Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax

Some types of vehicle are ‘exempt’ from vehicle tax. This means that you do not need to pay for the vehicle tax.

You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You do not have to pay if you have one of the following types of vehicle.

Vehicles used by a disabled person

You can claim disability exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. Find out if you’re eligible and how to claim.

You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it’s no longer being used by a disabled person.

You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you’ll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.

Disabled passenger vehicles

Vehicles (apart from ambulances) used by organisations providing transport for disabled people are exempt.

Historic vehicles

Vehicles made before 1 January 1984 are exempt. Find out if your vehicle is eligible and how to claim.

Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs

Vehicles are exempt if the following apply:

  • they have a maximum speed of 8mph on the road
  • they are fitted with a device that limits them to 4mph on footways

Electric vehicles

To be exempt, the electricity must come from any of the following:

  • an external source, such as a private or public chargepoint
  • an electric storage battery not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving
  • hydrogen fuel cells

You must pay vehicle tax if your vehicle is hybrid electric.

Mowing machines

You do not have to pay vehicle tax on a mower that’s designed and used for cutting grass only.

This does not include tractors used to tow gang mowers.

Steam vehicles

You do not have to pay vehicle tax on any steam-powered vehicle.

Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry

This includes:

  • tractors
  • agricultural engines
  • light agricultural vehicles used off-road
  • ‘limited use’ vehicles used for short journeys (no more than 1.5km) on a public road between land that’s used by the same person

Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)

If you’re registering a vehicle as off the road, you’ll get a refund for any remaining vehicle tax that you owe.

Contact DVLA

If you need help with your vehicle tax, contact DVLA.

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