This month sees the new road tax system come into place with the changes not only meaning a change in how to get your road tax but also the end of the perforated circle we have become so used to.
Existing road tax discs can be taken off the windscreen if drivers so wish. The DVLA system already knows your tax is paid and so you really need to do nothing until the time it runs out.
Renewing on the new system means motorists buy their road tax online at the DVLA website. Drivers without access to the internet will still be able to make a payment at their usual post offices.
If you sell your car or buy a car the road tax will not be transferred with it. The seller can claim refunds for any full months left on the tax and are responsible for informing DVLA of the change of ownership. Buyers will have to purchase their own road tax when purchasing a vehicle. This is really the big change, the value of the car will no longer be able to take into consideration the existing road tax.
What motorists do have to be aware of is the fines they could incur. The new system will check the validity of road tax by automatic number plate recognition, and sellers who do not inform DVLA of the change in ownership could also receive a fine.
You will continue to receive a vehicle renewal reminder in the post but if you have forgotten or simply want to clarify how much road tax is left you can by login on to the Vehicle Enquiry System.
The DVLA says the reforms are aiming to streamline the service, and reduce admin costs. With the present system only 0.6 per cent of vehicles on the road are with road tax. Anyone without valid road tax could face a fine of upto £1,000.
