HMRC confirms drivers of certain vehicles will escape car tax rise in April

have confirmed many motorists will dodge a major set to come into effect this Spring.

for double cab pick-ups reallocated to a different driver when new rules are introduced in weeks.

In the Autumn Budget, chiefs confirmed that double cab pick-up trucks with a payload of at least one tonne

These vehicles will no longer be classified as vans for purposes from April 6, 2025.

This is likely to have a knock-on effect with employees and businesses likely to face higher tax bills after the cut-off date.

tax guidance initially seemed to suggest that reallocating a pick-up truck to another employee would change its status.

But officials have now stressed this is not the case with transitional arrangements remaining in place for vehicles reallocated to a new driver.

, said: “If an employer transfers a double cab pick-up to another employee between April 6, 2025, and April 5, 2029, they may continue treating it as a van for tax purposes, provided there is no disposal, and the lease has not ended.”

has already accepted that that purchase, lease or order a vehicle before April 6.

However, those buying brand-new double cabs after April will still be hit with hefty costs.

Under current rules, pick-ups have a fixed benefit-in-kind charge of £3,960. But, road users could pay thousands more when models are reclassified.

Previous analysis said Ford Ranger owners would pay up to £7,110 per year with models pushed into the 37% BiK bracket.

Andy Wood, spokesperson for TaxNatives, previously said “big changes” were coming for owners with individuals set to pay more.

He explained: “Costs could climb significantly for those who use these vehicles as part of their job perks.

“These pickups have long been a go-to choice for businesses and sole traders thanks to their tax benefits, but that advantage is about to disappear.

“If this affects you, it’s time to crunch the numbers and see if your vehicle still makes financial sense.”