Car tax 2017 - shock price rise as Government push for Brits to buy zero emissions cars
THE new VED car tax laws are coming into place in a number of weeks, with the rate of charges set to change.
Car tax charges and rules are changing in the UK from April 1
Car tax rates in the UK are changing as the Government looks to encourage Brits to buy zero emissions cars.
The current car tax policy is set to be scrapped in the UK as almost three quarters of British cars produce less than 130/g/km of CO2.
Under the new laws, however, only cars that produce zero-emissions will be exempt from the new charges.
It is believed that one of the reasons the car tax prices have been hiked up is part of the Government’s plan to get UK motorists to buy zero-emissions cars.
These changes won’t affect any vehicles that are registered before 1 April 2017
Under the new rules, only zero emissions cars will be exempt from paying any tax.
The new rules only affect people buying a car after April 1st, so people who registered a car before that date will pay the same tax.
Rohan Gye, DVLA Vehicle Service Manager, said: "These changes won’t affect any vehicles that are registered before 1 April 2017.
“So, for anyone who already owns a car or is thinking of buying a used car the rates of vehicle tax will not be changing.
“However, anyone considering buying a new car that will be first registered from 1 April should check the vehicle tax rates table on GOV.UK to find out how much they’ll pay.
The move is thought to be encouraging the uptake of zero emissions car
How tax for petrol and diesel cars compare before and after April 1st 2017
Pre- April 1st 2017
Current annual tax rate (based on the vehicle’s emissions)
120g/km - £30
150g/km - £145
170g/km - £210
Over 255g/km - £515
Post-April 1st 2017
First year ‘licence rate’ (based on the vehicle’s emissions)
120g/km - £160
150g/km - £200
170g/km - £500
Over 255g/km - £2,000
CO2 emissions in earth’s atmosphere hit important threshold
Post-April 1st 2017
Standard rate after the first year (based on the vehicle’s fuel-type)
120g/km - £140
150g/km - £140
170g/km - £140
Over 255g/km - £140