The DVLA has confirmed a new system for car tax will be introduced today with thousands of drivers refusing to pay.
Motorists can now opt for digital tax reminders instead of waiting for a paper slip to be sent in the post.
The new tool is the latest phase of the DVLA’s new Driver and vehicle account service which offers a range of online services for road users.
Drivers will be able to set up vehicle tax reminders by email and text message.
Road users can also choose to stop getting tax reminders sent through the post if they wish.
Motorists can also view their driving licence information on the service, including how many penalty points are on their record.
Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive said: “We are asking motorists to help us test the service. It’s free, and simple to sign up for an account.
“This new service is being developed and we will be adding more features but we want to give customers access as early as possible so they can try it out and let us have their feedback.”
The RAC claims that the DVLA runs monthly computer checks of all vehicles registered in the UK. The new tool could help target the over 700,000 drivers who are thought to be evading car tax in the UK.
A staggering 1.9 percent of vehicles were unlicensed when the data was last collected in 2021. It was a slight increase on the 1.6 percent of drivers (634,000) who were breaking the law back in 2019.
According to the statistics, around 45 percent of vehicles without Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) have not had valid tax in place for more than two months.
Lennard has previously warned that those choosing to evade will be “tackled” using “comprehensive enforcement measures”.
The penalties for evading car tax can be heavy with drivers potentially set to lose thousands of pounds. Road users who fail to pay their tax charges will be issued a fine of £80 sent to their address.
Offenders will have 50 percent of the fine reduced if a charge is finally paid within 28 days.
However, those who continue to refuse payment could be prosecuted with fines then rising to £1,000.
The DVLA also has the power to impound cars until the correct tax has been paid.
Car insurance policies will also be invalidated meaning you will not be covered in the event of an accident.