Can I Swap Disabled Tax With Another Car?

Car Tax is a mandatory payment made by owners of roadworthy vehicles to the DVLA. Through this blog post, we will explore the details of whether or not a vehicle assigned the Disabled Tax category can be swapped with another vehicle. We will also discuss other exemptions that disabled drivers may be able to benefit from and how to apply for them; as well as conduct a general overview of vehicle-related taxes for car owners in the UK.  

Can I Swap Disabled Tax With Another Car?

No, you cannot swap Disabled Tax with another car; in fact, you cannot transfer any type of car tax from one vehicle to another. If you qualify for Disabled Tax, you will need to apply for it through a post office that deals with car taxes.

You may be eligible for a disabled car tax if you receive any of the following benefits:

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • The higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
  • The enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

Individuals who qualify for a Disabled Tax for themselves or a nominated driver and are seeking to apply for the first time will need to apply through a post office; while future modifications to their status such as exemptions and reductions can be applied for online.

To apply for a Disabled Tax for the first time, you will need to carry the following list of documents to the post office with you:

  • Completed application for a Vehicle Registration Certificate (V62)
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C logbook) or the V5C/2 (nominated driver details)
  • Certificate of Entitlement to DLA, PIP, AFIP or WPMS

Individuals who qualify for Disabled Tax for their vehicle may also qualify for a Blue Badge, Road Tax exemption and Toll concessions as well. 

What Are Blue Badge Concessions For Disabled Drivers?

Blue Badge concessions are given to drivers with certain medical conditions in the UK, enabling them to park closer to their destinations.

If you qualify for a Blue Badge, you may be able to park for free in the following locations:

  • Unlimited parking on streets with parking meters or pay-and-display machines 
  • Unlimited parking (unless a time limit is displayed on a sign) in disabled parking bays on streets
  • Parking for up to three hours on single or double yellow lines (unless there’s a ‘no loading’ sign)

Can Disabled Drivers Get Road Tax Exemption?

Yes, disabled drivers qualify for a Road Tax exemption. To be eligible, the vehicle must essentially be registered in the name of the disabled person or their designated driver. Additionally, it can only be used for the personal needs of the disabled person and not for those of the designated driver. 

You can apply for a Road Tax exemption at the same time that you apply for Disabled Car Tax at the post office as You will need the same documents along with your application. 

If you don’t qualify for a Road Tax exemption but you receive the standard rate mobility component for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), you may be able to apply for a 50 per cent reduction on your Vehicle Tax.

How Is Road Tax Calculated?

Road tax or Vehicle Excise Duty in the UK is calculated on the basis of a few factors including the engine size and CO2 emissions of the car.

However, the UK road tax system is divided across two separate rates. The first-rate applies during the first year of a car on the road when its CO2 emissions are also accounted for while calculating the tax rate. It may range from £0 for zero-emission cars to £2,245 for cars that emit 255g/km or more.

From the second year onwards, the CO2 emissions will not account for road tax, rather the original cost of the car will be considered for calculations.

Cars that are valued at or above £40,000 will be taxed a further £335 annual supplement that runs for five years. After this time-lapse, they will be taxed at the current tax rate applicable during the tax term.

The current (2021-22) road tax is set at a flat rate of £155. This is an increase from £150 in the 2020/2021 financial year) to adjust for inflation. There’s a £10 annual discount for alternatively fuelled vehicles such as hybrids, mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Therefore, their owners pay £145 annually.

How Is Car Tax Paid?

If you have purchased a new car, your car tax is included along with the price of your car and any registration fee that is levied during the purchase. In the case of a second-hand car, if the dealer does not arrange a logbook transfer to your name, you can do the same by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on their website. 

To pay your car tax online from the post office, you will need the following documents;

  • Your V11 letter
  • An MOT test certificate
  • The amount of payment mentioned in the V11 letter

If you have misplaced your V11 letter or your V5C, your car tax can still be renewed through the local post office. At this time, you should also apply for a new Registration Certificate using a V62 application form A for £25.

Payments can be made in any of the following ways:

  • Debit/credit card
  • Direct Debit
  • Cash
  • Cheque
  • Postal Order

Can Car Tax Be Paid Without A Logbook?

