Motorcycle road tax is vehicle excise duty (VED) paid on a motorbike, moped or similar two-wheeled vehicle used or kept on a public road in the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) collects it, and the rate for most machines depends on engine size and registration details rather than on the rider. The current rate table is on GOV.UK, so check it for the exact amount.
Part of Car Tax Checks. Start with the main guide: Is My Car Taxed? Check Tax Status Free
Updated October 2026 · Independent information, not legal advice
A motorbike can be taxed online in minutes, by direct debit or in a single payment, and you can check a bike's tax status for free using its registration. The sections that follow explain what drives the cost, how it compares with cars and vans, how to tax, renew, refund or SORN a bike, and what to check before you ride or buy.
What Is Motorcycle Road Tax?
Motorcycle road tax is the everyday name for the vehicle excise duty that applies to motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. A tax record is held by the DVLA against the registration, and no paper tax disc is displayed.
Who has to pay it?
The registered keeper pays when a bike is used or kept on a public road, even if it sits unused outside the house. A bike kept off the road can be declared SORN instead.
- The registered keeper named on the V5C
- Anyone keeping a taxed-or-SORN bike on a public road
- New keepers from the moment they buy
Does it cover insurance or the MOT?
No. Tax, insurance and the MOT are three separate requirements. A bike can be taxed yet uninsured or out of test.
How Much Is Motorcycle Tax?
How much is motorcycle tax depends on the engine capacity and the bike's registration details, and the figure is published by government on GOV.UK. This explanation does not quote amounts because they change.
How do I find the exact amount?
Look up the bike on the official tax service, which shows the rate for the vehicle record, or read the current rate table on GOV.UK. The road tax online route walks through paying.
Why not rely on an old figure?
Rates are reviewed regularly, so a figure from a forum or old article can be wrong.
Motorcycle Tax Rates: What Sets Them
Motorcycle tax rates are normally banded by engine size, measured in cubic centimetres. Small engines sit in the lowest bands, with larger bands for bigger engines.
- Engine capacity is the main factor
- Registration date can matter
- The tax period you choose affects what you pay in total
- Some vehicle types have their own class
- Exemptions exist for certain historic or disabled-keeper cases
Many riders search for bike tax rates by engine size; each tax band is listed in the GOV.UK table, and the DVLA sets and collects the duty, not HMRC.
Is it based on CO2 like cars?
Many cars are taxed by CO2 emissions, but motorcycles are generally taxed by engine size instead. Confirm the position for your bike on GOV.UK.
Motorbike Tax Cost: How To Read The Table
Motorbike tax cost is shown in a table on GOV.UK, usually with a rate for 12 months and for six months, and a way to pay by direct debit. Read across to your engine size band.
What the columns mean
The columns show the rate for different payment types. Paying monthly by direct debit may cost slightly more overall than paying once, so compare before choosing.
- Twelve-month rate
- Six-month rate
- Direct debit monthly rate
Check the engine size first
The engine capacity is recorded by the DVLA. The free number plate check shows it for most bikes.
Two bikes of the same model can be recorded differently, so confirm the capacity on the record before checking the rate.
How Much Is Motorbike Tax For A Small Bike?
How much is motorbike tax for a small machine is usually at the lower end of the scale, because lower engine capacity means a lower band. A learner-legal bike is often in the cheapest group.
Learner machines
Riders on a provisional licence often start on small engines. See the provisional driving licence rules for what a rider may use.
- Small engines usually mean lower bands
- Insurance for learners is a separate matter
- Check tax and MOT before buying a first bike
Mopeds and scooters
A moped or scooter is taxed by the same system, with its class and engine size deciding the band.
Bike Tax Price For Larger Machines
Bike tax price rises with engine size, and the largest bands apply to big-capacity machines. A sports bike or a large tourer will sit higher than a commuter.
Why the bands step up
The structure is deliberately simple: more engine capacity, higher band. There is no CO2 calculation to work out.
Check the registration
A bike with a changed engine may be recorded differently, so check the V5C.
Motorbike Tax Price: Payment Options
Motorbike tax price can be paid in different ways. Choose the one that suits your riding pattern.
- Pay for twelve months in one go.
- Pay for six months.
- Set up a direct debit.
- Tax the bike only for the season you ride.
Seasonal riders
Some riders tax for part of the year and SORN in winter. Read about how to SORN your car, which works for bikes too.
How Much Is Bike Road Tax Each Year?
How much is bike road tax over a year depends on the band and on whether you pay by instalments. The table on GOV.UK shows both totals so you can compare.
