Full list of 8 vehicles exempt from paying road tax to DVLA (2025)

You might not have to pay an annual tax depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

Motorists in the UK have been reminded that owning certain vehicles means they are exempt from paying an annual fee. According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), eight types of vehicles do not require vehicle excise duty.

Also known as vehicle tax or road tax, this fee is a tax for using a vehicle on public roads in the UK. The money is paid to the government fund, which is used for projects that benefit everyone – including road work and maintenance.

The amount you pay will depend on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of fuel it uses. Typically, the more emissions a vehicle produces, the more road tax you will pay.

However, some types of vehicle are “exempt” from vehicle tax. This means that you do not need to pay for the vehicle tax.

But it is important to remember that you must still tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay. You do not have to pay if you have one of the following types of vehicle:

• Vehicles used by a disabled person
• Disabled passenger vehicles
• Historic vehicles
• Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs
• Mowing machines
• Steam vehicles
• Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry
• Electric heavy goods vehicles.

Vehicles used by a disabled person

If your vehicle is used by someone with a disability you can claim disability exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. You’ll need to provide evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption.

The DVLA says: “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 used by organisations providing transport for disabled people are also exempt. But this does not include ambulances.

Historic vehicles

Vehicles made before January 1, 1985 are exempt from paying. You can check if your vehicle is eligible at gov.uk/historic-vehicles.

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.

Mowing machines

The DVLA states: “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.

Electric heavy goods vehicles

Electric heavy goods vehicles that weigh over 3,500kg are exempt. Previously, electric cars, vans, motorcycles and tricycles were also exempt from road tax. However, this rule changed on April 1 this year.

Hybrid electric vehicles are also required to pay tax.

For more information and to check if you are exempt, visit gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-vehicle-tax.