Motorist advised to take note of car tax changes

Motorist advised to take note of car tax changes

Motorists are being warned to brush up on the tax disc changes that will take affect from October 1 to save them hassle down the line.

Paper tax discs will become a thing of the past and it's estimated the move will save taxpayers £10million every year. The DVLA will also offer more flexible payment options via Direct Debit or at the Post Office.

Car owners still need to have paid vehicle tax to drive or keep a vehicle on the road, but police cameras will automatically check a car's number plate to establish if this has been paid.

This does mean that for used car buyers the vehicle tax will no longer be transferred, but it's good news for those selling a car that can get a refund for their unused tax.

However, failure to alert the DVLA to a change in car ownership can now result in a hefty fine.

Phil Peace, commercial operations director for HPI commented: "We remind motor traders to always send the V5C to the DVLA, rather than relying on the buyer to do it. And always apply for a Certificate of Destruction from an authorised treatment facility for vehicles that are scrapped.

"We're hoping that the new DVLA initiatives will make it harder for drivers to head out on the road untaxed. It's easy to check if a vehicle is taxed by heading online at the Vehicle Enquiry Service, making this the first step for dealers and consumers alike who want to avoid the risk of fines."

Green benefits will also be seen, since the tax disc was first introduced in 1921 over 1.7 billion paper discs have been issued and if they were put in a line they would go around the world three times!

by: Danielle Bagnall