UK Road Tax Calculator (VED 2026-27)

The Motwatch road tax calculator works out UK Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for a private car at the 2026-27 rates that apply from 1 April 2026, using the GOV.UK vehicle tax rate tables. Which table applies depends on when the car was first registered: from 1 April 2017 a flat rate (plus a supplement for expensive cars), from 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017 one of 13 CO2 bands, and before March 2001 the engine size. Enter the details from the V5C and the calculator shows the 12-month and 6-month payments, the Direct Debit totals where GOV.UK publishes them, the first tax payment for a new car, and whether the expensive car supplement applies on the date you choose.

It is for private cars only; motorcycles, vans, motorhomes and other vehicle types have their own GOV.UK rate tables.

How to calculate UK car tax with this tool

1. Enter the first registration date from V5C box B.

2. Choose the fuel: petrol, diesel meeting the RDE2 standard, other diesel, hybrid/alternative fuel, or electric. Diesel only matters for the first tax payment of a new car.

3. Enter the CO2 figure in g/km (V5C box V.7) for cars registered from 1 March 2001, or the engine size in cc for older cars.

4. Enter the list price when new for post-April 2017 cars, the published price including options, before discounts.

5. Set the tax start date to see whether the expensive car supplement applies then (years 2 to 6 only).

6. Read the result: 12-month and 6-month single payments, the 12 monthly Direct Debit total, and notes on the first payment and the supplement.

7. Compare cars before you buy: change the registration date, CO2 or list price to see how the yearly cost moves, for example a car just under or just over the £40,000 list price.

Tip: the list price is the published price of the car with its options when new, not what the first owner paid after discounts. If you are not sure, the dealer or the manufacturer’s price list for that year will show it.

Every result updates as you type, and your input is not uploaded anywhere.

UK vehicle tax rates for 2026-27

UK Vehicle Excise Duty for cars registered before and after April 2017

Rates below are from the GOV.UK vehicle tax rate tables for rates from 1 April 2026, checked 3 November 2026.

1. Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017

The first tax payment (when the car is first registered) depends on CO2: £10 at 0 g/km, £115 for 1–50 g/km, £455 for 111–130 g/km, up to £5,690 over 255 g/km. Diesel cars that do not meet RDE2 pay a higher column (for example £560 instead of £455 at 111–130 g/km). From the second payment every car, petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, pays £200 for 12 months (£110 for 6 months; £210 in total by 12 monthly Direct Debits). Cars with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year (£640 in total) for 5 years from the second time they are taxed. For electric cars registered from 1 April 2025 the threshold is £50,000; electric cars registered before 1 April 2025 never pay it.

2. Cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017

Thirteen bands by CO2 (12-month single payment):

• Band A (up to 100 g/km) £20 · Band B (101–110) £20 · Band C (111–120) £35, no 6-month option in these bands.
• Band D (121–130) £170 · E (131–140) £200 · F (141–150) £225 · G (151–165) £275.
• Band H (166–175) £325 · I (176–185) £360 · J (186–200) £410 · K (201–225) £445.
• Band L (226–255) £760 · M (over 255) £790. Cars over 225 g/km registered before 23 March 2006 stay in band K.

3. Cars registered before 1 March 2001

• Engine not over 1,549 cc: £230 for 12 months (£126.50 for 6 months).
• Engine over 1,549 cc: £375 for 12 months (£206.25 for 6 months).

Historic vehicles

Vehicles built more than 40 years ago can apply for the historic vehicle tax class, which costs £0; it is not automatic, and commercially used vehicles are excluded.

When rates change

Vehicle tax rates are set by the government and normally change on 1 April each year. The figures on this page are the 2026-27 rates; the calculator will be updated when GOV.UK publishes new tables.

Worked example

A petrol car first registered on 15 June 2021 with 125 g/km and a list price of £45,000, taxed on 3 November 2026, is in its sixth year: it pays £640 for 12 months (£200 + £440). From 15 June 2027 the supplement ends and the same car pays £200.

Frequently asked questions

How much is car tax for a petrol car registered after April 2017?

£200 for 12 months in 2026-27 from the second payment, or £640 in years 2 to 6 if its list price was over £40,000.

Do electric cars pay road tax?

Yes, since 1 April 2025. In 2026-27 they pay £10 for the first payment and £200 a year after that; the £440 supplement applies to electric cars registered from 1 April 2025 with a list price over £50,000.

What is the expensive car supplement?

An extra £440 a year (2026-27) for post-April 2017 cars with a list price over £40,000 (£50,000 for electric cars registered from 1 April 2025), paid for 5 years from the second time the car is taxed.

Can I pay car tax monthly?

Yes, by Direct Debit. For a car registered from 1 April 2017, 12 monthly payments total £210 instead of £200.

What do I need to tax a car online?

A reference number from the V11 reminder, the V5C log book or the green new keeper slip, and the vehicle must have a valid MOT if it needs one.

Why is my first tax payment so much higher?

For post-April 2017 cars the first payment is set by CO2 and can be much higher than the flat rate that follows, up to £5,690 over 255 g/km, so a high-emission new car costs most in its first year.

Related tools

• Car Tax Check – Due Date Countdown & VED Cost
• First Year Road Tax Calculator (Showroom VED Rates)
• Diesel Road Tax Calculator & RDE2 Surcharge Checker
• Electric Car Road Tax Calculator (2026/27 VED Rates)
• Classic Car Tax Exemption Checker (40-Year Rolling Rule)
• Company Car Tax Calculator & BiK Band Estimator
• SORN Declaration Guide & Road Tax Refund Tool
• London ULEZ Checker – Estimate by Fuel & Age

See all Road Tax and Vehicle Tax Tools.