We've just bought a car which has no tax. Do we have to wait until we have received the V5 doc ument before buying tax?

[MadamAnt]

Assuming we do, is there any leeway on fines if we drive without a tax disc prior to receiving the V5?

Does it affect your insurance if you don't have a tax disc?

You should have the new owner bit of the V5? Little strip with your details on?

You can use that to get the tax.

You have to present the V5 (well the new version whichever number it is) to get tax so I should think so.

Normally the person selling will buy the tax on your behalf before they send away the V5 (obviously adding the cost of the tax to the cost of the car).

In fact a car sales place (thinking dealership type here) won't let you drive away without tax - you have to send them a copy of your insurance so that they can tax on your behalf.

Ah - the little strip should do, should it? Good! Thanks

The little strip, along with a current MoT and insurance certificate will get you a tax disc. It doesn't invalidate your insurance to drive without a tax disc, but you may be fined if you're caught.

But they usually gives you a few days grace, anyway.

Brilliant - thanks

I've just looked to see if you could tax online but sadly, you can't (because you're not yet the registered keeper). Down to the Post Office on Tuesday then!

Contrary to popular belief you do not have a few days grace. If you drive a car without a current tax disc (and you can't prove you have applied for one) you are breaking the law and it will invalidate your insurance unless they are very understanding....if you have an accident of course .

Unless you're taking it to be MOT'd. Just go here.....

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_069671

Sorry, midlandsmum, but not having a current tax disc does not invalidate your insurance. Not having a current MoT does.

Most patrolling officers - of whatever description - will give a few days grace on not having a current tax disc, (particularly over a long holiday weekend like this one) but it's discretionary. It is an absolute offence not to display a current tax disc, but it's possible to check online if one has been appplied and paid for, and in that case most officers will grant leeway.

It is possible to appeal - years back I had a motorbike which was taxed, Mot'd, insured and correctly parked - but I got a ticket for not displaying the tax. I appealed on the grounds that I was displaying tax, but it was not in the correct position - for other bikers, that's on the left hand side and to the front of the rider. There was no place on my bike that suited, so the disc was to the rear of the rider. My appeal was accepted.