Petrol and diesel drivers facing Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) increases from April 1, 2026, can avoid the hikes through a historic vehicle exemption. Shahzad Sheikh, founder and presenter of the YouTube channel @BrownCarGuy, highlights this option for motorists seeking to minimize costs amid annual inflationary adjustments.
Upcoming VED Rate Changes
Nearly all petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles will see higher fees starting April 1, 2026. Cars registered from 1987 onward remain subject to charges, including older models from that era. Vehicles registered between 1987 and 2001 pay based on engine size: engines of 1549cc or smaller rise to £230, an increase of £10, while larger engines over 1549cc climb to £375, up £15 from £360.
Historic Vehicle Exemption: The Key Escape Route
Cars reaching 40 years old qualify for historic status, granting a full VED exemption on a rolling annual basis. Vehicles registered before January 1, 1986, enter this category from April, eliminating fees entirely. Drivers must declare the vehicle in the historic tax class during renewal, resulting in zero payment.
Shahzad Sheikh explains: “There is one genuine escape route left. If your car is over 40 years old, it qualifies for historic vehicle status, which means VED exemption on a rolling 40-year basis. So, yes, if you really want to beat the system, the answer is simple. Hold onto your car, maybe even put it away somewhere, and just wait until it hits 40 years old, or just buy a 40-year-old car.”
Using SORN for Off-Road Storage
To store a vehicle off-road while awaiting historic status, drivers apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This halts VED charges and refunds any prepaid tax. However, SORN vehicles cannot drive on public roads or park on streets, limiting use to private land.
