Drivers are strongly advised to allocate “five minutes” to verify a critical DVLA detail regarding their vehicle to avoid incurring a £1,000 fine. The agency has directed the public to its new complimentary online tool that grants instant access to pertinent information. Payment of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly referred to as road tax, is a mandatory requirement for operating a vehicle in the UK. Unlike other payments such as income tax or national insurance, however, it is not processed automatically. Consequently, drivers bear the responsibility of manually renewing their tax annually and diligently keeping track of payment deadlines. As part of a recently launched campaign, the DVLA issued a reminder via Twitter prompting motorists to ascertain their next payment date. “Do you have knowledge of when your vehicle tax is due?” the message read. “By establishing a ‘driver and vehicles’ account, you can opt to receive tax reminders via text or email. Simplify your life with this service that takes merely around five minutes to complete.”
Neglecting to settle your road tax can result in a hefty fine of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution. Fortunately, the DVLA provides a cost-free online service, as mentioned in its tweet, to assist drivers in adhering to legal requirements. To utilize this service, simply register for a ‘drivers and vehicles’ account on the DVLA Digital platform. Mandatory information includes an email address, passport, and residential addresses from the past three years. Additionally, you may be required to provide your driving license number, national insurance number, and vehicle log book. Establishing your profile should take no more than five minutes. This account enables you to set up tax reminders, access details such as tax and MOT deadlines, and even renew your license.
The DVLA’s initiative follows a recent increase in VED rates in April due to persistent inflation. Bradley Post, Managing Director of finance experts RIFT, informed Express.co.uk: “On average, motorists can expect a six percent increase, translating to an additional £10 annually. However, for those with vehicles categorized as ‘luxury’ and thus subject to the ‘luxury car’ surcharge, this cost could surge to over £400, resulting in annual road tax payments as high as £600.
