Only plug-in hybrid petrol can reach this — £10 first year
76-90g/km (small petrol): £130 first year
111-130g/km (typical family petrol): £155-£205 first year
171-190g/km (large petrol SUV): £1,100-£1,350 first year
Over 255g/km (performance petrol): £2,605 first year

Petrol Car Standard Annual Rate (Years 2-6)

From year 2 onwards, all petrol cars pay the standard annual rate of £190/year — regardless of CO2 emissions. The graduated first-year VED system only applies to the first year of registration. After that, petrol cars converge to the same £190/year rate.

Petrol vs Diesel: Tax Comparison

Petrol and diesel vehicles pay identical VED rates based on CO2. A petrol car at 150g/km pays exactly the same first-year VED as a diesel at 150g/km. The diesel supplement appears in fuel duty, not in road tax — meaning diesel drivers pay more at the pump, not through VED.

Conclusion

Petrol car tax UK: first-year VED from £130 to £2,605 depending on CO2. Standard rate from year 2: £190/year. Use our car tax calculator for your specific petrol model. Related: Petrol Car Tax UK 2026 | Car Tax | Car Tax | Diesel Car Tax UK 2026.

Official Resources: GOV.UK Check Vehicle Tax | GOV.UK Vehicle Tax | DVLA Online | MOT Check

It is worth noting that road tax and registration rules in India are governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and vary significantly from state to state. The central government sets GST rates, but state governments determine road tax, which creates a price variation of Rs20,000-80,000 for the same vehicle model across different states. Always verify the latest rates with your state RTO before purchasing a vehicle, as rates are updated annually in most states.

For the most accurate calculation of your specific vehicle's total tax outgo, use CarTax.online's state-specific road tax calculator. Enter your vehicle's ex-showroom price, fuel type, and state of registration to get a detailed breakdown of GST, state road tax, registration fees, and smart card charges for your exact vehicle category.

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.

Questions

How is road tax calculated in India?

Road tax in India is calculated based on the vehicle's ex-showroom price, engine capacity, and state-specific rates. Most states charge road tax as a percentage of the vehicle value (typically 2-10%) or at fixed rates based on vehicle category. Some states offer concessions for electric vehicles and hybrid cars. Road tax is a one-time payment for private vehicles in most states.

Is road tax the same across all states in India?

No, road tax varies significantly across Indian states. Each state has its own road tax structure with different rates and calculation methods. For example, Karnataka charges 2% for cars while Maharashtra charges up to 8%. Some states like Delhi have lower road tax rates. Always check your state's specific road tax rates before purchasing a vehicle.

How to pay road tax online?

Road tax can be paid online through the Parivahan portal, state transport department websites, or VAHAN portal. Select 'Tax Payment' service, enter vehicle registration number, calculate applicable tax, make online payment, and download the receipt. For interstate purchases, road tax is paid at the time of registration in the new state.

What happens if road tax is not paid?

Failure to pay road tax can result in penalties, vehicle seizure, and fines during traffic checks. Road tax default may also affect vehicle insurance validity and renewal. Some states impose ongoing annual tax for commercial vehicles. Always carry proof of road tax payment while driving.

Can road tax be claimed back when selling a vehicle?

In most Indian states, road tax is non-refundable upon vehicle sale. The tax is considered paid for the remaining validity period but cannot be claimed back. Some states allow refund of unused road tax period when transferring registration to another state. Check with your state's transport department for refund policies.