Comparing annual totals
Multiply the monthly payment and compare with the one-off amount. Avoid guessing; use the official table.
How Much Is Bike Tax Compared With Cars And Vans?
How much is bike tax relative to a car? Bikes are often cheaper, but not always, and a modern efficient car can cost less than a large bike. It depends on the vehicles.
| Vehicle | What mainly sets the rate | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Engine size | GOV.UK rate table |
| Car | CO2, registration date, fuel, list price | GOV.UK car tax rates |
| Van | Vehicle class and weight or emissions | GOV.UK van tax rates |
| Electric car | Policy at the time | GOV.UK |
| Classic | Age, may be exempt | GOV.UK historic rules |
Why compare at all?
If you are weighing a bike against a small car, tax is one item among insurance, fuel, parking and servicing.
Motorcycle Tax UK: Great Britain And Northern Ireland
Motorcycle tax UK applies across the country, and the DVLA handles vehicle registration and tax in Northern Ireland too. Testing in Northern Ireland is run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).
Check the local test rules
See MOT in Northern Ireland and the DVA explained.
Importing a bike
A bike brought in from abroad must be registered with the DVLA before it can be taxed. The registration date used can affect the band.
Motorcycle Tax Cost: What Else Affects The Total
Motorcycle tax cost is only part of the cost of riding. Insurance, an MOT, servicing, tyres and gear all add up.
- Insurance, which depends on rider and bike
- MOT test fee, set by the test centre
- Servicing and chain maintenance
- Tyres and brake pads
- Parking and storage
Premium tax
The tax that is added to insurance is a separate matter. See insurance premium tax in the UK.
Motorcycle Road Tax Cost And The MOT
Motorcycle road tax cost is separate from the MOT, but the DVLA checks the MOT when you tax a bike that needs one. A bike without a valid test will usually not be taxed.
When a bike needs an MOT
Motorcycles generally need an MOT from the third anniversary of first registration. Check GOV.UK for the current rule.
MOT history
Read the full test record at MOT history before you buy.
Motorbike Road Tax Cost: Checking Before You Buy
Motorbike road tax cost is tied to the bike, so do the checks before you pay. A bike that is untaxed when sold has no tax to hand over, and a buyer must tax it.
- Ask to see the V5C
- Check the tax status online
- Check MOT history for advisories
- Review the odometer readings recorded at each test
- Confirm the engine size on the record
Run a history check for hidden problems
The free lookup does not show finance or write-off data. See motorbike HPI check for what a commercial check covers.
How Much Is Motorbike Road Tax If I Buy Mid-Year?
How much is motorbike road tax when you buy mid-year depends on the tax period you choose when you tax in your name. You cannot use the seller's tax, because it is cancelled on sale.
Tax does not transfer
Read does road tax transfer to a new owner for the details. The buyer must tax before riding.
What if the seller wants a refund?
The DVLA normally refunds full unused months to the seller. See car tax refund.
Motorcycle Road Tax Prices And Where To Check Them
Motorcycle road tax prices change over time, so use official sources only. GOV.UK rate tables and the DVLA tax service show the current rate for a bike.
Avoid unofficial sites
Some third-party sites charge for a service the DVLA offers directly. Always check the web address.
How To Check Road Tax By Reg
You can check road tax by reg for free. Enter the registration into the vehicle tax status check or the free number plate check to see whether the bike is taxed and when tax is due.
What the result shows
The result usually shows taxed, untaxed or SORN, and the due date. It does not show the amount paid.
- Taxed or untaxed or SORN
- Tax due date
- MOT status and expiry
If it says untaxed
Do not ride the bike on a public road until it is taxed or declared SORN, and tax is in place.
Road Tax Check By Reg: Reading The Answer
A road tax check by reg can show three common results.
- Taxed: the bike has a current tax record
- Untaxed: no current tax record; do not ride it
- SORN: declared off the road
A recent sale
If a bike has just been sold, the record may still show the previous keeper's status for a short time. Allow for delays and check again.
Road Tax Price Check Reg: What You Can And Cannot See
A road tax price check reg will not tell you what the previous keeper paid. The lookup shows status and due date, not payment details. For the rate, use the GOV.UK table.
Why price is not shown
Payment amounts are not part of the public vehicle record.
Check MOT And Road Tax History Together
You can check MOT and road tax history in one go. The MOT record shows test results, advisories and odometer readings, while the tax record shows the current status.
