Motorists urged 'check number plate' to see if they owe dvla £150 tax hike

WITH NEW CAR TAX RATES IN FORCE, DRIVERS CAN USE A USEFUL ONLINE TOOL TO SEE WHAT THEY OWE INSTANTLY 13:46, 30 May 2025 This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on

any sales we generate from it. Learn more With Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) having increased for many drivers since April 1 and warnings that it increase in car tax could cause a 'major

financial shock' for motorists, it is important to know what you owe. Vehicle tax changes mean that those with an ageing, low CO2 emission vehicle are facing a rise of £150 a year in

the charge. The AA has warned that the new rates could be a shock to road users. Jack Cousens said millions of motorists will have to pay more in VED. And he said this, coupled with annual

fuel duty, means drivers, from across the spectrum of vehicles, are being hit hard in the pocket. He said: "VED changes and future increases threaten a major financial shock to the

finances of millions of car owners whose vehicles are still paying VED under the 2001-2017 CO2-banded system. READ MORE: Sky is giving away a free Samsung tablet worth £259 - what to do to

get yours READ MORE: Save 37% on easy to install Ring Outdoor Camera duo that 'gives peace of mind' "For those with ageing low-CO2 small family and city cars, the transition

to the current standard VED rate could see a hike of £150 or more a year on their motoring tax." He added: "With the average car currently paying £436.84 in fuel duty a year – or

£524.21 when VAT is added at the pump – a £150 increase in the VED they will pay represents a 34% hike on top of what they are paying in fuel duty." Drivers who have no idea how much

they need to pay can find out quickly by using WeBuyAnyCar's free online number plate checker. The handy online tool allows you to enter your vehicle registration and it will calculate

their vehicle's engine size (cc), power (kw) and CO2 (g/km). This means they can then calculate their VED over the next year. And the number plate checker also details your tax status,

your due date and MOT history meaning owners can ensure it is all in order and avoid any penalties. The DVLA will issue an £80 fine for those who fail to renew their vehicle tax. And not

having your car taxed can also result in your insurance being voided, so it's crucial to know what and when you owe it. VED can be paid in one instalment for the year or it can be split

into monthly payments with a direct debit. The number plate checker is also a useful tool if you are looking at buying a used car. WeBuyAnyCar says: "What’s more, if you run the

vehicle’s plate number through our reg plate checker, we can provide you with the following information in an instant: Year and registration date, make, model, colour, fuel and transmission

type, Engine size (cc), power (kw) and CO2 (g/km), whether the vehicle is imported." It can also tell buyers the number of previous owners the vehicle has had and the date ownership was

transferred to the current keeper. Data shows that 58 per cent of drivers are subject to the older vehicle VED scheme, which is based on CO2 emissions. VED prices are also up for new

petrol, diesel and electric models registered after 2017 with standard fees up from £190 to £195. Meanwhile, vehicles registered between 1985 and 2001 will pay up to £20 more in VED fees

with prices calculated based on the size of their engine. Check your number plate here. Article continues below