The new DVLA electronic road tax system is causing a stir amongst many motorists. From 1st October, you no longer need to display a paper tax disc in your vehicle’s windscreen. Now motorists are being directed to the DVLA’s website to pay their road tax, although motorists without use of the internet can still pay at the post office.
If you’re vehicle already has a paper tax disc you don’t really need to worry until the next time you tax your vehicle, although you can remove the paper tax disc from your windscreen if you want to. Your existing road tax remains valid until the expiry date, at which point you can renew using the new DVLA system.
A recent survey conducted shortly before the new rules came into effect estimated more than half the country had no idea about the new road tax system.
The new electronic road tax database will now keep track of who has paid and for those who avoid paying can now face a fine of up to £1,000.
You may also not be aware that under the new rules motorists selling their vehicles are no longer allowed to pass on unused tax to the buyer. Sellers can only claim a rebate on any full calendar months of unused tax that remain, while buyers must pay from the first day of the month in which they purchase the vehicle, even if they do not take ownership until days or weeks later.
The situation means that unless sales are completed on the first day of the month, the DVLA will in effect recoup an extra month’s worth of tax split between the buyer and seller.  It’s all going to take some getting used to.  Safe motoring.
Elliott Ramsey
Aftersales Manager