People could risk a hefty fine if they’re caught driving without paying a specific bill. It is a legal requirement for almost all vehicles in the UK to pay some form of road tax.

In a post on X, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) said: “Set up your Driver and vehicles account on GOV.UK and you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email. Do it today – it only takes 5 minutes.”

Drivers can sign up for the free service here, and opt for updates by text or email when the time to renew is approaching. There are also options to be reminded when your MOT and photocard licence expire, ensuring drivers have no excuse to miss a deadline.

To use this service, you must have either a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales or a vehicle log book (V5C) in your name. The DVLA adds that drivers “cannot set up vehicle tax reminders if [they] pay by direct debit”.

Paying in monthly instalments via direct debit because your tax automatically renews every year. The DVLA does not send reminders for these vehicles to prevent drivers from accidentally taxing their vehicle twice and being charged multiple times.

What happens if I don’t tax my vehicle in the UK?

In the UK, almost all vehicles used on public roads need vehicle tax, including cars, vans, motorbikes and HGVs. Even if your vehicle is in a £0 tax band, you are still legally required to register and apply for vehicle tax.

There are a handful of exemptions available on the GOV.UK website here. Aside from tax-exempt vehicles, any driver found using a vehicle could risk a fine of up to £2,500.

If buying from a car dealer or showroom, VED should be set up for you. You’ll need to have your own car insurance in place before you can drive away from the showroom. If you are buying privately, you will need to organise the road tax yourself and ensure it’s in place before you drive away.

The DVLA is responsible for enforcing non-payment of vehicle tax, and the authority has the power to clamp your vehicle until the correct amount of tax is paid. According to the RAC, the punishment could cost drivers who refuse to pay hundreds of pounds.

The DVLA said: “If the DVLA system flags up a vehicle as being untaxed and not declared SORN, an automated late licensing penalty letter is issued and a fine of £80 will be sent to the registered keeper. You won’t get any points on your licence, and if you pay the fine within 33 days you should receive a 50% discount.

“Failure to pay may result in the case being referred to a debt collection agency, which will add further costs. If you are caught using an untaxed vehicle on a public road without a SORN then an out of court settlement letter will be issued.

“The fine is £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax. If not paid, as a criminal offence. the case may be followed through the magistrates’ court where the penalty is either £1,000 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater.

“Driving an untaxed vehicle on a public road with a SORN in force will result in an out of court letter and a £30 fine plus twice the value of the outstanding vehicle tax. If unpaid, the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court where the maximum penalty is £2,500.”