HGV road user levy
The heavy goods vehicle (HGV) levy is suspended from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2023 to support the haulage sector and aid pandemic recovery efforts.
HGV levy suspension
For UK vehicles, the HGV levy suspension will apply once a vehicle’s current licence has expired and is relicensed on or after 1 August 2020. The benefit of zero levy will apply automatically.
Please note that, in line with regulations, you should only make a SORN (statutory off-road notification) for a vehicle subject to the HGV levy if you do not intend using the vehicle for the rest of the levy period.
The HGV road user levy applies to heavy goods vehicles (HGV) of 12 tonnes or more. The levy aims to make sure these vehicles contribute to reducing the wear and tear of the road network. The levy amount varies according to the vehicle:
- weight
- axle configuration
- levy duration
Domestic and international hauliers, especially during these unprecedented times, are essential to keeping the country running. They play a key role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery and growth, which is why from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2023 the HGV levy is suspended.
Have your say
We are consulting on potential changes to the HGV levy until 18 July 2022.
UK registered vehicles
Payments for the levy are collected by the DVLA.
UK registered vehicles pay levy costs at the same time and in the same transaction as vehicle excise duty (VED). A levy rate of zero will automatically apply at a vehicle’s normal VED/levy renewal date from 1 August 2020. Vehicles will pay no levy for a maximum of 24 months.
The VED for HGVs has also been frozen for 2021 to 2023.
UK-registered HGV levy contact
Non-UK registered vehicles
From 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2023, the HGV levy is suspended.
The foreign operator payment system is operated by NEC Software Solutions on behalf of the Department for Transport.
Non-UK registered HGV levy contact
Background
The levy was introduced by the HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 and began on 1 April 2014.
Since 1 February 2019, less polluting lorries have paid cheaper levies.
The newest lorries generate 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than older ones.
So, lorries meeting the latest Euro VI emissions standards are now eligible for a 10% reduction in the cost of the HGV levy. Euro Class V and older vehicles must pay up to 20% more.
Policy and guidance
Consultations
- HGV levy reform options: environmental charging and liability changes for foreign vehicles
- Reforming the heavy goods vehicle road user levy
- Fines regarding drivers’ hours and the heavy goods vehicles levy
- Charging heavy goods vehicles to use UK roads
- Secondary legislation relating to the HGV Road User Levy Act 2013
Last updated 9 December 2021 + show all updates
-
Change of supplier from Northgate Public Services to NEC Software Solutions.
-
HGV levy suspension extended to 31 July 2023.
-
Updated to reflect the fact that the levy has been suspended until 31 July 2022.
-
Updated to reflect the fact that the levy has been suspended until 31 July 2021.
-
Updated to reflect changes to the HGV levy from 1 February 2019. Explains that lorries meeting latest Euro VI emissions standards are now eligible for a 10% reduction in the cost of the levy while Euro Class V and older vehicles are now required to pay up to 20% more.
-
'HGV Levy bands and rates tables' and 'HGV Levy driver and operator supplementary guidance' published with details of Euro class changes from 2 February 2019.
-
HGV levy tax information and impact note.
-
Reforming the heavy goods vehicle road user levy consultation.
-
An update on HGV levy receipts and levels of compliance during its first year of operation
-
First published.