Dart Charge by vehicle class
National Highways uses six vehicle classes for the Dartford Crossing. The biggest jump is at 3.5 tonnes, where a regular van shifts from car-rate to a more expensive Class C rate.
| Class | What it covers | Pay-as-you-go | Pre-pay | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle (Class A) | All motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and quad bikes | Free | Free | - |
| Car (Class B) | Cars, motorhomes, minibuses with 9 or fewer seats | £3.50 | £2.80 | - |
| Van under 3.5t (Class B) | Light goods up to 3,500kg GVW (charged at the car rate) | £3.50 | £2.80 | Open |
| 2-axle goods over 3.5t (Class C) | Vans and small lorries over 3,500kg GVW, 2 axles | £4.20 | £3.60 | Open |
| Multi-axle HGV (Class D) | Articulated lorries, 3+ axles | £8.40 | £7.20 | Open |
| Disability tax exempt | Vehicles in the Disabled Tax Class (must register) | Free | Free | - |
Source: gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge/charges. Prices effective from 1 September 2025.
How vehicle class is determined
Dart Charge uses four vehicle classes (A to D), set by gov.uk and based on the type of vehicle, its revenue weight (gross vehicle weight) and the number of axles. The relevant figures live on your V5C log book under "Revenue weight" and "Number of axles". Cars, motorhomes and minibuses (≤9 seats) sit in Class B and pay £3.50 PAYG. Light vans up to 3.5 tonnes are charged at the same car rate. The line moves up at 3.5 tonnes (Class C, £4.20) and again at three axles (Class D, £8.40), both meaningful jumps in cost per crossing.
What about motorhomes and minibuses?
Motorhomes are explicitly Class B at gov.uk, the same rate as a car (£3.50). Minibuses with 9 or fewer seats are also Class B. Over 9 seats and a coach classification kicks in: 2-axle coaches pay Class C (£4.20), multi-axle coaches pay Class D (£8.40).
Towing a trailer or caravan
A car or van towing a trailer or caravan is charged at its own class. Adding a trailer does not bump a car out of Class B as long as the towing vehicle's GVW stays below 3.5 tonnes. If you're unsure, check the V5C of the towing vehicle.