Why both matter
A bike with no tax and no MOT may have been off the road for a long time. Ask the seller why.
- A long gap in MOT history
- Tax that lapsed for months
- Odometer readings that drop
Using the full history
See the MOT check route for the test record.
How To Tax A Motorbike Online
Taxing a motorbike online is quick when you have the details to hand.
- Find your registration and V5C reference number.
- Open the official GOV.UK vehicle tax service.
- Confirm the vehicle details on screen.
- Choose a payment period and method.
- Pay and keep the confirmation.
Without a V5C
You may be able to tax using other details if the V5C is not to hand. See tax a car without a V5C, which uses the same principle.
How To Renew Motorcycle Tax
Renewing is similar to first-time taxing. The DVLA usually sends a reminder to the keeper address.
Using reminders
See car tax reminders for how they work. If you have moved, change your address for car tax.
- A letter or email to the keeper
- A prompt in the online service
- A final reminder before the tax runs out
Direct debit renewals
A direct debit can renew automatically. Check the change direct debit steps if you need to alter it.
Can You Tax A Motorbike Without Insurance Or An MOT?
You normally need a valid MOT if the bike requires one, and the DVLA works with the Motor Insurance Database to check cover. See tax a car without an MOT and tax a car without insurance, which set out the general rules.
Continuous Insurance Enforcement
Continuous Insurance Enforcement means an uninsured bike that is not SORN can lead to a penalty, even if it is never ridden.
SORN For Motorbikes
A bike you will not use on a public road can be declared SORN. This stops the need to tax it, and it must then be kept off the road.
Winter storage
Many riders SORN a bike over winter. Insurance is not legally required while off the road, but some choose fire and theft cover. See SORN and insurance.
- Declare SORN before the tax runs out
- Keep the bike on private land
- Tax it again before the first spring ride
Check a SORN bike
Use check if a vehicle is SORN before you buy.
Motorcycle Tax Refunds
If you sell, scrap or SORN a bike, the DVLA normally refunds full unused months of tax. The refund is usually sent automatically once the record is updated.
If no refund arrives
Check that the sale was recorded and the address is right. See car tax refund.
What Happens If You Ride Untaxed?
Riding without tax can lead to a fine, a penalty and in some cases clamping or removal. The detail is in fine for driving without tax. Do not ride an untaxed bike on the road.
Reporting an untaxed bike
Anyone can report an untaxed vehicle. See report an untaxed vehicle.
The DVLA reviews reports, but a report does not guarantee action. Use the official route and give accurate details.
Motorbike Number Plates And Tax
A bike needs only a rear plate in most cases, and the registration must be legible. See motorbike number plates.
Plate rules
The plate must meet the standard for size and font. Altered plates can lead to prosecution.
- Rear plate in most cases
- Legal typeface and spacing
- Supplied by a registered number plate supplier
Motorcycle VIN And Frame Numbers
Bikes carry a frame number, usually called a VIN. It is not shown by the free lookup, but it appears on the V5C. See motorcycle VIN check.
Why it matters
A matching frame number on the bike and the V5C helps confirm the machine is as described.
- Frame number on the headstock
- Frame number on the V5C
- Matching details on the bike
Electric Motorbikes And Tax
An electric motorbike is an electric vehicle whose tax treatment depends on policy at the time. Check GOV.UK for the current position.
Plates for electric bikes
A green flash may be permitted on plates for zero-emission vehicles. Check the current rule.
Classic And Historic Motorcycles
A classic bike that meets the historic rule can be taxed at a nil rate. You still have to claim and keep it taxed. See tax for classic cars, which explains the same rules.
MOT for older bikes
Some older bikes are exempt from the MOT. Check GOV.UK.
Where a bike is exempt, you may still choose a voluntary test. The result goes on the MOT history.
Ford Ranger Road Tax Cost And How Pickups Differ
Ford Ranger tax cost is not like bike tax. A pickup can be taxed as a commercial vehicle or as a car, depending on its type and approval. The class on the record decides.
Ford Ranger road tax calculator
There is no single answer for Ford Ranger road tax or a Ford Ranger road tax price, and the same goes for road tax for Ford Ranger models in general, because the class and registration date matter. Use the GOV.UK tax calculator and the free lookup to see what is recorded. See commercial vehicle tax and Nissan Navara road tax.
How Much Is Van Road Tax?
How much is van road tax depends on the van's class, weight and sometimes emissions. Light vans, car-derived vans and larger commercial vehicles are treated differently. Check the van's record.
