Whether you’re riding a nimble 125cc commuter or a powerful litre bike, every motorcycle rider in the UK needs to be aware of their road tax obligations. Motorcycle road tax—officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)—is a legal requirement for most bikes on public roads, and understanding how it’s calculated, how to pay it, and what exemptions exist can save you time, money, and potential fines.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of motorcycle road tax in the UK as of 2025, including how much it costs, how to pay it, and what’s changed over the years.
Motorcycle road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a mandatory tax that all vehicles used or kept on public roads in the UK must pay. This includes motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. The amount you pay is based on the engine size of your bike, and it contributes to maintaining and developing the country’s road network.
Contrary to common belief, VED isn’t used solely for road maintenance, but it remains a crucial revenue stream for the Treasury.
You must tax your motorcycle if:
You don’t need to pay motorcycle road tax if your bike is declared as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), meaning it’s kept off the road (e.g., in a garage) and not ridden.
For motorcycles, unlike cars, the VED is not based on CO2 emissions but on engine size. As of 2025, the UK Government sets motorcycle road tax bands based on the following engine sizes:
You can also choose to pay your tax every 6 months or monthly via direct debit, although paying in full annually is slightly cheaper overall.
Some motorcycles are exempt from paying VED, including:
If your motorcycle is fully electric (i.e., produces zero emissions), you are currently exempt from paying any road tax. However, it must still be taxed annually — at a rate of £0 — and insured.
Motorcycles that are over 40 years old (and not substantially modified) qualify as historic vehicles. These are exempt from road tax, but like EVs, they must still be registered and display a valid tax disc (or digital record).
If you receive certain disability benefits, you may be entitled to a discount or exemption on motorcycle tax. This usually applies to riders receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of PIP.
Taxing your motorcycle is a simple process and can be done in one of three ways:
Visit www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax and use either:
You can call the DVLA vehicle tax service on 0300 123 4321.
Use a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. Bring along your V5C and proof of insurance/MOT if required.
Note: You must have a valid MOT and insurance policy in place before taxing your bike.
Failing to tax your motorcycle can lead to serious penalties:
If you’re storing your motorcycle over winter or not planning to ride it for a while, you can make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This means you won’t need to pay road tax or insurance while it’s off the road.
To declare SORN, go to www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn. It’s free and takes just a few minutes.
You can only ride the bike again once you’ve taxed it.
No. As of 2014, road tax does not transfer when a bike is sold. When you sell your motorcycle:
This applies even if you’re just transferring it to a family member or friend.
To legally tax your motorcycle, the DVLA checks the Motor Insurance Database to ensure the bike is insured. This is known as Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE). If your bike isn’t insured and taxed (or SORN), you could be fined even if you’re not using it.
Yes — since October 2014, paper tax discs are no longer issued or required. Everything is recorded digitally, and ANPR cameras enforce compliance. However, you should still keep your documents up to date in case of police stops or when buying/selling the vehicle.
While current VED for motorcycles is based on engine size, there have been industry discussions about introducing CO2-based taxation, similar to cars. As the UK pushes toward a zero-emissions future, incentives for electric motorcycles are likely to grow, and internal combustion engine bikes may face higher costs or restrictions in urban areas.
It’s worth keeping an eye on government announcements, especially if you’re planning to buy a new motorcycle soon.
Motorcycle road tax in the UK is relatively straightforward and quite affordable compared to car tax—especially for smaller or more efficient machines. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or riding purely for pleasure, keeping your bike taxed and legal is essential.
By understanding the current rules, making use of exemptions where possible, and staying on top of your bike’s documentation, you’ll ensure a hassle-free riding experience.
