Car Tax Rates UK 2026: Complete VED Rate Table

April 13, 2026 in United Kingdom — Car tax rates in the UK follow a graduated Vehicle Excise Duty system based on CO2 emissions. Understanding the 2026 VED rate table helps you estimate road tax costs for any vehicle before purchase. This guide covers every CO2 band from 0g/km electric vehicles to the highest 255g/km band.

UK Car Tax Rates 2026: First-Year VED Bands

Vehicles registered from April 2025 pay first-year rates based on their official CO2 emissions figure. The table below shows every band:

0g/km (electric) — £0 first year, then £10/year (years 2-6)
1-50g/km (plug-in hybrid) — £10 first year, then £50/year
51-75g/km (hybrid) — £30 first year, then £50/year
76-90g/km — £130 first year, then £50/year
91-100g/km — £165 first year, then £50/year
101-110g/km — £185 first year, then £50/year
111-130g/km — £205 first year, then £190/year
131-150g/km — £600 first year, then £190/year
151-170g/km — £950 first year, then £190/year
171-190g/km — £1,350 first year, then £190/year
191-225g/km — £1,565 first year, then £190/year
226-255g/km — £2,100 first year, then £190/year
Over 255g/km — £2,605 first year, then £190/year

Standard Annual Rates After First Year

After the first year, all vehicles pay standard annual VED rates:

Electric and alternative fuel vehicles: £10 per year (years 2-6), then £190
Petrol and diesel vehicles: £190 per year (years 2-6), then £190
Historic vehicles (over 40 years old): £0 — fully exempt
Disabled vehicles with adapted requirements: £0 — fully exempt

How CO2 Emissions Determine Your Band

The CO2 figure shown on your V5C registration certificate determines your exact VED band. You can find this figure using the DVLA vehicle enquiry service or by checking the manufacturer's specification. Round down to the nearest 5g/km increment for the exact band. Related: Car Tax Rates UK 2026 | Car Tax Rates UK 2026 | How Much Is Car Tax UK 2026? The Honest Answer | UK Car Tax Bands 2026.

Conclusion

UK car tax rates 2026 range from £0 for 0g/km electric vehicles to £2,605 for vehicles over 255g/km. Use our car tax calculator to find your exact rate based on your vehicle's CO2 emissions. For the official VED table, visit GOV.UK VED rate tables.

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.