Cash strapped motorists have been warned to ensure they notify the DVLA if their car is off the road and untaxed. An increasing number of drivers are choosing to keep their car off the road amid the cost of living crisis and the high cost of fuel, according to experts from LeaseCar.uk.
But many are not aware of the legal requirements they face if they choose not to run their cars, the experts have warned. All drivers must inform the DVLA if they are planning to keep their car off the road and untaxed they will be issued with a SORN - Statutory Off Road Notification.
Making the notification is straightforward and can be done online via the DVLA’s website. Motorists only need to do a SORN once, and the notification will be automatically overturned if the vehicle is taxed again.
Drivers will know a SORN has been successfully processed when they receive a letter from the DVLA within four weeks. The government assumes all cars are on UK roads unless they are SORN and therefore require them to be taxed.
A SORN is necessary to avoid penalties which can incur if a camera or the police spots the car on the road when it is not covered with road tax. And once the car has had a SORN application, it cannot be driven on the roads, or there will be penalties.
The DVLA can cross reference the national insurance database with road tax expiration dates to find out which vehicles have cover. A warning letter with fines will be sent via post if motorists are caught out. It is £100 if your car is uninsured, and £40-£100 if your road tax has expired. Court action after this can raise fines to up to £1000.
A spokesman for LeaseCar.uk said: “Times are tough at the moment with the rising cost of living and a lot of people are making some difficult decisions. Some are choosing not to run their cars and are opting for public transport instead. But many don’t realise they could end up with a fine even if their car does not leave the drive.
“Unless they tell DVLA and obtain a SORN notification the authorities will see the vehicle as untaxed and therefore they could be fined. Receiving a penalty fine when you are actually trying to save cash would be a bitter pill to swallow so we want to make sure all motorists are fully informed of the legal requirements.”
A SORN is also necessary if you are breaking a car for parts. If you buy a car classed as SORN, you must make a new claim under the new owner’s name. A SORN claim can be made most easily through the DVLA’s website. The car’s make and model information and registration number will be needed. The 16-digit reference number from the V11 car tax renewal reminder and 11-digit number from the V5C logbook is also needed to complete the process.
Other ways to get a SORN are by filling in a V890 form from the post office and sending it off to the DVLA, or by calling 0300 123 4321.
