In this article we’ll look at what the HGV levy is, who has to pay it, how much it is, and whether non-UK drivers/transport companies are excluded.
What is the HGV levy?
The HGV levy was originally introduced in the HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 and came in to effect on 1st April 2014.
Designed to ensure that HGVs make a contribution for their use of the UKs road network, the levy ensures that the heaviest, most polluting vehicles paid a larger fee towards wear and tear of the UK road network.
The HGV levy was suspended in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in an effort to aid recovery in the haulage sector and was reintroduced in August 2023.
HGV levy consultation
Reforms to the HGV levy have been made following a consultation period held in 2022. These reforms mean that the levy is now based on environmental factors and air quality damage rather than purely road surface wear and tear, as agreed in government plans laid out in 2012.
Who has to pay the HGV road user levy?
The HGV levy must be paid by all non-UK registered HGVs weighing over 12,000kgs that are to be driven on the UKs A and M roads. It is charged for daily. HGVs that are registered in the UK already pay road tax and therefore do not need to pay this levy.
The levy is calculated according to the weight of the vehicle (including the weight of the trailer if you have a rigid vehicle that pulls a trailer, the vehicle’s Euro emissions class and the amount of time spent in the UK.
Less polluting HGVs will pay cheaper levies. It is calculated that the newest lorries on UK roads generate 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than older ones. Zero emission HGVs do not have to pay the HGV levy at the present time.
In recognition of this, vehicles that meet the latest Euro VI emissions standards will be eligible for a 10% reduction in the cost of the HGV levy. Conversely, Euro Class V and older lorries will have to pay up to 20% more than under the old scheme. So it pays to upgrade your fleet to meet the latest Euro standards. Get in touch today to see how we can help with this.
Exemptions for zero emission HGVs
You do not need to pay the HGV levy if your vehicle is zero emission.
You can choose to register your vehicle with the Department for Transport to help the system recognise that it is zero emission. This reduces the chance of you getting stopped for not paying.
HGV levy rates
Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2023, there are now just 6 categories of vehicle within the HGV levy.
The tables below outline the current HGV levy for Euro 6 and Euro 5 (and older) vehicles. Prices correct at 18th July 2025.
HGV levy – Euro 6 vehicles
| HGV levy band | Weight (kg) (*) | Daily rate | Weekly rate | Monthly rate | Yearly rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levy band A | 12,000 – 31,000 | £3.10 | £7.75 | £15.50 | £155 |
| Levy band B | 31,001 – 38,000 | £7.46 | £18.65 | £37.30 | £373 |
| Levy band C | 38,001 and over | £9.33 | £29.85 | £59.70 | £597 |
HGV levy – Euro 5 vehicles and older
| HGV levy band | Weight (kg) (*) | Daily rate | Weekly rate | Monthly rate | Yearly rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levy band A | 12,000 – 31,000 | £4.04 | £10.10 | £20.20 | £202 |
| Levy band B | 31,001 – 38,000 | £9.70 | £24.25 | £48.50 | £485 |
| Levy band C | 38,001 + over | £10.38 | £38.80 | £77.60 | £776 |
UK-registered HGVs – HGV levy
The DVLA collects HGV levy payments from drivers at the same time as Vehicle Excise Duty is paid. It is collected automatically so UK-registered vehicles do not need to pay a separate HGV levy.
I am from outside the UK.
How do I pay the HGV levy?
Non-UK HGVs must pay the levy before the vehicle arrives in the UK.
Operators can pay in advance for trips that will be made to the UK.
Advance payments can be made online on the HGV levy payment website.
The HGV levy payment service enables you to:
- see your payment history,
- register and manage vehicles,
- allow someone else to manage your account on your behalf.
How long is the Non-UK HGV levy?
Non-UK vehicles can pay the HGV levy on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly rate depending on how long the journey will last.
A day runs from 12:00 (midnight) to 11:59pm on that same day.
If you are an HGV operator and are looking to upgrade your fleet to minimise the HGV levy rates that you will need to pay, contact MHF (UK) Ltd to see if we have the right vehicle in stock to meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HGV levy?
The HGV levy is a charge applied to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using UK roads. It is designed to ensure these vehicles contribute to the cost of road maintenance.
Who has to pay the HGV levy?
The HGV levy must be paid by operators of heavy goods vehicles weighing 12 tonnes or more. This includes both UK-registered (paid at the same time as vehicle excise duty) and foreign-registered vehicles operating in the UK.
How do I pay the HGV levy?
You can pay the HGV levy online through the official UK government website here. Payment can be made before your journey and is required to drive legally on UK roads.
