How much vehicle tax (VED) you pay depends mainly on when the car was first registered, and its CO2 emissions. Cars registered from April 2017 pay a flat standard rate; cars from March 2001 to March 2017 are taxed by a CO2 band from A to M. RegScan shows a car's CO2 and band - check a vehicle free. Rates are set by the government and change each April, so always confirm the current figure on GOV.UK.

Cars registered from April 2017

These pay a flat standard rate each year, regardless of CO2 (CO2 only affects the higher first-year "showroom" rate). Two things to know:

  • Alternative-fuel cars (hybrids etc.) get a small discount on the standard rate.
  • If the car's list price was over £40,000, an additional "expensive car" supplement applies for several years on top of the standard rate.

Cars registered March 2001 to March 2017

These use the CO2 band system, A to M. The lower the CO2 (g/km), the lower the band and the cheaper the tax:

  • Band A - lowest emissions, historically the cheapest.
  • Bands rise through B, C, D... as CO2 increases.
  • Band M - the highest emissions, the most expensive.

RegScan shows the CO2 figure and the band for cars in this range, so you can see where one sits.

Cars registered before March 2001

Older cars are taxed by engine size, not CO2 - a lower rate at or below 1549cc, and a higher rate above it.

Electric vehicles

EVs were exempt for years, but that changed from April 2025 - most electric cars now pay vehicle tax like other vehicles. As always, check the current position on GOV.UK.

How to find your car's band

Enter the registration on RegScan and you'll see the CO2 emissions and, for eligible cars, the CO2 tax band - alongside the current tax status and MOT. Check a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are UK vehicle tax bands worked out?

For cars registered March 2001 to March 2017, by CO2 emissions (bands A to M). For cars from April 2017, a flat standard rate. Before 2001, by engine size.

What is the cheapest car tax band?

For 2001 to 2017 cars, Band A (lowest CO2) is cheapest. For newer cars the standard rate is flat, so CO2 mainly affects only the first-year rate.

Why is my newer car's tax not based on CO2?

Cars registered from April 2017 pay a flat standard rate after the first year. CO2 sets the higher first-year rate but not the ongoing standard rate.

What is the £40,000 car tax surcharge?

Cars with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra "expensive car" supplement on top of the standard rate for several years.

How do I find my car's CO2 band?

Check the registration on RegScan - it shows CO2 and, for eligible 2001 to 2017 cars, the A to M band.