The classic tax disc which has sat on the front of our car windscreens is set to be retired on 1st October 2014. The move brings an end to the practice which has been a legal requirement on Britains roads since 1921. So whats going to happen for the future of road tax? Here is an explanation to help you stay on the right side of the rules.
New Tax Disc Rules Set For October 2014
The new regulations will see the paper tax disc disappear from our windscreens, never to be seen again. The decision to phase out tax discs was started back in 2012 and is only now being rolled out into our vehicle system.
From now on automatic number plate recognition cameras will enforce road tax, which will mark the end for my tax disc is in the post excuses, while those obtaining used cars will need to make sure everything is done by the book. (Although if youre choosing a new BMW lease or any other contract hire, it will still be covered by us!)
How Do I Pay It Now?
To pay your road tax from now on you will need to set up a direct debit or pay the full amount online. The direct debit option will be most similar to paying the cost as its done now, making payments of 6 or 12 months upfront.
The new system will make it easier to pay, but the change is still expected to cause problems as people try and get used to the new approach. Overall it is expected to save taxpayers up to £10 million a year which is not paid by road users, as well as saving money from not having to post the tax discs.
Shane Teskey, senior consumer services manager at hpicheck.com, said Sellers who fail to inform the DVLA, could be fined and they will still be liable for any speeding or parking fines and vehicle tax for a car they dont even own anymore.
We remind sellers to always send the V5C to the DVLA, rather than relying on the buyer to do it. And if they scrap a vehicle, they should get a Certificate of Destruction from an authorised treatment facility.
The DVLA said its important to notify them straight away if there is a change of vehicle ownership, otherwise the registered keeper will still be liable for the vehicle. This means that anyone who sells their car needs to have the correct forms filled in and sent off immediately to avoid any problems. Failure to do this could result in a £1,000 fine.
Shane added were hoping that the new DVLA initiatives will make it harder for dodgy drivers to head out on the road untaxed. Its easy to check if your vehicle is taxed by heading online at the Vehicle Enquiry Service, making this the first step for anyone planning to sell their vehicle and avoid the risk of fines.
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