Yes, you may be able to pay your car tax without a V5; your car logbook if the vehicle is registered in your name. If you have received a V11 reminder notice which states the vehicle owner’s name and the amount of car tax due for the next tax term, you can use it as proof of identification. If it is a new vehicle you will need a V5C/2 Green slip that is issued to new car owners while the ownership of their vehicle is transferred from the previous owner. However, if the car is not registered in your name, neither can you pay car tax, nor drive it on public roads.

Payments can be made through local post offices registered for car tax. You may use a debit card, credit card or direct debit facility to make your car tax payment(s).

However, in the absence of a V5, your car will be declared as SORN; Statutory Off-Road Notification until the new logbook arrives which can take up to a few weeks’ time. 

How Soon Can Car Tax Be Paid Before The End Of The Month?

You can tax your car 2 months in advance before your current car tax expires; however, if your car tax expires at the end of the month, you can pay the amount by the 5th day of the month. These payments can either be through cheque, postal order, online or through direct debit.

If you are making an advance payment, you will need the following documents:

  • Your vehicle registration certificate or logbook
  • An application for advance payment along with reasons 
  • Complete V10 form for vehicle tax and V85 form in case of a heavy good vehicle
  • An MOT or goods vehicle testing (GVT) certificate (in case you need one) 
  • A cheque, postal order or banker’s draft with the full amount payable to DVLA Swansea

Who Is Exempted From Paying Road Tax?

Anyone with a roadworthy vehicle in the UK is required to pay Road Tax (also referred to as car tax, vehicle tax or road fund license), as this is a mandatory, annual payment enforced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. However, the following vehicles are exempt from Road Tax:

  • Cars used by a disabled person
  • Disabled passenger vehicles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Historic vehicles
  • Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
  • Mowing machines
  • Steam vehicles
  • Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry

What Are The Legal Obligations Of Drivers?

Legal obligations of drivers in the UK include the following:

  • the vehicle should be registered with DVLA
  • the vehicle must be roadworthy
  • the owner must have paid their current vehicle tax 
  • the owner must have a current mot certificate 
  • the owner must have a minimum of third party insurance 

Car owners are also required to inform the DVLA in case of the following:

  • a change in the owner’s name or gender
  • new contact details including address
  • in case of a medical condition of the driver
  • major alterations to the vehicle
  • sale of the vehicle

Conclusion:

We’ve learnt now that while it may not be possible to swap or transfer a Disabled Car Tax to another vehicle, drivers who are eligible for such benefits and exemptions can apply for a new vehicle through a local post office that deals with car taxes. In addition to this, disabled drivers can also benefit from road tax exemptions, vehicle tax reductions and toll concessions. However, it is essential for them (or a designated driver) to be able to provide relevant documents required by the DVLA and make sure that the tax exempted vehicle is solely used for their personal needs and not those of their designated driver.

FAQs: Can I Swap Disabled Tax With Another Car?

What happens to car tax when you change cars?

Car tax cannot be carried over. This means that the buyer and seller will need to pay car tax for a full month each time a car is transferred through a change in ownership.

How many vehicles can a customer use their disability tax exemption against?

One vehicle per individual can be used for disability tax exemption. Additionally, the vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or their designated driver. Also, it can only be used for the personal needs of the disabled person and not for those of the designated driver.

Can a Blue Badge holder get free road tax?

Yes, most Blue Badge holders get free tax as well. Once you apply for an exemption, you will also be refunded for the months that you were eligible for the benefit but did not receive it.

Can I get a half-price car tax on PIP?

Yes, if you receive the standard rate mobility component for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), you may be able to apply for a 50 per cent reduction on your Vehicle Tax.

Who can drive a car with a disabled tax?

A vehicle driven disabled tax status must be registered in the name of the disabled person or their designated driver and it can be driven by either of them. However, it can only be used for the personal needs of the disabled person and not for those of the designated driver.

References:

How to apply for free disabled tax (INS216) – GOV.UK

How to change your car tax class as a disabled driver | Adrian Flux.

Change your vehicle’s tax class – GOV.UK

Change your vehicle’s tax class: Tax is due to run out or change if the vehicle is exempt – GOV.UK

Change Vehicle Tax Class at Post Office or DVLA (V62 and V70)

Get free vehicle tax if you’re a driver with a disability – GOV.UK

Tax your vehicle

Car tax guide | Everything you need to know | The AA

Apply for vehicle tax in advance – GOV.UK

How to tax a car without V5 | Express.co.uk