Temporary Car Tax

Luke284 · 28 Mar 2008 at 11:31

Ive just bought my first car and the dealer has just got back to me with the registration number.

However, in order to save me a months tax they have registered it from the 1st of April. They said I could still pick it up, but I'm not really happy driving an untaxed car so will have to wait until Tuesday! (would the insurance even be valid!?)

i wanted to drive back to London on Sunday, but that is going to have to wait too!

i know its a long shot, but is there any way of getting the car taxed on a temp basis until tuesday?

[TW]Fox · 28 Mar 2008 at 11:34

Have you got the car insured and a certificate of insurance in your hands?

If so, tax it again yourself at the post office today and cash in the other tax disc. You may end up losing a tenner or so but hey. You'll also only really be getting 11 months tax.

Luke284 · 28 Mar 2008 at 11:36

im working on insurance now, was waiting to get the number.

BIGWEB · 28 Mar 2008 at 11:53

seems very strange that they have registered it from april 1st. You will probably find that it is taxed now but has been done so for 12 months and a week so it goes into their march figures and you dont lose a months tax.

[TW]Fox · 28 Mar 2008 at 11:54

BIGWEB said:
seems very strange that they have registered it from april 1st

No it doesnt - its standard practice. The only alternative would be to effectively pay for 12 months tax but only get 11. It's hardly ever backdated to the beginning of the current Month for this very reason.

BIGWEB · 28 Mar 2008 at 11:58

I apologise if we are talking about used cars. If we are speaking about new cars we would tax them for 12 months and a week to get round this. (I've done 7 this week). Its not clear from the original post if its new or used.

Luke284 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:01

its a new registration in the UK as its an import from jersey

BIGWEB · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:06

I'm not entirely sure how that is dealt with. as I have said if its the same as a new registration you will more than likely find it is taxed as of now but for 12 months and a week. if its not.... fox is right

Luke284 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:09

the lady on the phone said that the tax isnt valid until the 1st, but im not sure if she really knows. I think she just works behind the till (its a petrol station too)

BIGWEB · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:12

the dealer is a petrol station too? how strange.

blueboy2001 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:24

The worst that can happen is you'll get a £60 fine for no tax, but thats very unlikely indeed unless you drive past a DVLA van.

You probably can't tax it yourself because you won't have a registration document, and even if you could you would lose a months tax because it's the end of March and another month cashing the other disc in because you can only claim the remaining full months.

Personally, I'd just drive it.

BIGWEB · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:26

blueboy2001 said:
Personally, I'd just drive it.

The man speaks sense

Luke284 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:27

but doesn't no tax invalidate your insurance?

blueboy2001 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:28

No, not on any policy I've had anyway. It just states the vehicle must be in a roadworthy condition.

Tesla · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:28

Luke284 said:
but doesn't no tax invalidate your insurance?

no. You always have at least third party, regardless.

BIGWEB · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:30

Luke284 said:
but doesn't no tax invalidate your insurance?

I would imagine that a grey area. I would take the risk but if you are unsure dont drive it. its gonna kill you knowing its sitting there all weekend though.

Luke284 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:36

yeah, i know. i wouldnt drive it all the way to London (we all know what traffic wardens are like there) but im tempted to bring it home.

thing is im 22 so if get i get caught they are more likely to through the book at me!