Yahoo News DVLA warns all drivers to make key 'five minute' check or risk car seizure
The DVLA has issued a fresh warning to all UK drivers, urging them to take 'five minutes' to make sure their vehicle tax is up to date of face hefty penalties if caught out. All vehicles on the road must have valid tax, with the exception of those which are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty.
And drivers caught flouting the rules could face substantial fines, court action, clamps fitted and even vehicle seizure. The DVLA say compliance is currently high, with less than 2 per cent of all UK vehicles being untaxed.
In an announcement on X earlier this week, the DVLA wrote: "Do you know when your vehicle tax is due? With a driver and vehicles account, you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email!"
The Mirror reports that the message went on to explain: "Make life a little easier, it only takes around 5 minutes, http://gov.uk/dvla/account #DVLADigital."
Setting up an online account has a number of other benefits, including:
Viewing your driving record, for example vehicles you can drive
Checking your penalty points or disqualifications
Adding and viewing details of your vehicles - including when the MOT expires
Checking the tax rates for your vehicles
Setting up vehicle tax reminders by email and SMS - if you pay tax every 6 or 12 months
An option to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post
Renewing your photocard driving licence
It comes after VED rates went up for many drivers across the UK as of April 1 in line with Retail Price Index inflation. Motorists who have brand new cars which emit more than 255g/km of CO2 have been hit hardest by the rise, with one year fees increasing from £2,605 to £2,745 - a shocking £140 rise.
Standard fees for cars registered after April 2017 are up by £10 per year, but older models are also impacted. Those who have vehicles which were made between 2001 and 2017 will pay up to £40 more per year, with the highest charges rising from £695 to £735, while classic cars made after '84 will pay up to £20 more dependent on their engine size.
