Thousands of drivers are exempt from paying road tax – here are the criteria

THOUSANDS of drivers are exempt from paying road tax if they meet nine key criteria.

The Government lets a number of different categories of vehicles off the charge, depending on the purpose they are used for.

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First of all, any vehicle used by people who qualify for a range if disability benefits are not subject to the tax.

If you claim the higher rates of Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment, your vehicle is exempt.

This also applies to War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment.

Similarly, exemptions are given to vehicles used by organisations that provide transport to disabled people, excluding ambulances.

Likewise, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs have exemptions applied, as long as they have a top speed lower than 8mph and are limited to 4mph on footpaths.

Thirdly, like charges related to emissions standards, road tax is not due for historic/classic cars.

These are defined as those made over 40 years ago on a rolling basis.

Fourthly, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, not including hybrids, are not subject to the charge.

Exemptions are also applied to mowing vehicles (like ride-on lawnmowers), steam-powered vehicles and those used for agriculture like tractors.

Finally, any vehicle that is registered with a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) is not eligible to be taxed.

SORNs are declarations that the vehicle will not be used on the road, for example broken down cars that you are restoring.

They are not allowed to be driven on a public road unless to be taken for an MOT but are not required to take regular MOTs, be insured or pay tax until you want to use them again.

If you are uncertain whether your vehicle is eligible for an exemption, check gov.uk or contact the DVLA.

Road tax varies depending on your vehicle’s carbon emissions, but the most polluting pay £2,605 a year.