New car tax rules, Are you up to date?

David Jamieson, Minister for Transport explains how with your help, the new car tax law will make the roads safer for everyone:

The Government has introduced new car tax rules that now apply. The rules are good news for everyone, as they will result in safer roads and help the police in the fight against car crime.

Previously, motorists driving without a valid tax disc had to be spotted on the roads to be subject to a penalty. But from 1 January 2004, keepers of vehicles who have not paid their tax within the month will be identified from the DVLA computer database and will automatically receive an £80 penalty. This is reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days; but determined offenders could be faced with prosecution and a minimum £1000 fine.

The changes mean that for the first time the registered keeper of the vehicle is now legally responsible for taxing it. If they don't tax their vehicle, or fail to inform the DVLA that the vehicle is off-road or has had a change of keeper, then they will be liable for the £80 penalty - even if the vehicle belongs to someone else.

The law-abiding motorist won't need to do anything differently, except ensure they continue to keep their car tax up to date and inform the DVLA if the car is sold, scrapped or off the road.

Whilst the new rules require the law-abiding motorist to do very little differently, the rules will have a massive impact on road safety.

It will crack down on 'vehicle cheats', who don't tax their vehicles, many of whom also drive without insurance or an MOT. Registered keepers of vehicles will no longer be able to avoid buying their tax disc. Currently there are about 1.75 million untaxed cars on our roads. As you need an MOT (for vehicles over 3 years old) and insurance certificate to purchase a tax disc this measure will not only cut the number of untaxed cars - it will also cut the number of unsafe and illegal vehicles on our roads.

As well as increasing road safety the measures will also assist the police by improving the traceability of vehicles. As vehicle keepers will remain liable for automatic penalties if their car tax goes unpaid they will be more likely to inform the DVLA of a change of keeper. This will result in the DVLA having a much more accurate record of vehicle keepers which in turn will make it much easier for the police to trace individuals involved in car crimes - both criminals and victims. This is a key factor in reducing car crime. For example, if the police need to trace the culprit of a hit-and-run accident, they can quickly consult the DVLA database. The new measures mean the DVLA's records will be more up to date making it easier to trace the registered owner of the vehicle.

The measures also improve police efficiency as penalties are automatically issued from the DVLA database.

So help us make your streets safer: remember to keep your tax up to date and inform the DVLA if you sell, export or scrap it. You also must make a SORN (Statuary Off Road Notification) declaration, if it's not taxed and off the public road for any length of time.

For more information please log on to the web site www.dvla.gov.uk or call 0870 240 0010.