Specialist Vehicle Exemption Information

Specialist Vehicles are defined by their tax class:

Tax Classes 4, 8 and 11 Specialist Vehicles

Tax Class 4 is for special types of vehicles which are goods vehicles or locomotives used for out of the ordinary operations.

Tax Class 8 is for Special Vehicles which are:

  • Mobile Cranes
  • Mobile Pumps
  • Digging Machines
  • Works Trucks
  • Road Rollers
  • Showman’s HGVs
  • Showman’s Haulage vehicles

Tax Class 11 is for Special Concessionary Vehicles which are:

  • Some Agricultural Machines
  • Mowing Machines
  • Electrically propelled vehicles
  • Gritters
  • Snowploughs
  • Steam Vehicles

The exemption is digital, you don't need to display anything in the vehicle.

This exemption will be valid for 12 months then you will need to renew it.

Tax Class 12 Emergency Vehicles

Tax Class 12 is for emergency vehicles which are:

  • Ambulances
  • Fire Engines
  • Fire Service vehicles
  • Mine Rescue vehicles
  • Lifeboat Haulage vehicles
  • Lighthouse Authority vehicles
  • Police vehicles

The exemption is digital, you don't need to display anything in the vehicle.

This exemption will be valid for 12 months then you will need to renew it.

Further information on tax classes from GOV.UK

You will need to apply for an exemption for each vehicle separately.

You will need to upload:

  • evidence of the vehicle tax class if it is not shown on your V5c
  • photograph or scan of the front and first inside page of the vehicle registration certificate (V5c) / vehicle logbook
  • If the vehicle is a lease or long-term hire vehicle, you’ll also need to upload a copy of the lease hire agreement to show you are the authorised user.