The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued an urgent plea to motorists, urging them to set up an online account to avoid severe penalties. Data reveals that approximately 150,000 vehicles were clamped across the UK last year due to unpaid vehicle tax. Failing to complete this simple five-minute task could result in fines reaching up to £1,000.
DVLA's Warning on Social Media
Taking to social media platform X, the DVLA encouraged drivers to create a free ‘Driver and vehicles account’ on GOV.UK. This account allows users to receive timely reminders about vehicle tax renewals via text message or email. The agency stated: “Set up your Driver and vehicles account on GOV.UK and you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email. Do it today – it only takes five minutes: gov.uk/dvla/account.”
Vehicle tax, also known as car tax or road tax, is a mandatory charge for using a motor vehicle on British public roads. The revenue collected is allocated to infrastructure improvements, including road maintenance and repairs. Motorists can choose to pay annually or through monthly instalments.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failure to pay vehicle tax can lead to escalating penalties. If the matter reaches court, fines can amount to as much as £1,000. Additionally, untaxed vehicles parked on public roads risk being clamped or seized. The DVLA reported that despite 98.7% of motorists paying their tax on time, over 150,000 untaxed vehicles were clamped in 2025.
Tim Moss CBE, DVLA Chief Executive, commented: “Most drivers keep their vehicle tax up to date, but if you don’t tax your vehicle on time the consequences can be significant. We remind motorists when their vehicle tax is due and only clamp untaxed vehicles as a last resort. Having your vehicle clamped is avoidable, as taxing your vehicle is quick and easy to do. You can also pay by direct debit, which helps make sure you stay on top of renewals and lets you spread the cost if you want to.”
How to Tax Your Vehicle
To tax a vehicle, drivers need a reference number from one of the following documents:
- A recent reminder or “last chance” notification letter from the DVLA regarding vehicle tax
- The vehicle log book (V5C) registered in the owner’s name
- The green “new keeper” portion of the log book for newly acquired vehicles
If none of these documents are available, a replacement log book must be requested. Payments can be made using debit or credit card, or by setting up a direct debit.
Exempt Vehicles
Certain vehicles are exempt from paying vehicle tax, but owners must still register them for tax. The DVLA states: “You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay anything, for example if you're exempt because you're disabled.”
Vehicles that do not require tax payment include:
- Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs with a maximum speed of 8mph on roads and 4mph on pavements
- Lawn mowers
- Steam-powered vehicles
- Tractors
- Agricultural engines
- Light agricultural vehicles used off-road
- “Limited use” vehicles making short journeys (no more than 1.5km) on public roads between land owned by the same person
- Electric heavy goods vehicles
Classic vehicles built before January 1, 1985, are also exempt. Owners can check eligibility on the Government website.
Penalties for Non-Payment
If a vehicle is not taxed, the owner will receive an out-of-court settlement (OCS) letter. The fee is set at £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax sum. Failure to pay the OCS may result in the case being taken to a magistrates’ court as a criminal matter, with fines reaching either £1,000 or five times the taxable sum, whichever is greater. The vehicle may also be clamped, incurring additional fees.
For disabled drivers, a disability exemption can be claimed when taxing the vehicle. Evidence of eligibility is required. The DVLA explains: “You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it's no longer being used by a disabled person. You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time.” Vehicles used by organisations providing transport services for disabled people are also tax-exempt, though ambulances are not included.
For further details, visit the Government website.
