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Drivers have been warned they "must" complete one task or risk a hefty fine. Failing to pay your car tax can result in a £1,000 charge - even if your vehicle is exempt from the fee. Also known as vehicle tax or road tax, this charge is a tax on driving a vehicle on public roads throughout the UK. The funds go into the Government coffers, earmarked for upgrading projects such as repairing and maintaining our roads.

Nevertheless, a selection of vehicles are given an "exempt" status from this vehicle tax. Simply put, these vehicles don't incur the vehicle tax fee.

But here's the catch - exempt doesn't mean you can skip the paperwork. You must still tax your motor even though you're spared from payment.

In a post made to social media site X (formerly known as Twitter), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) warned: "You must tax your vehicle, even if you don't have to pay anything."

You can tax your vehicle online here or over the phone on 0300 123 4321. To tax your car, motorcycle or other vehicle you will need to have a reference number from:

• A recent vehicle tax reminder or 'last chance' warning letter from DVLA
• Your vehicle log book (V5C) - it must be in your name
• The green 'new keeper' slip from a log book if you've just bought it

If you do not have any of these documents, you'll need to apply for a new log book. You can tax your vehicle at the same time. You can pay by debit or credit card, or Direct Debit.

On the DVLA website it adds: "You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay anything, for example if you're exempt because you're disabled." If your tax is not paid you will be sent an an out of court settlement (OCS) letter.

This is set at £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax. However, if the OCS is not paid, as a criminal offence the case may be pursued through the magistrates' court.

The penalty is either £1,000 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater. The vehicle may also be clamped and additional fees may apply.

There is no payment necessary if you are the owner of any one of the following.

Vehicles used by a disabled person

If your car is utilised by someone with a disability, you'll want to claim the disability exemption during vehicle tax time. Evidence of eligibility for the disability exemption will be required, of course.

The DVLA has clarified: "You can remove an exemption from a vehicle if it's no longer being used by a disabled person. You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you'll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax."

Disabled passenger vehicles

Vehicles operated by organisations that provide transport services for disabled individuals are also tax-exempt, although this does not extend to ambulances.

Historic vehicles

For historic vehicles, any motor made before January 1, 1985, is not subject to vehicle tax. Owners can verify their vehicle's eligibility via the gov.uk/historic-vehicles portal.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are likewise exempt from vehicle tax under certain conditions:

• They must not exceed 8mph on roads
• They should be equipped with a mechanism restricting speed to 4mph on footpaths

Mowing machines

Regarding mowing machines, the DVLA specifies: "You do not have to pay vehicle tax on a mower that's designed and used for cutting grass only. This does not include tractors used to tow gang mowers."

Steam vehicles

Steam-powered vehicles are entirely exempt from vehicle tax.

Agricultural, horticultural, and forestry vehicles

This category includes:

• Tractors
• Agricultural engines
• Light agricultural vehicles utilised off-road
• 'Limited use' vehicles engaged in brief trips (not exceeding 1.5km) on public roads between parcels of land managed by the same individual

Electric heavy goods vehicles

Additionally, electric heavy goods vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax. Electric heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg are not subject to the tax.

Prior to a rule change on April 1 this year, electric cars, vans, motorcycles and tricycles were also exempt from road tax. Hybrid electric vehicles are now also liable for tax.

For further details and to verify your exemption status, visit gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-vehicle-tax.

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