April 2026 car tax rates as most pay more and some face £5,690 charge

Citing Gov.uk data, Confused.com revealed that the standard annual rate for most new petrol and diesel cars beyond the first year climbs to £200 from £195 in 2025/26. Zero-emission vehicles will pay £10 in the first year, then £200 thereafter. The cost of the first year's tax for all vehicles has risen - with the top band, determined by CO2 emission, increased by £200 to an eye-watering £5,690. High-value cars, costing more than £40,000, pay extra for as long as five years. Prices will differ for diesel cars that are tested to RDE standards. Cars move to the annual standard rates after the first year. Car tax annual standard rates after first year Most vehicles are subject to the standard rate from their second year, which will be £200 from April 1, 2026. Cars with a price tag exceeding £40,000 incur an additional supplement for the initial five years, currently set at £440. For zero-emission (electric) cars, this threshold rises to £50,000 from April 1, 2026. Band K includes cars with a CO2 figure over 225g/km, but registered before March 23, 2006. If you're unsure of your car's band, visit the GOV.UK website. Certain vehicles are exempt from VED. These include those over 40 years old, those used by a person with an eligible disability, those used by an organisation providing transport for people with an eligible disability, agricultural vehicles, and any vehicle with a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN) attached. Crucially, however, all vehicles must still be taxed, even if that tax is free of charge.