With only six weeks to go before the UK says goodbye to the paper tax disc, it appears that a large proportion of motorists are not fully aware of the forthcoming rule changes.
According to a survey by money.co.uk, up to half of the UK’s drivers have no idea that the tax disc change is about to take effect.
An electronic system will replace old tax discs on October 1. Vehicle number plate recognition cameras will check to see if motorists have paid their tax by cross-checking their details with the DVLA database.
Those caught without tax could face a fine of up to £1000.
While 50 per cent of drivers surveyed did not know when the new rules would come into effect, around 30 per cent said they would not be seeking the required information out at all.
Around six per cent of drivers believe that the changes won’t be coming into effect until 2015.
A large proportion of those polled – nearly a third – said that they would wait until advised of any changes by the DVLA.
Direct Debit
Drivers will be able to pay for their road tax by direct debit, an option that 53 per cent of motorists plan to opt for, according to the money.co.uk survey. Motorists who spread the cost of road tax across the year will face a surcharge of 5 per cent.
Another big change that comes into effect on October 1 relates to selling a vehicle. Sellers must inform the DVLA immediately that a sale has been made, or they may be liable for any subsequent speeding/parking fines given to that vehicle.
Additionally, remaining vehicle tax will no longer be automatically transferred with the vehicle when it is sold on.
Have you bought our competitive annual breakdown cover for one vehicle, but have sold it and bought another one? Then you must notify us immediately, as we can only assist vehicles registered on our database. As long as the new car is in the same age band as the previous one, as well as having no major modifications, there should be no additional charge in premium.
Breakdown Cover from 
