Motorcycle Road Tax

Taxing your motorbike might not be the most exciting part of ownership, but it’s something you can’t ignore. Get it wrong, and you could face fines. Worse, you could end up riding illegally.

This guide breaks down what you need to know about motorcycle road tax in the UK, including current rates, where to check your road tax, and how to pay.

How much is road tax on a motorcycle?

Motorcycle road tax in the UK is largely influenced by your bike’s engine capacity (cc), which indicates its potential CO₂ emissions. Generally, motorcycles with larger engines produce more CO₂, leading to higher tax rates. The idea behind this is to encourage riders to use smaller, more environmentally friendly motorcycles.

As of April, 2025, the annual Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for motorcycles are:

• Up to 150cc: £26
• 151cc to 400cc: £57
• 401cc to 600cc: £87
• Over 600cc: £121

These rates apply to standard motorcycles. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the official UK government vehicle tax rate tables.

Is my motorcycle tax going up?

Motorcycle road tax has gone up steadily over the past few years. These changes are usually small, but they do add up over time. The table below shows how tax for motorcycles over 600cc has increased since 2020:

These yearly increases follow inflation, helping to keep the tax system in line with the wider economy. There’s also a push towards encouraging lower-emission transport, which means larger, less efficient bikes tend to be taxed more over time.

If you want to explore this further, the DVLA publishes full rate breakdowns each year. You can view current and historical rates in the official vehicle tax documents (V149 forms).

You can also check the latest figures directly on the official GOV.UK tax rate tables.

How to pay for motorcycle tax

There are a few ways to pay for your motorcycle road tax. The DVLA will usually send you a V11 reminder when your tax is due, but you don’t need to wait for it if you already have the right documents.

You’ll need your vehicle log book (V5C), or a new keeper slip (V5C/2) if you’ve just bought the bike. You may also need a valid MOT certificate if your bike is over three years old.

Where to pay:

• Online: The easiest way is through the UK vehicle tax portal. It’s quick, and you can pay by debit or credit card, or set up a Direct Debit.
• By phone: Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 and follow the prompts. You’ll still need your vehicle details and payment method ready.
• At the Post Office: Head to a post office that handles vehicle tax. Bring your log book (or new keeper slip), MOT certificate (if needed), and a payment card or cash.

Ways to pay:

• 12 months upfront: Pay the full amount in one go.
• 6 months upfront: A shorter term, but slightly more expensive overall due to admin fees.
• Direct Debit (6 months): Spread the cost over six months, but expect a small extra charge.
• Direct Debit (12 months): Pay monthly for the full year. It’s convenient, but again, slightly more expensive than a one-off payment.

Once paid, your tax is registered digitally, so there’s no physical disc anymore. You can check your status at any time using the GOV.UK vehicle tax check.

Can I cancel my motorcycle road tax?

Yes, you can cancel your motorcycle road tax, but only in certain situations. If your bike has been written off, sold, or taken off the road, you may be entitled to a refund for any full months of tax remaining.

If the motorcycle is no longer being used or kept on public roads, you’ll also need to apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This tells the DVLA that the vehicle is off the road and means you won’t need to pay road tax during that time.

You can apply for a SORN online, by phone, or by post using the DVLA’s SORN service. You’ll need either your V5C log book or a V11 reminder letter. Once the SORN is in place, you can’t ride or park the motorcycle on a public road unless you tax it again.

Can you be exempt from motorcycle road tax?

Yes, certain motorcycles are exempt from road tax in the UK. The two main categories for exemption are historic (classic) motorcycles and motorcycles used by disabled riders.

Remember, even if your motorcycle is exempt from paying road tax, you must still apply for the exemption and ensure the vehicle is taxed each year. Failure to do so could result in penalties of up to £2,500.

Classic motorcycles

If your motorcycle was made before 1 January 1985, you can apply for a vehicle tax exemption, classifying it as a historic vehicle. This means you won’t have to pay road tax from 1 April 2025.

If the exact build date is unknown but the bike was registered before 8 January 1985, it’s also eligible. To claim this exemption, you need to apply to the DVLA to change your vehicle’s tax class to ‘historic’. You can find more details on the UK government website.

Disabled riders

Riders with disabilities may be eligible for a road tax exemption if they receive certain disability benefits. This can include the higher rate mobility of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The motorcycle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name and used only for their personal needs. To apply for this exemption, you can visit a Post Office branch that deals with vehicle tax. You can find further information on the UK government website.

Electric motorcycle tax

Up until now, electric motorcycles haven’t had to pay road tax, but that’s changing. From 1 April 2025, electric bikes will no longer be exempt and will need to pay standard motorcycle VED rates, just like petrol-powered bikes.

This is part of a wider shift by the government to make sure all vehicles contribute to the upkeep of UK roads, regardless of how they’re powered.

While this means electric motorcycle owners will start paying road tax, it’s worth checking if other benefits still apply, like exemption from congestion charges or access to EV grants.

When do motorcycle road tax costs change?

Road tax rates are usually reviewed and updated in April each year. This is when the government announces changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), including rates for motorcycles. If there’s a rise, it typically takes effect from 1 April.

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on updates around the Spring Budget, especially if your tax is due around that time.

What happens if you don’t pay road tax on your motorcycle?

If you don ‘t pay road tax on your motorcycle, you could face several penalties:

• Late Licensing Penalty (LLP): An £80 fine, reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days. If unpaid, the case may be referred to a debt collection agency.
• Using an untaxed vehicle: If caught using an untaxed motorcycle on public roads without a SORN, you may receive an Out of Court Settlement (OCS) letter. The OCS is set at £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax. Failure to pay can lead to prosecution, with penalties of up to £1,000 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater. Your vehicle may also be clamped or seized.
• Keeping an untaxed vehicle: Even if you’re not using your motorcycle, keeping it without tax can lead to enforcement action. An OCS letter may be issued, with similar penalties as using an untaxed vehicle.

Stay road legal wherever you travel with motorbike insurance from Devitt

Staying road legal isn’t just about keeping your tax up to date—it also means having insurance in place. Without either, you could face fines, points on your licence, or even have your bike seized.

At Devitt, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936. Our cover is built to suit all types of riders, wherever your bike takes you. We can offer cover for classic bikes, custom builds, scooters, superbikes and more, plus optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection. Call us on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get a quote.

Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.

You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.