Why the V5C matters
The V5C shows the body type and tax class used.
- Body type
- Tax class
- Engine capacity
Nissan Qashqai Road Tax And Range Rover Tax
Nissan Qashqai road tax and tax for Range Rover models follow car rules, so registration date, CO2 and fuel matter, and an expensive car supplement may apply to higher-priced cars. See luxury vehicle tax for the idea. Check the exact car with the free lookup.
How much is road tax on a Nissan Qashqai?
How much is road tax on Nissan Qashqai models depends on the registration date, CO2 and fuel. Cars registered under the CO2-based system usually have a first year rate that differs from the standard rate paid afterwards, so look up the specific car on GOV.UK. A company car is a separate matter: HMRC assesses benefit in kind tax on it through the employer, which is unrelated to vehicle excise duty.
How much is road tax for a Range Rover?
How much is road tax for a Range Rover depends on the individual vehicle, so check its record.
Mercedes A Class road tax
Mercedes A Class road tax also depends on the registration date, CO2 emissions and fuel type. See the Ford Fiesta road tax and Fiat 500 road tax explanations for how that works for small cars.
Common Mistakes With Motorcycle Road Tax
- Assuming tax transfers with the bike
- Forgetting to renew after a long winter
- Riding with no MOT or insurance
- Relying on an old rate figure
- Missing a V5C change after buying
- Not declaring a SORN
Myth: off-road means exempt
A bike left outside is still on a public road. If it is not taxed or SORN, it can be penalised.
A Quick Motorcycle Tax Checklist
- Confirm engine size and registration on the V5C.
- Check the current rate table on GOV.UK.
- Tax before riding.
- Check MOT and insurance.
- SORN if not riding.
- Keep the confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is motorcycle road tax?
It depends on the engine size and registration details, and the rate is published on GOV.UK. Small engines sit in the lowest bands and larger engines pay more. Because amounts change, use the official rate table or the DVLA tax service to see the exact amount for a specific bike rather than relying on old figures.
How much is bike tax compared with a car?
Bikes are often cheaper, but it depends on the vehicles. Cars are taxed by CO2, registration date, fuel type and sometimes list price, while motorcycles are generally taxed by engine size. A large bike can cost more than a small efficient car, so compare using the GOV.UK tables.
How do I check road tax by reg?
Enter the registration into the free number plate check or the official GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service. It shows whether the bike is taxed, untaxed or SORN, and the due date. It does not show how much the keeper paid or who owns the bike.
Can I check MOT and road tax history together?
Yes. A registration lookup shows the MOT status, expiry and test history, along with the current tax status. This is helpful before buying a bike. It does not show insurance or finance, so use other checks for those.
Does motorcycle tax transfer when I buy a bike?
No. When a bike is sold, the DVLA cancels the seller's tax and the buyer must tax it before riding. The seller may receive a refund for full unused months. You will usually need details from the V5C to tax the bike online.
Can I tax a motorbike without an MOT?
If the bike needs an MOT, the DVLA will usually refuse to tax it without one. Some older bikes are exempt from the MOT, and you may be asked to confirm that. Check GOV.UK for the current rules and exemptions.
How much is motorbike road tax if I only ride in summer?
You can choose the tax period when you tax the bike, and you can declare it SORN when not riding. The total depends on the band and period chosen, so check the GOV.UK table. While a bike is SORN it must be kept off the road.
Do electric motorbikes pay road tax?
The treatment of electric vehicles has changed over time, so the answer depends on current policy. Check GOV.UK for the position that applies to the bike's registration date. Do not rely on older articles.
What happens if I ride an untaxed motorbike?
You could be fined, receive a penalty, or have the bike clamped or removed. The DVLA uses cameras and databases to spot untaxed vehicles. Tax the bike or declare it SORN, and do not ride it on a public road without tax.
Is Ford Ranger road tax the same as bike tax?
No. A Ford Ranger is taxed under car or commercial vehicle rules, depending on its class, so the cost is not related to engine size bands for motorcycles. Check the vehicle record and the GOV.UK tables for the class that applies.
How much is van road tax?
It depends on the van's class, weight and, for some, emissions and registration date. The V5C shows the tax class. Check the current GOV.UK rate table for vans, because amounts change.
How do I get a refund on motorcycle tax?
If you sell, scrap or SORN a bike, the DVLA normally refunds full unused months automatically once the record is updated. Make sure the sale or SORN is recorded and the address is correct. If nothing arrives, check GOV.UK for how to follow it up.
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.