**Understanding When Your Car Tax and MOT Run Out: A Guide for Vehicle Owners**
Keeping track of your car’s tax and MOT expiry dates is essential to ensure legal compliance, avoid fines, and maintain your vehicle’s safety and performance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand when your car tax and MOT are due to run out, and how to stay on top of these important deadlines.
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### When Does My Car Tax Run Out?
**Car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)** is typically valid for a specific period, often 6 or 12 months, depending on how you purchased or renewed it.
**How to find your car tax expiry date:**
– **Check your Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C):** The expiry date for your current tax period is listed on the document.
– **Look at your MOT reminder or receipt:** Sometimes, the tax expiry date is printed on these.
– **Visit the DVLA’s online service:** You can easily check your car’s tax status and expiry date by entering your vehicle registration number on the [DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service](https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/).
**Important:** You cannot legally drive your car without valid tax unless it is parked on your property and not used on public roads. The DVLA can impose fines if your vehicle is found to be untaxed.
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### When Does My MOT Run Out?
The **MOT (Ministry of Transport) test** is a mandatory annual safety check for vehicles over three years old.
**How to determine your MOT expiry date:**
– **Check your MOT certificate:** The expiry date is clearly printed on the certificate.
– **Use the DVLA online service:** Enter your registration number at [Vehicle Enquiry Service](https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/) to view current MOT status and expiry date.
– **Review your email or postal reminder:** If you’ve registered for MOT reminders, you’ll receive notifications ahead of the expiry.
**Important:** The MOT test must be renewed before the current certificate expires. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT can result in fines, points on your license, and invalid insurance coverage.
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### Tips to Stay Ahead of Deadlines
– **Set calendar reminders:** Mark your vehicle’s tax and MOT expiry dates on your digital or physical calendar.
– **Arrange renewals early:** You can renew your vehicle tax up to a month before it expires, and the MOT can be booked in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
– **Use online services:** The DVLA’s online portals make it quick and easy to check and renew your tax and MOT.
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### Final Thoughts
Regularly checking your car’s tax and MOT expiry dates is a simple yet vital part of vehicle ownership. Staying aware of these deadlines helps you avoid fines, keep your vehicle roadworthy, and ensure peace of mind on your journeys.
**Remember:** Always keep your documentation up to date and renew your tax and MOT in good time to avoid any legal issues. Safe driving!
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**Need more help?** Visit the DVLA website or contact your local garage for assistance with MOT bookings and tax renewals.