Technological advances meant that little round disc was obsolete. For some time the police had been able to use their ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) systems to detect whether a car was being used on the road illegally. The tax disc was no longer required.
For many drivers it was the end of an era. For years, car owners had made an annual or six-monthly trek to the Post Office to buy a tax disc. Then, with the advent of the internet, hey presto, they could apply for the disc online.
And while the disc was no longer required, make no mistake, you still have to pay to keep your car on the road.
Changing times for car tax
Applying and paying online meant that all the details of your payment and the vehicle were held on the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) database.
At the same time vehicle tax became non-transferable - meaning that when a car is sold, the road tax can no longer be used by the new owner. Details of all the changes are available on the DVLA website.
Essentially, technology took over and replaced a piece of paper.
Technology and car insurance
Other technological advances have affected drivers, for instance Number Plate Recognition systems mean the police can tell instantly whether a car is taxed and insured. Even if it's taxed, it is an offence to keep a car on the road without insurance unless you have completed a SORN (statutory off-road notice). Technology has made it harder for irresponsible drivers to dodge the law.
Yet, for many years, there were virtually no technological advancements in the world of car insurance.
Now, telematics car insurance has come to the fore. Telematics helps to make claims simpler and more cost effective, and helps keep the price of car insurance down, plus Drive Wiser uses in-car smart technology to help drivers stay safe and legal on the road.
Learn more about how Telematics can help you stay safe and legal on the road by clicking here.
Telematics for the future
Drive Wiser's brand of telematics insurance is a simple, effective and technology-driven way to get a great deal on your car insurance.
To find out more about telematics and how Drive Wiser works, please click through our website. If you're ready to let telematics technology get you on the road to a great deal, why not get a quote now.