Car tax exemption comes into effect: the requirements and what to watch out for

How can I find out if my car is eligible for road tax exemption?

The best thing to do is to check your vehicle registration certificate or single vehicle document and look for the figure given under letter P2.

I own several cars with an engine power of less than 80 kW. Can I avoid paying road tax on all of them?

No, the exemption applies to only one car – the one with the lower engine power. If the engine power is the same, the exemption will apply to the car with the lower road tax.

What happens to motorbikes and mopeds?

Motorcycles and mopeds are expressly included within the scope of the exemption.

I own a moped and a motorbike. Are they both exempt?

If you own more than one moped or motorbike, or if you own a moped and a motorbike, the exemption will apply to only one vehicle, namely the one with the lowest power output. If the power ratings are the same, the exemption will apply to the vehicle with the lower road tax.

 I’m on direct debit. What should I do? 

You need to be careful with direct debits, which in some regions can even save you money. Before cancelling the direct debit authorisation, it is advisable to check that the decree has been enacted into law (this must take place within 60 days, otherwise it lapses).

What if I don’t revoke the mandate? 

In fact, the relevant regional authority should not require payment, as the vehicle’s power output is documented. In any case, the result of any check can only be positive.

Does the exemption also apply to businesses? 

No, the text of the decree-law, approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday 16 September, expressly reserves the exemption for natural persons only.

 My car has a power output of exactly 80 kW. Does it qualify for the exemption?

Yes, as the decree refers to power ratings of up to 80 kW, thereby including 80 kW within the scope of the exemption.

Will the road tax for cars with an engine power of up to 80 kW, as well as for motorbikes and mopeds, be abolished for good?

No. The measure applies exclusively to the year 2027. Should there be a legislative intention to permanently abolish road tax for a certain category of vehicles, it would be necessary to adopt a specific piece of legislation, possibly even during the conversion of the decree-law in question.

Is the road tax exemption for 2027 a certainty? 

Technically, not yet: as already mentioned, this is a decree-law that was tabled in Parliament yesterday and which must therefore be passed into law within 60 days. We will therefore need to keep an eye on the (expected) outcome of the parliamentary process to confirm the road tax exemption for the year 2027.

Does the exemption also apply to diesel cars? 

Yes, the exemption applies to all vehicles powered by petrol or diesel, even when combined with another propulsion system.