New Tax Disc Law From 1st October 2014

The law is changing for vehicle tax discs, see below for the Q&A from the DVLA.

Tax Disc Changes at the DVLA

1. What are you doing?
We are changing the law to get rid of the need to display a paper tax disc.
Tax discs will no longer be available.
2. Why are you doing this?
The benefits of paper tax discs have become redundant over time as the DVLA and police rely on DVLA’s electronic vehicle register to check if a vehicle is taxed.
3. When is this going to be introduced?
The change will be introduced on 1st October 2014.
4. Who will this apply to?
Everyone who needs to tax their vehicle.
5. Does this mean that motorists no longer need to buy vehicle tax?
No. Motorists will still need to pay for their vehicle tax, but they will no longer get a paper tax disc for display on vehicles.
6. How does this work for vehicles that are exempt from payment of vehicle tax, e.g. Disabled tax class? The requirement to apply for vehicle tax will not change for any individual including those in the Disabled Tax Class. The only change will be that the paper tax disc will no longer be issued and required to be displayed on a vehicle windscreen.
7. Will motorists still get a reminder when the vehicle tax runs out?
Yes. There will be no change to the issue of the Renewal Reminder (V11s and V85/1s).
8. How will I know if a vehicle is taxed?
Any person may check the tax status of any vehicle by using DVLA’s Vehicle Enquiry System. The vehicle enquiry system can be accessed by visiting www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/
9. What if I need a tax disc to get a parking permit/car parking space?
All Local Authorities will be made aware of the change to law where tax discs will no longer be available.
10. If there is no tax disc, this could also mean that there is no insurance or MoT for a vehicle. How will this be checked?
The technology is already available to check details between the DVLA, Insurance Industry and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Technical advancements in accessing vehicle information means the police can access details at the roadside.
11. Will this lead to more people not paying their vehicle tax?
DVLA takes enforcement action directly from the vehicle register. The use of tools like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and wheelclamping also enforce more effectively against those who fail to pay their vehicle tax. These enforcement measures have helped to improve compliance and vehicle tax evasion is at a historic low. The latest estimate of vehicle excise duty evasion is just 0.6%. There is no evidence to suggest that getting rid of the paper tax disc will make this increase as these tools will continue to be used when the tax disc is abolished.