UK Road Tax Rises for High-Emission Cars in 2026

Millions of UK motorists face higher Vehicle Excise Duty charges starting next week, with rates for high-emission vehicles rising significantly as part of annual inflation adjustments. The changes, effective from April 1, 2026, will increase first-year taxes on new cars emitting over 255 grams of CO2 per kilometer to £5,690 from £5,490, while the standard annual rate for most vehicles registered after April 2017 will climb to £200 from £195.

Vehicle Excise Duty, commonly known as road tax, is calculated based on a car's CO2 emissions and registration date. For vehicles registered after April 1, 2017, the first-year rate depends on emissions levels, followed by the flat standard rate in subsequent years. Under the updated bands, zero-emission electric vehicles will pay £10 in the first year, unchanged, but those with retail prices exceeding £50,000 will incur an additional £440 supplement from April 1. This threshold for the expensive car supplement was raised by £10,000 to account for higher costs of premium electric models compared to petrol or hybrid equivalents.

For cars registered between March 1, 2001, and April 1, 2017, annual rates are banded by emissions and will see...