New laws came into force on April 1 which will see some drivers face a huge jump in how much they pay to keep their car on the road.
Car tax - or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) - increased is in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation of 10.1% of April 1.
The only exception is electric cars and vans which will remain tax-exempt until 2025, so those who drive these vehicles won't see an increase.
Car tax is paid every year and is a legal requirement for all vehicles registered in the UK.
You need to pay tax when the vehicle is first registered and this covers the car for the next 12 months.
You then pay vehicle tax every six or 12 months after this at a different rate.
The first time you register your car, the rate you pay is based on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions.
The system can seem quite complicated but as an example, the car tax rate for a vehicle registered from March 2001 and before April 2017 that produces 121 to 130g/km of CO2 emissions would be £135 for the year.
For petrol and diesel vehicles registered after April 1 this year, that fall into the CO2 band of between 51 to 75, will need to pay £30 for the first payment.
This is up from the £25 drivers would've paid previously.
On the other end of the spectrum, the most polluting petrol and diesel vehicles registered after April 1 this year, which fall in the over 255 CO2 band, will need to pay £2,605.
This marks a rise of £240 from last year.
So if you are fancying getting yourself a first car which falls into this category, then you should be aware of the car tax you will need to pay before being able to drive.
For cars registered between March 2001 and April 2017, the highest bracket for the most polluting group of vehicles was band M.
Those who own petrol and diesel cars registered between March 2001 and April 2017 will see their payments increase to £695 per year- or £729.75 if paid in instalments across 12 months
During the last financial year, drivers of these vehicles paid £630 in tax for the year if paid in one lump sum or £661.50 through 12 monthly instalments.
Anyone who fails to tax their vehicle on time faces being hit with a fine, as well as voiding their insurance.
Drivers who are unsure of their own tax rate can visit GOV.UK to find out the technical details of their vehicle.
