Cherished Number Plates News

New DVLA taxation system

10 November 2008

The DVLA have improved the taxation renewal system to allow drivers more flexibility when renewing. They have received complaints in the past about how drivers have become annoyed that they often were forced to be without use of their car for days until they had time to renew their car tax, under the old system.

Two changes to the taxation system mean that motorists will have a longer time window to tax their vehicle.

The first change has come about after the DVLA noticed that many of those paying online or over the phone decided not to tax their vehicle having discovered that their tax disc may not arrive for up to five days after paying. The new rule states that motorists will continue to legally drive their car for five days until their new tax disc arrives. This will only apply where the new tax disc has been applied for before the current one expires and motorists should continue to display the expired disc on their vehicle, until the new one arrives. This will be of greatest assistance to those who cannot pay for their tax as they will not be paid from their employer until the last day of the month, by which time it is too late to receive their tax disc by the first of the next month.

In addition, motorists are now able to buy their vehicle tax disc from the 5th day of the month that their current disc is due to expire in. Previously, a new tax disc could only be paid for after the 15th of the month it was due to expire in. This new procedure has came about following feedback received by the DVLA stating that it was a major inconvenience for many people.

The DVLA has also added a new incentive to their electronic payment system to encourage people to use it. Everyone who uses the electronic payment system to pay for their tax will be automatically entered into a great draw to win a brand new car.

Andrew Rhodes, DVLA Customer Services Director, said

“These new customer service improvements show that DVLA listens and responds to the motoring public’s needs. It makes sense to be able to buy your tax disc throughout the month, and we are pleased to offer a service that may help our customers manage their monthly outgoings.”