What qualifies as a classic car in the UK?
If you’ve got a much-loved older car in your garage, you might be wondering: “When does a car become a classic? In the UK, HMRC considers cars older than 15 years to be classics, but insurance companies and classic car enthusiasts each have their own criteria. Classic: A classic car is generally defined as any vehicle 25 years or older, depending on the organization. These cars are usually recognized for their historical or cultural significance, rarity, and/or original condition.Older cars, especially classic British cars, have tended to drop in value, but some modern classics are still increasing in price as demand increases,” Mayhead says.If you’ve got a much-loved older car in your garage, you might be wondering: “When does a car become a classic? In the UK, HMRC considers cars older than 15 years to be classics, but insurance companies and classic car enthusiasts each have their own criteria.Conclusion. The resurgence of classic cars in 2025 demonstrates that retro style, heritage design, and automotive history continue to hold a powerful grip on enthusiasts. Whether it’s about nostalgia, investment, or sheer love of craftsmanship, classics are making a significant comeback.
What cars will be exempt from ULEZ in 2025?
So, generally, diesels registered after September 2015 and petrols registered after 2005 are exempt. All hybrids and electric cars avoid the daily fee, too. If you’re looking to save money on a ULEZ-compliant car, check out the best new and used car deals we’ve found online. Cars that are free to drive in the ULEZ must be Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) compliant. That means low emission and zero-emission vehicles such as electric cars will not be charged.Although classic and historic vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from ULEZ, there are many newer than that which are now subject to the ULEZ charge.However, when it comes to other classic and historic cars, ULEZ charges will only be removed if they have a ‘historic’ tax class status registered with the DVLA. To successfully have your car’s tax class changed to ‘historic’ and get it qualified as an ULEZ-exempt car, it has to be at least 40 years old.Cars that are free to drive in the ULEZ must be Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) compliant. That means low emission and zero-emission vehicles such as electric cars will not be charged. Hybrid cars aren’t automatically exempt, as some models made before 2015 may not be ULEZ compliant.
Do you pay tax on classic cars in the UK?
Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax If your vehicle was built before 1 January 1985, you can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2025. If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was registered before 8 January 1985, you do not need to pay vehicle tax from 1 April 2025. To qualify for historic vehicle tax exemption in the UK, cars must be at least 40 years old. If your car or van was built before 1 January 1984 or registered before 8 January 1984, you do not need to pay road tax as of this past April (1 April 2024).
Are vehicles over 25 years old tax exempt in the UK?
In the UK, vehicles over 40 years old are generally exempt from annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) testing and road tax, provided they have not been substantially changed. If you do need to check an MOT for a vehicle, you can use our handy tool which provides all the information you need. Vehicles that do not need an MOT You do not need to get an MOT if: the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago.
Are cars over 40 years old exempt from ULEZ?
All vehicles with historic tax class are exempt from the ULEZ. This tax class applies if a vehicle was built more than 40 years ago, with the date moving forward on a 40-year rolling system. Are classic cars and vehicles exempt from Congestion Charges? Unfortunately, you cannot get exemptions or discounts from the Congestion Charge for classic or military vehicles like you can with the LEZ/ULEZ.With ULEZ covering every London borough, even a short trip could cost you the daily charge if you’re driving a non‑compliant car. And if you’re planning to sell, it might be worth doing sooner rather than later. As more non‑compliant cars hit the market every day, demand – and as a result, value – naturally decreases.