Changes to Tax Discs and Paper Licences
Throughout the last part of 2014, and from the start of 2015, there have been changes made to the tax disc and paper licence systems on cars across the UK. Brought about to make the process of tax and licence legislations simpler and more logical, the DVLA have eliminated paper elements of these driving necessities, saving both money and unnecessary hassle. Here, we have provided some more details about the changes, and how they might affect you.
Changes to Tax Discs
On 1st October 2014, the Government system for displaying tax discs in cars changed. Where it was once obligatory to display your vehicle’s tax disc on its windscreen, the new regulations will simply allow the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to hold a digital record of whether or not you have paid your vehicle tax.
As well as this, the DVLA will issue reminders to vehicle owners about when they need to renew their vehicle tax when it is due to expire. It is important to remember, though, that despite no longer having to display a paper tax disc in your car’s windscreen, it is still essential that vehicle owners display their MOT discs in this fashion, as the regulations for MOT paper discs have not altered.
There will also be an option for vehicle owners to pay their tax by direct debit, making renewing your tax easier than ever before as customers no longer have to remember to organise renewals themselves, as the money simply goes out with every direct debit.
Changes to Paper Licences
From 1st January 2015, the DVLA will stop issuing the paper part of driving licences alongside the licence photocard. Once this regulation has come into effect, those who already have the paper counterpart may remove these from their vehicles and destroy them. Drivers with an old-fashioned paper licence from before 1998 will not be affected by this change, and can keep their original licences.
In future, when in need of an update to your name or address on your licence, or when you need to renew your existing licence, you will be solely issued with a photocard. This will not alter any penalty points, or the status or entitlements of your licence either.
The reasoning behind this move was to simplify the procedure of acquiring and renewing driving licences, getting rid of unnecessary bits of paperwork and subsequently saving taxpayers money; over £5 million each year, to be exact.
At The Insurance Store, we are the proud providers of tailored insurance packages for all our customers. Just like the DVLA’s recent changes to driving licence legislation, we are committed to making our customers’ vehicle ownership as simple and logical as possible. For more information on our services, contact our friendly team today.