DVLA issues urgent car tax message with thousands of owners affected

Thousands of drivers could take advantage of a DVLA message (Image: Getty)

The DVLA has issued an urgent car tax message to all motorists with thousands of vehicle owners affected ahead of winter. 

Forgetting to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payments may appear harmless, but the error could dramatically backfire with individuals facing hefty fines for the simple mistake.

According to GOV.UK, drivers can be slapped with an £80 fine if they do not tax their vehicle or tell the DVLA that a model is off the road. 

Motorists will also have to pay for the time their vehicles were not taxed, meaning hefty bills could soon add up. 

Individuals also run the risk of having a model clamped or their vehicle taken away and crushed for failing to pay. 

Drivers can be fined for missing VED car tax payments (Image: Getty)

Officials have reminded forgetful road users they can set up a Direct Debit for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payments in a few simple steps.

A Direct Debit will automatically take money directly from a bank account when fees are due ensuring no charge is ever accidentally missed. 

They posted on X: "When you set up a Direct Debit for vehicle tax, it will renew automatically when it’s due to run out – so there's no need to worry."

Direct Debit payments can be set up online or through the Post Office if drivers provide bank or building society account details. 

However, GOV.UK stresses that individuals "cannot pay by Direct Debit over the phone."

It’s also important to note that the first Direct Debit payment will not be taken until the vehicle tax has started. 

Motorists have been warned that it can take up to 10 days for payments to be made, but motorists can still use their car before money is taken out. 

Drivers should be aware there is a 5% surcharge for individuals who pay their vehicle tax on a monthly or six-monthly basis. 

There is no extra surcharge for those who decide to pay the entire bill upfront every 12 months. 

GOV.UK added: "You do not need to be the vehicle’s registered keeper to set up a Direct Debit. Emails and letters about Direct Debit payments are sent to the account holder."

Tax evasion remains high, with an estimated 1.3% of vehicles in UK traffic thought to be unlicensed in 2023. 

This would suggest that there were around 498,000 unlicensed vehicles among active stock in the UK.