Tax Discs

Every vehicle in the UK must display a valid tax disc, unless the DVLA has been notified that the car has been taken off the road using a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

The rate of tax payable varies on the car's engine size and CO₂ emission figures and can range from £0 to £215. A tax disc usually runs for 12 calendar months starting on the first day of the month in which it was taken out, but if the cost of vehicle tax exceeds £50, a six months tax disc may be purchased instead. However, the cost of a six month disc is more than half the cost of a full twelve month disc.

You should receive a reminder in the post before your tax runs out, at which point you can buy a new tax disc through the DVLA or selected post offices (find out how here ). You will need a valid MOT certificate if the vehicle is over 3 years old and proof that you have car insurance to cover the specific vehicle you are taxing.

The tax disc shows the date up to which the vehicle tax has been paid, along with the vehicle's registration number. The disc must be clearly displayed on the left-hand side of the vehicle's windscreen, or on the passenger side's window if there is no windscreen. If you apply for a tax disc in advance, it will only come into force on the first day of the following month and you should not display it on your car until then.

As mentioned previously, every car that is used or kept on a public road must display a valid tax disc. The only exception to this rule is if you are driving to or from a pre-arranged:

• MOT testing station
• VIC testing station
• reduced pollution test
• certificate or plated revenue weight

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