The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) have issued a warning to those with a car this winter as the cost of living soars.
Petrol prices are just one of many things on the rise with shopping and energy bills also seeing a sharp increase.
However now drivers are being warned that there are some things they will need to do in order to avoid a heft fine.
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The warning, as reported by Birmingham Live, has been issued to motorists who are thinking of taking their car off the roads over the next few months with them being reminded about the SORN. This short four letter abbreviation stands for 'Statutory Off Road Notification'.
It comes as the rise in petrol prices is forcing many people to take public transport and leave their cars at home in a bid to save money due to the cost of living crisis or a change of circumstances, according to experts from LeaseCar.
Because of this, motorists are being urged to make sure they inform the DVLA if their car is off the road and untaxed.
However whilst many will be doing this, some 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.
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 that their SORN has been successfully processed when they receive a letter from the DVLA within four weeks. The need to notify the DVLA is necessary should you wish to avoid penalties such as a heft fine which can incur if a camera or the police spots the car on the road when it is not covered with road tax.
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 by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) and not the DVLA. At this point, a £100 fixed penalty notice would be issued. Drivers will receive a late licensing penalty letter automatically if they fail to re-license or notify that the vehicle is being kept off road. The penalty is set at £80 however reduces to £40 if paid within 28 days reflects the severity of contravening statutory obligations.
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