My car tax runs out on Tuesday. The new one is in the post. Can I still drive my car though?

There are actually two separate offences. One is not having the car taxed, the other is not displaying a current tax disc. You'd probably get a no-points fixed-penalty fine if the car is taxed but not showing a tax disc, but if you get caught without having tax on the car at all, then it's far more serious. Your car would be impounded, and possibly destroyed.

If you have paid for the tax, then it shouldn't show up on Plod's computer system, so the only way you'd get done is if a copper actually spots that there isn't a disc in the screen.

Yes you can drive the car as the computer at DVLA will have been updated for your vehicle. However, I believe it may still be illegal to drive without displaying a valid tax disc although it's unlikely you would be charged for the offence.

I know exactly where you are coming from, but to a cop in a bad mood who has heard it all before, he WILL prosecute you for NOT DISPLAYING A VALID TAX-DISC, which will lead to them seizing your car when they stop you, and proceedings against you. It will end up costing you way much more than a bus ride or a taxi for the couple of days until you are 100% legal, flame-proof legitimate.

Don't risk it, you are asking the law to be understanding. It so is not!

In the circumstances you relate, even if you were stopped and reported by the Police, the worst you will get is a warning. Clearly, you have paid your money (Which is all the DVLA/Government) are concerned about. However, if you got a fixed penalty ticket put on your car you may have a difficult job getting it cancelled.

In reality the chances of getting caught are remote to say the least.

The display issue is the only real one and contrary to what you have been told it is not only traffic wardens that can do you for failing to display a tax disc.

There are mobile static checks quite frequently these days checking against valid tax displayed but for the potential one day I would be reluctant to worry too much.

Common sense does usually prevail.

A bit of common sense comes into play. the police scan your number plate you are taxed. It is only a traffic warden can do you for not displaying a valid tax disc. If your new disc does not arrive on Tuesday morning park the car where there are no traffic wardens (it's only one day). Be safe take precautions!!

if you've taxed the car with the DVLA then yes you are ok to drive, just carry a copy of the e-mail to be on the safe side.

Should show on the DVLA database so you should be ok

Yes if you've got the confirmation e-mail from the DVLA you can drive. Keep a copy in the car just in case you are stopped

you can but if you get stopped its at the discretion of the police

keep your printed receipt with you

they can tell if its been bought or not by the police computer

if they want to be funny they can give you a ticket for failing to display a valid tax disc

the magic word here is display

even if you have the disc in the glove box you can get stopped for failing to display

No its an offence not to have a valid tax disc on display so if you drive without & are noticed you can expect to recieve a fine.