Car tax changes launching in days will see drivers hit with £5,690 cost - full list of 59 vehicles at risk

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves,

Published: 29/03/2026

- 11:26

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Drivers are being warned of fresh car tax rates launching within days that could see motorists pay thousands of pounds when buying a new vehicle.

From April 1, 2026, drivers will face huge costs if they are planning on buying a new petrol or diesel vehicle for the first year of ownership.

First year car tax rates will be hiked in the new financial year for all cars, although the most polluting models will pay the most Vehicle Excise Duty in the first 12 months.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the changes to first year tax rates in the 2024 Autumn Budget to "strengthen incentives to purchase zero emission cars, by widening the differentials between zero emission, hybrid and internal combustion engine cars".

While zero emission vehicles will continue to pay just £10 in first year taxes, the most polluting petrol and diesel vehicles could be charged thousands of pounds.

Any vehicle that emits more than 151g of CO2 per kilometre will face a charge of £1,410 or £2,270 if it has a diesel engine, as the Government looks to crack down on heavily polluting cars.

The cars with the highest emissions bands, namely those which produce over 255g/km will face a charge of £5,690 from April 1, a hike of £200 compared to last year.

GB News has rounded up 59 of the most popular vehicles that will face the new first year taxes, which could see motorists fork out thousands of pounds.

Vehicle tax reminder letter and Chancellor Rachel Reeves standing outside Number 11

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' car tax changes will see some drivers slapped with a £5,690 cost hike

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GETTY/PA

Vehicles facing a £5,690 first year car tax charge from April 1, 2026

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In addition to the first year taxes, drivers will also face additional charges if their new petrol or diesel vehicles cost more than £40,000 through the Expensive Car Supplement.

This charge applies for five years after the first 12 months of the car being registered, at a cost of £440. The Chancellor changed rules in last year's Autumn Budget to hike the threshold to £50,000 for zero emission vehicles.

An inflation-based rise in the standard rate applying to all vehicles will also be rolled out on April 1, jumping from £195 a year to £200.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves with the Budget

Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a number of car tax changes in the Autumn Budget last year | PA

First year car tax rates from April 1, 2026

0g/km - Remains at £10

1-50g/km - Rising from £110 to £115

51-75g/km - Rising from £130 to £135

76-90g/km - Rising from £270 to £280

91-100g/km - Rising from £350 to £365

101-110g/km - Rising from £390 to £405

111-130g/km - Rising from £440 to £455

131-150g/km - Rising from £540 to £560

151-170g/km - Rising from £1,360 to £1,410

171-190g/km - Rising from £2,190 to £2,270

191-225g/km - Rising from £3,300 to £3,420

226-255g/km - Rising from £4,680 to £4,850

Over 255gkm - Rising from £5,490 to £5,690

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