FROM today company car drivers – along with all other motorists – will not have to display a paper tax disc on vehicles for the first time in 93 years.

And the registered keepers of millions of cars, vans and trucks in the vehicle rental and leasing sector could be among the biggest winners in the move.

The removal of the paper tax disc will save £7M a year in administration costs alone, according to DVLA figures.

If you’re a small business with questions about the road tax changes, here are the top ten things you need to know about the change for all SME small fleet operators and business car managers:

1. Business car managers can still reassure their drivers that VED has been paid. Drivers can check the vehicle tax status of any vehicle online at www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk, using the make of vehicle and registration.

2. Just because the disc is disappearing does not mean the fees have. Managers of an SME small fleet must ensure payment has been made on time via telephone, online or in the post office.

3. Registered keepers will still receive a renewal reminder from the DVLA when the tax is about to run out.

4. Vehicle tax will no longer be transferable and small fleet operators and business car managers do not lose any tax fees paid when selling the vehicle. By the same token it will be the responsibility of the buyer to tax the vehicle before using it on the road, whether it is new or used.

5. There is no grace period in which to tax your vehicle and small fleet operators must tax a vehicle as soon as it expires.