Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax

Some types of vehicle are ‘exempt’ from vehicle tax. This means that you do not need to pay for the vehicle tax.

You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You do not have to pay if you have one of the following types of vehicle.

Vehicles used by a disabled person

You can claim disability exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. Find out if you’re eligible and how to claim.

You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it’s no longer being used by a disabled person.

You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you’ll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.

Disabled passenger vehicles

Vehicles (apart from ambulances) used by organisations providing transport for disabled people are exempt.

Historic vehicles

Vehicles made before 1 January 1984 are exempt. Find out if your vehicle is eligible and how to claim.

Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs

Vehicles are exempt if the following apply:

  • they have a maximum speed of 8mph on the road
  • they are fitted with a device that limits them to 4mph on footways

Electric vehicles

To be exempt, the electricity must come from any of the following:

  • an external source, such as a private or public chargepoint
  • an electric storage battery not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving
  • hydrogen fuel cells

You must pay vehicle tax if your vehicle is hybrid electric.

Mowing machines

You do not have to pay vehicle tax on a mower that’s designed and used for cutting grass only.

This does not include tractors used to tow gang mowers.

Steam vehicles

You do not have to pay vehicle tax on any steam-powered vehicle.

Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry

This includes:

  • tractors
  • agricultural engines
  • light agricultural vehicles used off-road
  • ‘limited use’ vehicles used for short journeys (no more than 1.5km) on a public road between land that’s used by the same person

Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)

If you’re registering a vehicle as off the road, you’ll get a refund for any remaining vehicle tax that you owe.

Contact DVLA

If you need help with your vehicle tax, contact DVLA.

Part of Buy a vehicle: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

    You'll need the vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).

    1. Check the details you've been given match DVLA's information
    2. Check the vehicle's MOT history
    3. Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue
    4. Check the log book isn't for a stolen vehicle

  2. Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

    Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

    1. Find out how to register your vehicle
    2. Get a vehicle log book if you don't have it £25

  3. and Register for MOT reminders

    You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3 years old.

    1. Get a reminder when your MOT is due

  4. Step 3 Insure the vehicle

    You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road.

    1. Check if your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurance Database
    2. Read about vehicle insurance

  5. Step 4 Tax the vehicle

    You need to tax the vehicle before you can use it on the road.

    1. Check how much you’ll have to pay to tax your vehicle
    2. You are currently viewing: Check when you don't have to pay vehicle tax
    3. Tax your vehicle