DVLA issues fresh car tax warning with millions of drivers under threat
Drivers could be caught out by a simple DVLA rule with millions at risk of breaking a common car tax regulation.
The DVLA has issued a fresh car tax warning with millions of road users at risk of being caught out by a potentially overlooked rule this summer.
Each year around 3.4million vehicles are declared as “off the road” with owners applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), according to previous DVLA analysis.
This tells officials that the vehicle in question is not being used and motorists are therefore exempt from paying car tax fees and insurance.
Motorists who declare their car ‘Off Road’ will also be issued a refund of any remaining vehicle tax but are completely banned from using their vehicles.
However, rules state motorists can only get behind the wheel of a SORN vehicle to travel to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.
SORNs can be put in place indefinitely or for just a few months giving road users complete flexibility.
However, motorists who may wish to use their cars again cannot simply put on their seatbelt and start the ignition.
The DVLA posted on social media platform X: “Has your vehicle been declared off-road (SORN) for a while?
“Don’t forget, if you want to use it on the road again, tax it before you do.”
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Motorists who use their car with a SORN in place risk being slapped with hefty penalties which can include sizeable fines.
According to breakdown experts and car insurance specialists at the RAC, driving a car with a SORN in place is “a more serious offence” than purely driving without tax,
They commented: "Driving an untaxed vehicle on a public road with a SORN in force will result in an out-of-court letter and a £30 fine plus twice the value of the outstanding vehicle tax.
“If unpaid, the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court where the maximum penalty is £2,500.”
The DVLA said there was a common myth that it was really difficult to ‘unSORN’ a vehicle.
However, they stressed it was not complicated at all with motorists able to renew tax online, over the phone or at the Post Office.
The DVLA explained: “There is no such thing as ‘unSORNing’. When you want to start using your vehicle again simply tax it online in minutes and you’re good to go.”
