Co2 Emissions

In the March 2001 Budget the Chancellor announced the extension of the lower rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to cover cars in the Private and Light Goods (PLG) taxation class with an engine size of 1549cc or less. 

Since March 2001, a system of Graduated VED has been in operation for new cars based primarily on their level of Co2 emissions.

Since April 2002, Company Car Tax has been based on the Co2 emissions of the vehicle provided to an employee for their private use.

During the March 2006 Budget, the Chancellor introduced a new zero rate for cars with the lowest carbon emissions and a new top band for the most polluting cars.

Click here to work out Co2 emissions and vehicle exercise duty for a model of a car

Number Plates / Private Registrations

The Current System

New registrations changed from annual to twice yearly. New-style plate was introduced, made up of three parts:

The first two letters show where the vehicle was registered. The first represents the region and the second a DVLA local office.

Age identifier the two numbers in the middle of the plate indicate the age of the vehicle. The age identifier changes twice a year: on 1 March and 1 September. The first digit indicates a car that is registered in the six months from March (0) or September (5) and the second digit indicates the year. For example:

An age identifier of 56 indicates a car first registered between 1 September 2006 and 28 February 2007.

Random letters the last three letters are random and give the car a unique identity. For a full list of local tags and age identifiers visit the official DVLA website.

Private registrations – there is a large supply of private registrations available to purchase from the DVLA for more information or registration search please visit visit the official DVLA website.